trailering in states with over 8.5 wide

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rubyray

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Oct 4, 2006
RO Number
23774
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i plan to purchase a downsized boat we are looking at 270/280a/c and genni and trailer
i know calif permit requirements witha 9.2 beam
are these boats a mess permit wise to haul out of the state? also if i purchase one out of state,are the permits for each state a mess.
 
What is the beam on this 270/280? Many states "require" anything over 8'6" to have a permit. I would imagine it is quite a mess to deal with every state. We've trailered our 9'6" beam from MD to FL and back without permits and without issue. From what I hear, if you're not commercial (and don't have DOT numbers on the side), you're usually left alone. You're just an average "Joe" towing his toy. Not a professional driver making money at it.
 
Most of the Western states and a few others honor each others permits. California however isn't one of them. I purchase my permit for a 6 month period in the state of Washington, but I trailer to Idaho using the same permit. When I bought it, the website gives you a list of the states with reciprocity so you don't have to get one for every single state. Apparently we're a little more progressive out West or they figure the hassle of getting $10 or $20 bucks for every trip permit isn't worth the hassle. The previous owner of my boat was a Washington State Patrolman and even with the 11 foot width, he never bothered with a permit!

Washington:
Boating Law Administrator: 360-902-8525
Maximum Speed Limit: 60
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48'L x 8'6"W x 14'H
Maximum Length with Trailer: 60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y (If over 80" wide)
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 360-664-9494
 
Mine was towed from Punta Gorda Florida to upstate New York with no Permits and no issues.
10 wide
 
My 270 is 9' 2" I have trailered this boat for 8 years in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida with out permits or any legal trouble.
 
I think that what happens is that NOT being a Comercial Towing/Moving company you wouldn't have DOT Numbers etc. on the truck and therefore wouldn't be stopping at Scales etc. on the highways. I think the rest of it would simply be simply perception of the person behind or pulling alongside of you. If the Truck itself is obviously big enough it's really hard to tell if the boat is 8ft 6....or 9ft 2....or even in alot of cases 10ft wide. If you're a decent driver and keep it in the middle of the lane you're in I doubt any LEO is going to stop you to measure it.
 
Ping Harlan. He just bought a 290 on a tri-axle trailer. He could fill you in on a few things as he has trailered and started trips from points far from home.
 
Hook it up & go where you want, don't worry about it. There are bigger fish than you. They aren't going to worry about a little boat when there are jillions of trucks to screw with.
 
Originally posted by jtsmlarson

The previous owner of my boat was a Washington State Patrolman and even with the 11 foot width, he never bothered with a permit!

Nuff said!
Click to expand...
 
My son has a 10' wide 270, while towing it on a interstate without permits we had a flat tire on the trailer. Two state police cars stopped to make certain we were OK and wished us a good day on the water.
 
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