GL: permits for hauling trailerable boats

[Ron Matuska]

As already stated here permits in most states are not required until you go
over 8'6" (102 inches) in beam or over 13'6" in height.  Avoid the
over-height boats at costs.

Permits are usually easy to obtain; most states have on-line system.  Some
do not, California for instance, and you must do it the old fashioned way by
fax to both request and receive.  Some western states make it very easy
where you can obtain all the permits from multiple states on the same page.
One state, Wyoming, requires you to call before entering the state, then
stopping at port of entry for inspection and to purchase your permit.  In
some areas of the county, where toll roads are run by semi-public
authorities, you must obtain an additional permit from them as well as from
the state.  Cost also varies greatly, and you must decide if you want a
single trip permit, or a yearly permit.

We have a 26' Nordic Tug which we tow on a semi-frequent basis. It is
over-width by 12 inches and we usually obtain necessary permits to avoid any
problems with state DOT enforcement.  A couple of other trailer-able boats
to consider as live-aboards are Ranger Tugs (25' LOA, 8'6" beam) or C-Dory,
neither of which need permits to tow.  I towed a Ranger up to Maine a few
weeks ago, thought it was a great little boat.  The more Trailering you do,
the smaller the boat you will probably want.

Please feel free to ask additional towing questions.



Ron Matuska
Morton, IL
Two Far Out NTK26-160