500 mile boat trip - do's and don'ts.

[whiten]

Just booked a late October cabin rental and will be towing the 242 Lim S about 250 miles one way. Novice owner here, so want to make sure I'm doing everything possible to ensure a SAFE yet successful trip.

1. Tires, brakes, lights are all good and working.
2. I do NOT have a cover for the boat.
3. Will tie down Bimini.
4. Window - open or close?

Am I missing anything? It'll be about a 6 hour drive on backroad Texas highways...

 

[Ronnie]

I recommend you make sure there is grease in the wheel bearings/bearing buddies of the trailer. A bungee cord to back up the Bimini boot straps to the tower can’t hurt. I’d close the window but not the center door so air can get through there.

I’ve got a 2010 if I were to tow it that far without a cover id also take out the carpets (at least the small center ones) and fold up the copilots seat to keep the cushion behind it from bouncing out of position and out of the boat. The rest of the cushions are snug but if you have the bow filler cushions you can install them to wedge the side bow cushions in tighter. Why all the hassle? Some people have lost cushions ($200 + for the center rear / cockpit cushion they get more expensive as they get bigger) and carpet pieces (you can’t buy them by the piece only whole kits, $700 +), if you can find them.

I think you’ll be fine based just on the fact you are thinking, asking and doing something about it. Good luck and have fun!

 

[jsg73]

I second well greased bearings above all else. We have made many long fishing trips (12 hours one way) and having good bearings with proper grease is easy to do and very bothersome if ignored.

 

[4x15mph]

I would use a checklist to make sure you don't forget anything. Attached is an example that you could start with that I found on this site or other somewhere along the line.

 

[Cambo]

Air pressure monitoring system they sell sets on amazon that screw on the valve stem they show temperature and pressure completely wireless. Typical tire blow out is from low pressure over heat conditions . Infrared thermometer to check the bearing temp when stopping to refuel get a base reading when first setting out . I think mine were 95 and 115 (rear rotor)

 

[Jdaniels]

Just booked a late October cabin rental and will be towing the 242 Lim S about 250 miles one way. Novice owner here, so want to make sure I'm doing everything possible to ensure a SAFE yet successful trip.

1. Tires, brakes, lights are all good and working.
2. I do NOT have a cover for the boat.
3. Will tie down Bimini.
4. Window - open or close?

Am I missing anything? It'll be about a 6 hour drive on backroad Texas highways...

(1)Have a check list!!
(2) Secure your seat padding with Velcro or remove it completely.. Not gonna mention how I know this.. . Padding is very expensive to replace! (3)Spend the money when you can to purchase a quality cover from Outer Armor.
(4) Make sure to have a lug wrench that fits the trailer.

 

[Joshua Miller]

I take my bimini off for longer trips. If yours can come off and stow easily then I recommend doing so. It's one less thing to be stressed about. I lost an entire hub assembly last year on a long road trip due to bearing corrosion so I second all the comments about proper lube.

 

[B0at1n]

I actually thought about making this trip in October my self, was thinking the water would be to cold by end of October though.

I’m Frisco, so similar drive.

 

[whiten]

I actually thought about making this trip in October my self, was thinking the water would be to cold by end of October though.

I’m Frisco, so similar drive.

I'm sure the water will be too cold....but, in the water is not the plan (no shrivel here)-- cruising the lake with a my wife and and some wine seems like a great time! Hope you decide to make it out...

 

[Speedling]

Trailer needs to be 110% ready.
A cover that fits nice means you don't need to worry about your bimini, seats opening or falling out, things getting wet, bird droppings, debris from other drivers, or things being stolen when making a stop.
I made trip to Fort Lauderdale which is 1300 miles and then over to tampa after bimini trip then up to kentucky for a visit then home again.
Very much bring tools for changing a tire with proper lug sizes!
I have an impact and hydraulic jack in back of the truck for any trip. Cordless impact was a no brainer for me once i saw it in action thanks to @Bruce once when my wife had a tire blow getting the trailer to retrieve.
If you don't have a spare then don't do the trip.

 

[haknslash]

Have a spare tire or two. Wheel hub grease and gun. Hydraulic jack. Roadside safety kit (flares, reflectors, etc). 4-way lug nut bar, tools (sockets, wrenches, hammer, ratchet, screw drivers, etc etc etc). Basically assume the best but prepare for the worse.

As for the boat tow with the windshield closed cover or not. I'd remove cushions and loose items just for peace of mind towing that distance.'

Good luck and have a safe trip!

 

[gthh]

...a rabbits foot and a four leaf clover! You can't prepare for everything but keeping a reasonable speed (60-70 mph) and periodic stops to check your trailer will serve you well. ...and maybe instead of a rabbits foot-a AAA Premier membership with 200 mile towing would be better choice and easier to get these days?