[Public-List] hauling an Alberg 30 (Permit or no permit?)

[Tom S.]

Michael,

Thanks much for your contribution. I did hear from Don C. off list. He 
too was helpful.

Even though I too have hauled quite a few boats I have never permitted 
my A30. I have not been challenged and wondered if anyone else had been. 
I have always carried the mast on top of the boat. We have to bring in a 
crane to drop the mast and that just always seemed easier to tie it on 
top. Also the Alberg overhangs the trailer by several feet. (not the 
keel but the tip of the stern) It is a very substantial trailer but only 
about 27 feet long.

-tom s

On 6/22/2011 9:58 AM, crufone at comcast.net wrote:
>
> Tom,
>
> Trailer and cargo width limits are a matter of State regulations, as are pulling doubles and triples. Each State is a bit different.
>
> I built a trailer for my Alberg 30 in 2002 and have since land sailed her many times in Ohio, Indiana and recently Michigan.  I have never been stopped by any law enforcement officer. Several official cars have passed me by without much of a look.
>
> I do exercise major caution. I never tow the Alberg over an average speed 45 mph, have a slow moving vehicle triangle affixed to the rear of the trailer, orange caution flags on the rear, an extra tail light affixed to the mast which is about four feet off the road level and protrudes some 8 feet beyond the trailer and approximately 4 feet beyond the boat at the aft end and put on my emergency flashers when my speed is below 40 mph.  I was dismayed when I noticed that Michigan had increased the minimum speed limit on Interstates to 55 mph.
>
> I really don't like to trailer faster than 45 mph. For all my trips I try to select divided highways which are not Interstates and two lane country roads. On two lane roads I keep an eye on the back up behind me and pull off to let them pass if there are more than 3 or 4 cars behind. The beauty of traveling just 45 mph is that it makes for easier passing for cars which are behind me.  This is a matter of professional courtesy to other drivers sharing the roadways.
>
> I really enjoy the fact that I can relocate my boat at will.  When sea sailing I rarely travel more than 9 mph so while land sailing 45 mph is really fast. The Alberg is precious to me so on land or at sea I endeavour to exercise the same degree of caution.
>
> I have spoken with professional haulers on sev eral occasions about permits for the Alberg and trailer. Most have suggested that if the tow vehicle is something other that an obvious commercial haulers tractor or truck the official guys will leave you be. I use a 2001 Ford 250 Diesel Super Duty with larger tyre s which essentially makes the truck a 350, air bag suspension, 15,000 lbs capacity tow bar reciever, load equializer and anti sway bar.  I am dead serious and very careful each and every time I transport the Alberg over land.
>
> Don Campbell a Canadian on this list perhaps has the most serious experience hauling his Alberg 30 over land.  I am sure he can add to my comments.
>
> Michael #133
>
>
>

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