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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    29

    Default Pulling the boat a 1000 miles

    As I get ready to move to Minnesota from NC, one of my concerns is getting my LS there. Looks like I will have to pull it. Any suggestions on preparing the boat and the actual drive 1/2 way across the country. Should I be concerned about an stress from tower sway?

  2. #2
    Sled491 Guest

    Default

    I don't think you need to do anything special other than make sure your tires are good and the hub baths are full. If your worried about your tower then lower it, protect it, and strap it down good.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Pensacola, FL
    Posts
    1,585

    Default

    I have pulled boats from FL to CA and back, though those did not have a tower. I know that boats are shipped with the tower mounted backwards: I don't know why other than space. If you are worried, take the tower off.

    Strap your boat down! If you don't have transom ties, get some. Bumpy roads will cause you boat to bounce off the trailer (up and down). Check the tires, pressure, and axle lube. Make sure that you have a spare, a lug nut that will fit your trailer tire, and a jack that compresses well. You can consider using bungy cords to hold down seat cushions, as highway gusts of wind could cause them to dislodge.

    Drive no faster than the posted speed limit. 70 is really too fast to pull your boat for hours on end, but I did it. Make sure that your insurance has towing; either your tow vehicle or your boat insurance. It will take longer than expected to get there, more stops for gas as your mileage has gone done and probably a slower speed.
    1997 MasterCraft 205

    2008 Moomba Outback
    1999 MasterCraft Sportstar OB
    1992 MasterCraft 205
    1999 Malibu Response LX
    1987 Marlin Magnum Skier

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    south east michigan
    Posts
    308

    Default

    If you have the little wheel on the bottom of the boat that drives the speedo pit some tape over it.
    jy

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Chester, SC
    Posts
    169

    Default

    Pulled my moomba 800 miles. Axle broke midway there (single axle). That was a mess. Second pull, again 800 miles, was just driving along and there went the windshield. No other cars around, no trees, nothing. Was on I-20. So I dont like pulling long distances, and I will NEVER ever buy another 4k or 5k pound boat that has a single axle trailer. Why do they even make a single axle trailer for our boats?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    718

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gcnettl View Post
    Pulled my moomba 800 miles. Axle broke midway there (single axle). That was a mess. Second pull, again 800 miles, was just driving along and there went the windshield. No other cars around, no trees, nothing. Was on I-20. So I dont like pulling long distances, and I will NEVER ever buy another 4k or 5k pound boat that has a single axle trailer. Why do they even make a single axle trailer for our boats?
    Ouch! It never occurred to me before, but the LS and LSV how now grown to only 300 lbs shy of the XLV, which is only sold with a tandem axle trailer. I wouldn't think of towing my XLV with a single axle.
    2005 XLV, upgraded ballast, Comptech swivel wakeboard and hydrofoil racks, Monster cargo bimini

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Posts
    1,582

    Default

    Well to lessen the weight, make sure that all the gas is out of the tank.
    Tazz 07' Moomba LSV --Kicker Marine Amps (MX700.5 & MX350.4) 6 polk DB651 speakers, 4 MB Quartz Marine Speakers, 10" Boston Acoustic Sub, Z-5 Cargo Rack, Custom Speaker/Light Bar, modified ballast system, Custom LED Rings
    Live life to the extreme and no less!!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    29

    Default

    Maybe a silly thought... but is it worth getting the boat shrink wrapped, especially since it won't have the cover?????

  9. #9
    Sled491 Guest

    Default

    Not sure shrink wrappping will take the trip. Just relax, this is just 20 fifty mile trips to the lake and back

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    colorado
    Posts
    844

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Sled491 View Post
    Not sure shrink wrappping will take the trip. Just relax, this is just 20 fifty mile trips to the lake and back
    oh that is a nice thought and a new perspective.

    we pull the boat on long trips every year, 500+ each way, no worries about the tower. have not had any problems. my dad has always towed without transom straps on his IO of similar weight, but i would not do so without (also i believe many state laws require straps)
    19 Mondo
    08 LSV, forever loved

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