Hauling a Boat. Need Advice

[traderfjp]

Hi,
I was lucky enough to find a 19ft yamaha 195S but it's 600 miles from my house. I have a practically new GMC Canyon that could easily tow the boat. I've towed huge uhaul trailers loaded with heavy stuff when we moved to NC. Anyway, I've never towed a boat. I'm buying from a dealer who will lower the tower and secure it with factory transport brackets. They will also strap the boat to the trailer. This is an expensive boat and I want to make sure it doesn't get damaged. I'm worried that the boat might bounce on the roller? Not sure that is even possible just something to worry about. The dealership wanted 1800 to deliver it which I think is insane. I have quotes from 1k to 1200 which sound about right but while they all might have a few reviews and websites I really am taking a chance. It's not all about the costs. I also would have to wire money into the dealer's account and hope that everything is done right with the boat. I'm thinking I should just take the ride, hand the dealer a certified check, let him show me the boat and drive off with it. I'm thinking even getting gas will be an adventure towing the boat but I can be selective where I go and I did it with several large uhauls. Am I being stupid or should I hire a pro to haul the boat. Also, can I trust that the dealer will strap the new boat down for transport?

 

[HangOutdoors]

You are over thinking it, way too much.. Make sure they cover the boat with the factory white cover and use the factory brackets on the tower. Make sure you get that cover, you will need it sooner or later and it comes with the boat. Strapping the boat to the trailer beyond the transom eyes and the bow eye is not needed, nor would I do it. Your boat is made to be towed on the trailer. We tow 300-400 miles all the time without incident as well as most on this forum do here for 1000's of miles. When we tow long distance when I stop I check the straps on the boat and touch the wheel hubs to see if they are overly hot, which they never have been.

Go inspect your boat. Make sure this is nothing wrong with it and ask all the questions you can. If you don't like something let them know. Getting gas is not a problem, you will get the hang of it.

Make sure you have the proper ball and hitch height as well as the proper connector for the trailer.

By the time you get the boat home you will feel like an expert at towing. It doesn't take much to get the hang of it. You will be fine. Easier to tow a boat than a big ass uhaul.

 

[traderfjp]

You are over thinking it, way too much.. Make sure they cover the boat with the factory white cover and use the factory brackets on the tower. Make sure you get that cover, you will need it sooner or later and it comes with the boat. Strapping the boat to the trailer beyond the transom eyes and the bow eye is not needed, nor would I do it. Your boat is made to be towed on the trailer. We tow 300-400 miles all the time without incident as well as most on this forum do here for 1000's of miles. When we tow long distance when I stop I check the straps on the boat and touch the wheel hubs to see if they are overly hot, which they never have been.

Go inspect your boat. Make sure this is nothing wrong with it and ask all the questions you can. If you don't like something let them know. Getting gas is not a problem, you will get the hang of it.

Make sure you have the proper ball and hitch height as well as the proper connector for the trailer.

By the time you get the boat home you will feel like an expert at towing. It doesn't take much to get the hang of it. You will be fine. Easier to tow a boat than a big ass uhaul.

Yes. I'm over thinking it for sure. I appreciate the advice and encouragement. They are using the factory cover. The mooring cover you suggested is not in stock so not sure if I should let them order it and ship it or find it online. They were charging me 500.00 for the snap on. I like the idea of meeting them, going over the boat, handing the dealer the check and doing it myself so I know it's done right. Thanks again. You are a valued resource on this site.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Imho, order the cover through them and let them ship it out. Gives them a bit of business. Check their price vs online. Make sure it is the genuine Yamaha Premium cover. My dealer knocked 15% off anything I bought from them for the first year. I would see if they would give you a discount and save a few bucks. Until they have your check you may have a bit a leverage.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Also one more thing. I am not sure on the 2021 year models, but the factory bow rollers can mar the boat and most change them out as soon as they can to a Stoltz bow roller, of course proper size for your boat. If it were me, I would either get the roller shipped in and have them put it on for you which is trivial before you tow, or have them put some cloth or something between the bow roller and the front of your boat so it doesn't mar it up.

 

[ScottS]

Check the lugs (EDIT) hubs/bearings on the trailer prior to leaving to ensure they have the proper amount of grease in them. Do a full functions check on the trailer while you are at it. Good luck!

 

[Troy JK]

Yes you’re overthinking it. But, one thing I would definitely do before towing a trailer I’m unsure of, is checking the wheel bearings. At minimum, I would jack up the axle and spin the tire as fast as I can and listen. You can tell by the sound if it’s going to be a problem. You will hear almost nothing with fresh bearings. If it sounds even close to this. Don’t pull it until they’re changed.

 

[AZMark]

Boats tow easier than most trailers. A 195 isn’t a very heavy boat and you have a single axle trailer so maneuvering at gas stations or wherever will also be easy.

 

[AZMark]

Just to be completely sure...you are just towing this on a normal boat trailer right? Not a trailer on a trailer or boat on blocks or some crazy shit? Your first post reads like something funny might be going on.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I thought that too, but the one sentence mentioned "bounce on roller", so I assumed it was the boat trailer.

 

[traderfjp]

The bearings don't sound well at all. With a new trailer you would think they would be pristine but you never know. Thanks

 

[Ronnie]

If a visual inspection of the bearings and grease is not enough and you do Jack up the trailer, just check that the tires don’t wobble excessively on the axle. I’d carry a small grease gun in my tow vehicle (but only because I’ve had bad experiences when towing with little or no grease in bearings before). If the trailer is new and the bearing buddies are full of grease you should be fine for well over a thousand miles before you need to check the grease level again.

 

[dgfreeze]

I'll second the roller, a Stoltz roller is a great replacement that won't damage the boat. What year is it? If it's brand new, I wouldn't be worried, but if used, I'd be checking the bearings out a little bit. Also, purchase a bearing kit for a 3.5k axle. They are a #84 spindle. The kits come with an L68111 inner race, but my trailer requires an L68110 inner race. This race is less common, and a little harder to come by in a pinch. No idea what the trailer you're getting will need, but should be one of the two. Another option would be to just get a whole replacement wheel hub with bearings. Not a lot of extra money, and a whole lot easier to change out on the side of the road. Here again, mine is 5 lug, with a 4.5" bolt pattern. Yours would likely be the same, but I can't guarantee. Also, don't forget grease. In fact, I'd recommend hitting the hubs with grease before heading out whether it's a new or used trailer. Boats generally tow quite nicely, you should get comfortable fairly quickly, just watch your corners when turning. One more thing, as someone already mentioned, verify what plug the boat trailer has for the lights. I don't think those have brakes, so it'll likely be a flat 4 plug, but make sure, and make sure your vehicle has a functional plug/adapter to match. Does it come with a spare tire? If not, that is something I would absolutely, definitely get.

 

[PeterB]

I tow a 242 Ltd with a GMC Canyon diesel / so the 195s will be easy with either the gas or diesel truck. We have towed over 15,000 miles. If this is new, I would check grease at the bearings, but I would not be concerned beyond that. If it’s used I would check bearings as described in an earlier reply. These boats come with bias ply tires which don’t tow as well as radials- but I would not be concerned for a 600 mile run to get the boat. I do always carry a floor jack, grease and grease gun along with some paper towels, and check the hub temperature at every rest or fuel stop - not exact temp - just hold my hand on the hub - if I have to pull my hand away due to too much heat I investigate further / otherwise all is well and keep running.
I would go pick the boat up myself and check it over - these boats are great value but many of us have had a few issues at the initial handover- and most dealers are pretty good about taking care of things - but face to face always seems to work better in my experience. Enjoy the new boat!!

 

[Stang7tl]

def go inspect and tow. I bought my boat from TX b/c FL had none. I used USHIP and it was great on the tow side but I am dealing with issues with gel coat repairs I was not told about and they are denying. They seemed very straight forward and sent extra photos but seems they missed things I could right when it arrived.

 

[Lawman25]

Hi,
I was lucky enough to find a 19ft yamaha 195S but it's 600 miles from my house. I have a practically new GMC Canyon that could easily tow the boat. I've towed huge uhaul trailers loaded with heavy stuff when we moved to NC. Anyway, I've never towed a boat. I'm buying from a dealer who will lower the tower and secure it with factory transport brackets. They will also strap the boat to the trailer. This is an expensive boat and I want to make sure it doesn't get damaged. I'm worried that the boat might bounce on the roller? Not sure that is even possible just something to worry about. The dealership wanted 1800 to deliver it which I think is insane. I have quotes from 1k to 1200 which sound about right but while they all might have a few reviews and websites I really am taking a chance. It's not all about the costs. I also would have to wire money into the dealer's account and hope that everything is done right with the boat. I'm thinking I should just take the ride, hand the dealer a certified check, let him show me the boat and drive off with it. I'm thinking even getting gas will be an adventure towing the boat but I can be selective where I go and I did it with several large uhauls. Am I being stupid or should I hire a pro to haul the boat. Also, can I trust that the dealer will strap the new boat down for transport?

You're over-thinking this way too much, just saying, not trying to criticize. I understand this is your first time towing a boat, but, it's really just like towing anything else. It's going to be a little taller than a Uhaul trailer, but not anything you'll need to worry about bridge clearance wise and you're not going to be taking it through a drive-thru or anything. Just tow it as you would anything else, increase the distance between you and the car in front of you, wider turns......etc. The dealer will make sure it's on the trailer properly and that the winch strap and transom straps are properly tightened, so you don't need to worry about it bouncing. People trailer boats all the time and it's not an issue. 600 miles is a great trip to learn how your vehicle tows the boat and honestly, you'll have it down pat over the first 50 miles. As far as the gas pump, again, it's just like any other trailer. I would make your first gas stop at a gas station off the highway, they tend to be bigger and have more space. It would be a good first time to get a little experience pulling in. All that being said, go get your boat brother. It'll be a good trip, a good learning experience, and you'll have the dealer people there to show you around your boat and trailer. Congrats on your purchase and be sure to post some pictures once you get it.

 

[traderfjp]

I'll second the roller, a Stoltz roller is a great replacement that won't damage the boat. What year is it? If it's brand new, I wouldn't be worried, but if used, I'd be checking the bearings out a little bit. Also, purchase a bearing kit for a 3.5k axle. They are a #84 spindle. The kits come with an L68111 inner race, but my trailer requires an L68110 inner race. This race is less common, and a little harder to come by in a pinch. No idea what the trailer you're getting will need, but should be one of the two. Another option would be to just get a whole replacement wheel hub with bearings. Not a lot of extra money, and a whole lot easier to change out on the side of the road. Here again, mine is 5 lug, with a 4.5" bolt pattern. Yours would likely be the same, but I can't guarantee. Also, don't forget grease. In fact, I'd recommend hitting the hubs with grease before heading out whether it's a new or used trailer. Boats generally tow quite nicely, you should get comfortable fairly quickly, just watch your corners when turning. One more thing, as someone already mentioned, verify what plug the boat trailer has for the lights. I don't think those have brakes, so it'll likely be a flat 4 plug, but make sure, and make sure your vehicle has a functional plug/adapter to match. Does it come with a spare tire? If not, that is something I would absolutely, definitely get.

It's a new trailer and I asked the dealer to check bearings and grease but I will take my grease gun, a few rags and do my own inspection. I already asked about a spare. Waiting to hear back. My truck takes two different types of trailer plugs but I'll ask just o make sure. That is a great idea. I also will have them check the lights on trailer before picking the boat up. DOes the winch hold the boat down on to the rollers? Do you also suggest a towel between the rollers and the boat. When I get her home I can change out the roller, ad a bowshield, kneel guard, etc.

 

[HangOutdoors]

The boat will be on the bunks fine. I would put a towel or some other protector between the front roller and the boat. Some have decent luck with the stock front roller, others do not and it Mars up the boat.

 

[traderfjp]

The boat will be on the bunks fine. I would put a towel or some other protector between the front roller and the boat. Some have decent luck with the stock front roller, others do not and it Mars up the boat.

OK. I would just loosen the winch, push back boat a tad and then add the towel and then winch back the boat. Does this sound right.

 

[AZMark]

It's a new trailer and I asked the dealer to check bearings and grease but I will take my grease gun, a few rags and do my own inspection. I already asked about a spare. Waiting to hear back. My truck takes two different types of trailer plugs but I'll ask just o make sure. That is a great idea. I also will have them check the lights on trailer before picking the boat up. DOes the winch hold the boat down on to the rollers? Do you also suggest a towel between the rollers and the boat. When I get her home I can change out the roller, ad a bowshield, kneel guard, etc.

Dont overgrease either, it expands when hot & can damage your seals.
Honestly unless someone made a major assembly mistake on your new trailer you shouldn’t have to touch it at all until after the coming season.