Trailering my Outrage 800miles, Suggestions?

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FXSTB posted 06-26-2003 04:09 PM ET (US)
Next week I will be trailering my 1982 18' Outrage from Texas to Pensacola FL for a much needed 2 week vacation. I have purchased a transom saver, repacked the wheel bearings, purchased a complete spare hub and assy. and straped the boat to the trailer. Is there anything I'm missing? Also, the boat will be in the water for the two week period. Any preparations, considerations, additions etc. for leaving the boat in the water for an extended period of time? Do I need to put a bilge pump in the back cockpit well or just leave the plug out the whole time?
specktrout posted 06-26-2003 04:16 PM ET (US)
If I were you , I would bring a good jack and tire iron- I recently had to change to my spare and I can tell you, using the cheap equipment that comes with your truck is a nightmare when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with one trailer wheel off the shoulder sinking into the sand. I would also consider bringing a small board to stand the jack on on uneven surfaces.-
FXSTB posted 06-26-2003 04:28 PM ET (US)
Specktrout; amazing that the first response to my ?'s was someone from the same little town that the ?er resides! Thanks for the hints, I'll do just that.
HAPPYJIM posted 06-26-2003 04:35 PM ET (US)
A GOOD spare tire.
All too often, we carry a spare that is the old tire that came off when we replaced a tire.
That's fine if it only needs to get you back home after a day of fishing.
On a long trip, the spare is almost as important as the tires on the trailer.
A flat tire at midnight, 25 miles form the next town, is no place for a marginal spare tire.
Sam's Club has a tool kit, made by Crescent, for around $50.
The tool kit is well equipped for almost any emergency on the road or water.
A can of Fix a Flat.
A can of disposable hand wipes is nice to clean greasy hands and arms too.
dreid posted 06-26-2003 04:44 PM ET (US)
Additional items from our road kit: greese gun and extra greese; 12-volt electric air pump; "X"-style lug-nut iron, the type with four different lug sizes (our trailer and tow vehicle have two different sized lug nuts); trailer registration certificate (cops love to ask for this one, if you get stopped).
Tom2697 posted 06-26-2003 05:48 PM ET (US)
I made almost the same trip about a year ago (S. Padre Island to Naples, FL). I brought everything that everyone has recommended here but I also brought two additional items. These were a mechanic's tool set (150+ piece Craftsman) and an electrical crimp toolset (with spare bulbs and wire). Both came in handy.
An additional prep tip: Take out everything that isn't bolted down in your boat or locked in. Things have a way of "blowing out" of your boat when you are parked at a truck stop (fire extinguisher, oar, life vests, etc. Even my suntan lotion "blew out out my boat"!!!).
With keeping th eboat in the water, you don't need to plug the transom holes but do plug the anchor locker and the sump well.
FXSTB posted 06-26-2003 06:15 PM ET (US)
If it rains really hard, won't plugging the sump well cause the boat to fill with water?
doobee posted 06-26-2003 09:51 PM ET (US)
I've heard that, if you keep a boat in Florida for more than 10 days, that they hit you up for their sales and use tax. Does anybody know this for a fact and is it something FXSTB should be aware of.
You probably don't need a bilge pump. Leave the sump plug out, and clean out the sump if it starts to get slimy.
andygere posted 06-27-2003 12:53 AM ET (US)
A good coat of wax on the hull will make it easier to clean after 2 weeks in the water.
elaelap posted 06-27-2003 01:34 AM ET (US)
FXSTB,
I just towed my 16/17 Katama from Windsor (north of Santa Rosa, 60 miles north of San Francisco) down to Santa Monica and back...450 miles each way. My rims and tires, including the spare, were fairly new, bearings packed about 1000 miles ago, and I stopped every hour or so to check everything. I brought along my grease gun and gave my Bearing Buddies a squirt every couple of hundred miles (and, of course, right after I got my boat out of the ocean down south). I kept my speed right at 65 mph, which was REAL tough...without exaggeration I've driven this route at least 150-200 times over the past 40 years (my parents and many of my friends live in southern Calif), and I usually boogie right along!
No problems, other than awful traffic on the way back. My one adventure was amusing...I was heading south near Livermore in the far right lane, and the passenger in a truck in the next lane waved and pointed back under the trailer. "Sh--!" I thought, and pulled off the freeway. I expected to see smoking bearings or a loose wheel...nothing. Got back on the road scratching my head, thinking that maybe the gesticulator had been an enthusiastic Whaler fan. But almost immediately another car passenger gestured and pointed back at the trailer. This time I pulled off on a quiet street, and really checked things out...and discovered a purple PFD with its strap tangled around one of the trailer's crossmembers. I remembered that twenty miles or so back I had been following a trailered ski boat when a wet suit top and a life vest had flown off that boat and directly under my truck and trailer. I had thought nothing of it at the time, but apparently the PFD had been waving back and forth under my trailer, attracting the attention of the helpful folks driving by. Anyway, you can imagine my relief, and I've still got the vest; it's in amazingly good shape (other than its godawful color).
Anyway, the trip was more than worthwhile...went fishing with my 85-year-old dad off Santa Monica, and got away from work and kids for a couple of days.
Best of luck on your voyage, FXSTB, and good Whaling...
Tony
spotsnspecks posted 06-27-2003 02:19 AM ET (US)
An "extra" extra spare rim and tire may save you some time for a little extra money. You probably have a single axle trailer so I would take 2 spares on a journey of that length. In fact, I will be going that way (from Louisiana to Destin) on Monday so honk if you pass me. I will be screaming down I-10 at a whopping 60 mph with 3 spares, a few cans of fixaflat, "X" tire iron, plug in electric pump, grease gun, heavy duty jack, spare trailer wiring, bulbs and crimper. I think the others have covered about everything else. Will you be going to the near offshore wrecks? I hear the grouper come in close about now and the ling run may be at the tail end. Have a great trip. Oh, by the way, I'll be towing a 1977 21' Revenge and hope to take her on her first blue water trip with me!
Have a great trip!
spotsnspecks posted 06-27-2003 03:25 AM ET (US)
Oh yeah, don't forget The Blue Angels (practice on the 10th and shows on the 11th and 12th)! The bay behind all the great restaurants and bars is a great place to park your Whaler and feel like a kid again as they "walk the dog" right over your head. Even better if you have a bushwacker in one or both hands!
First Thought posted 06-27-2003 11:08 AM ET (US)
A lot of good advice, all those things are really handy to have when towing. Watch out for all the construction zones between the Alabama line and Pensacola. The speed limits are different in each of them and fines are doubled for speeding in them,when workers are present. And unless it is at night or Sunday workers are usually present. The worst part of that is the the Florida Highway Patrol REALLY patrol that area, and they don't give breaks.
FXSTB posted 06-27-2003 12:01 PM ET (US)
Man! I'm glad I found this Forum.....good advice, and information from some obviously good folks. I ride harleys and race cars and visit forums for each of those activities, but the "atmosphere" doesn't even come close to the Whaler group. Thanks.
I am planning on fishing both offshore and inshore. My Grandfather was a fishing quide in Pensacola for 30 years and I use to work for him in the summers. It was a tough childhood, but someone had to live it. I prefer to fish for trout in the waters between Pickens and Alabama in the morning and to fish my 'secret' spot for kings, ling, shark,tarpon etc in the shallow sand flat just outside the east side of the jetties. I will be in the little sabine watching the Blues on the 11th or 12th. Look for the 18 outrage with TX #'s on it! Out.
Dr T posted 06-27-2003 12:21 PM ET (US)
On that sort of drive, I use a boat cover to keep the road grunge down and help with the blow-out-of-the-boat problem. But I also have to be careful with the straps because of the chafing problem.
Good luck.
tds
Florida15 posted 06-27-2003 02:59 PM ET (US)
In addition to everything else that has been mentioned, I think I would put mud flaps on my truck if you don't already have them. They will keep gravel from hitting your boat. I tow a utility trailer with a 4 wheeler on it during hunting season. The paint
on the trailer fenders is all chipped up due to gravel. I imagine it would do the same thing to a boat being towed a long distance.
You better get out to Sabine early for the Blues show.It
fills up fast.
Landlocked posted 06-27-2003 03:48 PM ET (US)
Only thing I would add is make sure you have all the tools you need to put on that spare hub if you have to...
We take the boat to Perdido twice a year - love it down there. If I live long enough I hope we can move there when we retire.
I highly recomend the Blue Angels show. We were there on the morning of the September 11 attack. We only got to see about 10 minutes of flying before they said they had "radio problems" and ushered everyone off of the base. I stopped by the gift stand and heard someone talking about a plane crashing into the World Trade Center - thought they were talking about a movie. The second one hit right after we got back in the car.
After the show, head east towards perdido a few miles. Just before you go over the bridge over Pensacola pass turn right on the access road that goes down under the bridge. You'll see a seafood market with a concession stand next to it. Best Grouper Po'boy in Fl.
Enjoy,
Ll.
FXSTB posted 06-28-2003 08:26 PM ET (US)
Landlocked,
I bet you are talking about the Oyster Bar restaurant. My parents house is about 1 mile towards Pensacola from there right on the water. Its the gray one next door to the 5 story house. I plan to frequent the Oyster Bar on a regular basis during the two week stay via my Whaler.
GuyNole posted 06-28-2003 08:58 PM ET (US)
Great stuff guys. Thanks! I am heading from Orlando to the Blue Ridge Mountians in 2 weeks and all this stuff will come in handy. Have made the trip to Vogel State Park for 7 summers in a row, but the last two with my new Montauk have made it even more enjoyable for me and my family. Again, thanks for the question that got us all this good advise to help keep us all safer and enjoy your trip to Floirda:)
Clark Roberts posted 06-28-2003 09:31 PM ET (US)
If you leave boat in salty/brackish water you will get barnicles starting to grow (sandpaper size) in about 5 days (summer water temps will be high 80's). Suggest that you pull boat at least once a week and scrub bottom! Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
dfmcintyre posted 06-28-2003 09:52 PM ET (US)
Everyone else has posted just about what I'd recommend. I recently saw a spare tire carrier that carried the hub/bearing assembly attached to it to. Nifty.
Check the temp on each hub at each fuel stop....
If you have access to someone or firm that can shrinkwrap the boat cheaply but can do a good job, I'd give it some serious thought. A few years ago I towed our Montauk from Michigan down to the keys and back, and was amazed at how clean she was, with the wrap as sort of an external cover, over the canvas trailering cover. The guy that did mine knew what I was planning on, instead of running a short tie line just under the gunnel, he added more wrap along the sides, and multiple tie lines down to attache to the trailer frame. And made the sections around the bow rail so I could take it off, and pladce it back on easily.
This was also around spring break/easter time and there was still salt residue on the roads up here in the great white north, but it could save some scrubbing, and wear and tear on your canvas.
Have fun!
Don
Landlocked posted 06-29-2003 10:49 AM ET (US)
Not the oyster bar though I think I've been there. This is actually a seafood market with a portable trailer set up next to it where they do their cooking. I'll ask my wife and see if she remembers the name.
Ll.
Ed Z posted 06-29-2003 11:43 PM ET (US)
I think if you give the trailer and boat a good check-out before the trip, you are not likely to encounter any problems... Been taking mine on a 425 miles(850 round trip)every year for that past 10 or so years... Its a 33 year old (Shoreline) trailer too... One thing to consider though is that the stopping distance and ability to change direction are greatly increased with the additional weight... I find it amazing just how fast one can heat the brakes to the point of fadeing while towing...
no glitter posted 07-07-2003 09:06 PM ET (US)
I have found (from experience) that the standard jack in most trucks cannot get low enough, without lots of extra work) to get underneath the axle. invest in a small (appx 2' long) floor jack, $20 at wal mart. Should you have flat it makes getting back on the road much easier
FXSTB posted 07-08-2003 07:07 PM ET (US)
Well, I made it to Pensacola without incident, but man, what a bunch of crazy drivers on I 10. Took all good suggestions from prev. posters and felt very secure and confident on the trip. Wish the weather,fishing, and water sports were on par with prev. years. Because of recent monsoons in Northern FL all the bays are not safe to swim in and the fishing is horrible. Plus my engine on the boat is acting up. Oh Well, there's always next year.

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Author	Topic: Trailering my Outrage 800miles, Suggestions?
FXSTB	posted 06-26-2003 04:09 PM ET (US) Next week I will be trailering my 1982 18' Outrage from Texas to Pensacola FL for a much needed 2 week vacation. I have purchased a transom saver, repacked the wheel bearings, purchased a complete spare hub and assy. and straped the boat to the trailer. Is there anything I'm missing? Also, the boat will be in the water for the two week period. Any preparations, considerations, additions etc. for leaving the boat in the water for an extended period of time? Do I need to put a bilge pump in the back cockpit well or just leave the plug out the whole time?
specktrout	posted 06-26-2003 04:16 PM ET (US) If I were you , I would bring a good jack and tire iron- I recently had to change to my spare and I can tell you, using the cheap equipment that comes with your truck is a nightmare when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with one trailer wheel off the shoulder sinking into the sand. I would also consider bringing a small board to stand the jack on on uneven surfaces.-
FXSTB	posted 06-26-2003 04:28 PM ET (US) Specktrout; amazing that the first response to my ?'s was someone from the same little town that the ?er resides! Thanks for the hints, I'll do just that.
HAPPYJIM	posted 06-26-2003 04:35 PM ET (US) A GOOD spare tire. All too often, we carry a spare that is the old tire that came off when we replaced a tire. That's fine if it only needs to get you back home after a day of fishing. On a long trip, the spare is almost as important as the tires on the trailer. A flat tire at midnight, 25 miles form the next town, is no place for a marginal spare tire. Sam's Club has a tool kit, made by Crescent, for around $50. The tool kit is well equipped for almost any emergency on the road or water. A can of Fix a Flat. A can of disposable hand wipes is nice to clean greasy hands and arms too.
dreid	posted 06-26-2003 04:44 PM ET (US) Additional items from our road kit: greese gun and extra greese; 12-volt electric air pump; "X"-style lug-nut iron, the type with four different lug sizes (our trailer and tow vehicle have two different sized lug nuts); trailer registration certificate (cops love to ask for this one, if you get stopped).
Tom2697	posted 06-26-2003 05:48 PM ET (US) I made almost the same trip about a year ago (S. Padre Island to Naples, FL). I brought everything that everyone has recommended here but I also brought two additional items. These were a mechanic's tool set (150+ piece Craftsman) and an electrical crimp toolset (with spare bulbs and wire). Both came in handy. An additional prep tip: Take out everything that isn't bolted down in your boat or locked in. Things have a way of "blowing out" of your boat when you are parked at a truck stop (fire extinguisher, oar, life vests, etc. Even my suntan lotion "blew out out my boat"!!!). With keeping th eboat in the water, you don't need to plug the transom holes but do plug the anchor locker and the sump well.
FXSTB	posted 06-26-2003 06:15 PM ET (US) If it rains really hard, won't plugging the sump well cause the boat to fill with water?
doobee	posted 06-26-2003 09:51 PM ET (US) I've heard that, if you keep a boat in Florida for more than 10 days, that they hit you up for their sales and use tax. Does anybody know this for a fact and is it something FXSTB should be aware of. You probably don't need a bilge pump. Leave the sump plug out, and clean out the sump if it starts to get slimy.
andygere	posted 06-27-2003 12:53 AM ET (US) A good coat of wax on the hull will make it easier to clean after 2 weeks in the water.
elaelap	posted 06-27-2003 01:34 AM ET (US) FXSTB, I just towed my 16/17 Katama from Windsor (north of Santa Rosa, 60 miles north of San Francisco) down to Santa Monica and back...450 miles each way. My rims and tires, including the spare, were fairly new, bearings packed about 1000 miles ago, and I stopped every hour or so to check everything. I brought along my grease gun and gave my Bearing Buddies a squirt every couple of hundred miles (and, of course, right after I got my boat out of the ocean down south). I kept my speed right at 65 mph, which was REAL tough...without exaggeration I've driven this route at least 150-200 times over the past 40 years (my parents and many of my friends live in southern Calif), and I usually boogie right along! No problems, other than awful traffic on the way back. My one adventure was amusing...I was heading south near Livermore in the far right lane, and the passenger in a truck in the next lane waved and pointed back under the trailer. "Sh--!" I thought, and pulled off the freeway. I expected to see smoking bearings or a loose wheel...nothing. Got back on the road scratching my head, thinking that maybe the gesticulator had been an enthusiastic Whaler fan. But almost immediately another car passenger gestured and pointed back at the trailer. This time I pulled off on a quiet street, and really checked things out...and discovered a purple PFD with its strap tangled around one of the trailer's crossmembers. I remembered that twenty miles or so back I had been following a trailered ski boat when a wet suit top and a life vest had flown off that boat and directly under my truck and trailer. I had thought nothing of it at the time, but apparently the PFD had been waving back and forth under my trailer, attracting the attention of the helpful folks driving by. Anyway, you can imagine my relief, and I've still got the vest; it's in amazingly good shape (other than its godawful color). Anyway, the trip was more than worthwhile...went fishing with my 85-year-old dad off Santa Monica, and got away from work and kids for a couple of days. Best of luck on your voyage, FXSTB, and good Whaling... Tony
spotsnspecks	posted 06-27-2003 02:19 AM ET (US) An "extra" extra spare rim and tire may save you some time for a little extra money. You probably have a single axle trailer so I would take 2 spares on a journey of that length. In fact, I will be going that way (from Louisiana to Destin) on Monday so honk if you pass me. I will be screaming down I-10 at a whopping 60 mph with 3 spares, a few cans of fixaflat, "X" tire iron, plug in electric pump, grease gun, heavy duty jack, spare trailer wiring, bulbs and crimper. I think the others have covered about everything else. Will you be going to the near offshore wrecks? I hear the grouper come in close about now and the ling run may be at the tail end. Have a great trip. Oh, by the way, I'll be towing a 1977 21' Revenge and hope to take her on her first blue water trip with me! Have a great trip!
spotsnspecks	posted 06-27-2003 03:25 AM ET (US) Oh yeah, don't forget The Blue Angels (practice on the 10th and shows on the 11th and 12th)! The bay behind all the great restaurants and bars is a great place to park your Whaler and feel like a kid again as they "walk the dog" right over your head. Even better if you have a bushwacker in one or both hands!
First Thought	posted 06-27-2003 11:08 AM ET (US) A lot of good advice, all those things are really handy to have when towing. Watch out for all the construction zones between the Alabama line and Pensacola. The speed limits are different in each of them and fines are doubled for speeding in them,when workers are present. And unless it is at night or Sunday workers are usually present. The worst part of that is the the Florida Highway Patrol REALLY patrol that area, and they don't give breaks.
FXSTB	posted 06-27-2003 12:01 PM ET (US) Man! I'm glad I found this Forum.....good advice, and information from some obviously good folks. I ride harleys and race cars and visit forums for each of those activities, but the "atmosphere" doesn't even come close to the Whaler group. Thanks. I am planning on fishing both offshore and inshore. My Grandfather was a fishing quide in Pensacola for 30 years and I use to work for him in the summers. It was a tough childhood, but someone had to live it. I prefer to fish for trout in the waters between Pickens and Alabama in the morning and to fish my 'secret' spot for kings, ling, shark,tarpon etc in the shallow sand flat just outside the east side of the jetties. I will be in the little sabine watching the Blues on the 11th or 12th. Look for the 18 outrage with TX #'s on it! Out.
Dr T	posted 06-27-2003 12:21 PM ET (US) On that sort of drive, I use a boat cover to keep the road grunge down and help with the blow-out-of-the-boat problem. But I also have to be careful with the straps because of the chafing problem. Good luck. tds
Florida15	posted 06-27-2003 02:59 PM ET (US) In addition to everything else that has been mentioned, I think I would put mud flaps on my truck if you don't already have them. They will keep gravel from hitting your boat. I tow a utility trailer with a 4 wheeler on it during hunting season. The paint on the trailer fenders is all chipped up due to gravel. I imagine it would do the same thing to a boat being towed a long distance. You better get out to Sabine early for the Blues show.It fills up fast.
Landlocked	posted 06-27-2003 03:48 PM ET (US) Only thing I would add is make sure you have all the tools you need to put on that spare hub if you have to... We take the boat to Perdido twice a year - love it down there. If I live long enough I hope we can move there when we retire. I highly recomend the Blue Angels show. We were there on the morning of the September 11 attack. We only got to see about 10 minutes of flying before they said they had "radio problems" and ushered everyone off of the base. I stopped by the gift stand and heard someone talking about a plane crashing into the World Trade Center - thought they were talking about a movie. The second one hit right after we got back in the car. After the show, head east towards perdido a few miles. Just before you go over the bridge over Pensacola pass turn right on the access road that goes down under the bridge. You'll see a seafood market with a concession stand next to it. Best Grouper Po'boy in Fl. Enjoy, Ll.
FXSTB	posted 06-28-2003 08:26 PM ET (US) Landlocked, I bet you are talking about the Oyster Bar restaurant. My parents house is about 1 mile towards Pensacola from there right on the water. Its the gray one next door to the 5 story house. I plan to frequent the Oyster Bar on a regular basis during the two week stay via my Whaler.
GuyNole	posted 06-28-2003 08:58 PM ET (US) Great stuff guys. Thanks! I am heading from Orlando to the Blue Ridge Mountians in 2 weeks and all this stuff will come in handy. Have made the trip to Vogel State Park for 7 summers in a row, but the last two with my new Montauk have made it even more enjoyable for me and my family. Again, thanks for the question that got us all this good advise to help keep us all safer and enjoy your trip to Floirda:)
Clark Roberts	posted 06-28-2003 09:31 PM ET (US) If you leave boat in salty/brackish water you will get barnicles starting to grow (sandpaper size) in about 5 days (summer water temps will be high 80's). Suggest that you pull boat at least once a week and scrub bottom! Clark.. Spruce Creek Navy
dfmcintyre	posted 06-28-2003 09:52 PM ET (US) Everyone else has posted just about what I'd recommend. I recently saw a spare tire carrier that carried the hub/bearing assembly attached to it to. Nifty. Check the temp on each hub at each fuel stop.... If you have access to someone or firm that can shrinkwrap the boat cheaply but can do a good job, I'd give it some serious thought. A few years ago I towed our Montauk from Michigan down to the keys and back, and was amazed at how clean she was, with the wrap as sort of an external cover, over the canvas trailering cover. The guy that did mine knew what I was planning on, instead of running a short tie line just under the gunnel, he added more wrap along the sides, and multiple tie lines down to attache to the trailer frame. And made the sections around the bow rail so I could take it off, and pladce it back on easily. This was also around spring break/easter time and there was still salt residue on the roads up here in the great white north, but it could save some scrubbing, and wear and tear on your canvas. Have fun! Don
Landlocked	posted 06-29-2003 10:49 AM ET (US) Not the oyster bar though I think I've been there. This is actually a seafood market with a portable trailer set up next to it where they do their cooking. I'll ask my wife and see if she remembers the name. Ll.
Ed Z	posted 06-29-2003 11:43 PM ET (US) I think if you give the trailer and boat a good check-out before the trip, you are not likely to encounter any problems... Been taking mine on a 425 miles(850 round trip)every year for that past 10 or so years... Its a 33 year old (Shoreline) trailer too... One thing to consider though is that the stopping distance and ability to change direction are greatly increased with the additional weight... I find it amazing just how fast one can heat the brakes to the point of fadeing while towing...
no glitter	posted 07-07-2003 09:06 PM ET (US) I have found (from experience) that the standard jack in most trucks cannot get low enough, without lots of extra work) to get underneath the axle. invest in a small (appx 2' long) floor jack, $20 at wal mart. Should you have flat it makes getting back on the road much easier
FXSTB	posted 07-08-2003 07:07 PM ET (US) Well, I made it to Pensacola without incident, but man, what a bunch of crazy drivers on I 10. Took all good suggestions from prev. posters and felt very secure and confident on the trip. Wish the weather,fishing, and water sports were on par with prev. years. Because of recent monsoons in Northern FL all the bays are not safe to swim in and the fishing is horrible. Plus my engine on the boat is acting up. Oh Well, there's always next year.