Towing the Nautique

I wanted to get input from you guys on towing my SN for longer distances, let's say in excess 100 miles. 1.) Do you typically trailer it with cover on or off? I usually leave the cover off to keep from damaging the gel by the cover moving in the wind, flapping, ect.. plus to limit the addl. wear and tear on the cover. 2.) Other comments, recommendations, to insure a safe pull over longer distances? Thanks for your thoughts.

I have a canvas towing tarp that I use for long distance trips.I mainly put it on in case I run into rain.It works fine as long as you tie it off properly.I've never had a problem with damaging the gelcoat either.

Reid,

Looking ahead to my journey to the Beer Fest in Green Lake, I get all of you items but the 2 x 4's. Are these long ones, short ones, what do you use them for? You might want to put a few extra bulbs for the trailers in as well Reid!

I also take my cover off for towing.

Greg, I just bring several short 2x6's for the jack to sit on in case I'm off the shoulder, where I've unfortunately been several times. We typtically also try to bring along a small air tank. And yes, we do bring extra 1157 bulbs. We just don't always install them.

Also keep a good watch on your tie-down straps and make sure, esp on older boats/trailers. I like to put a soft cloth on the gunnel under the strap, and don't strap it to the bunks underneath to where it's tight across the chine. This will wear quickly on your gel on that corner. I feel it best to pull straight down from the gunnel to the frame behind the wheel.

And good points Joe, as we do the exact same.     

The 1157 bulb is the typical bulb used for the trailer lights.

They are bulbs with the Brake (Turn) and running lights in the same bulb. Two filaments in the bulb.

John,

Like the other guys said tow without the cover if possible just be sure everything in the boat is secure and will not blow out and your boat trunk doors are secured and it's not a bad idea to even lock them as well. In the event (Rain) you are forced to put the cover on if the cover has tie down loops using a cotton cloths line works well to secure those to the trailer without any worries of scratching the boat or the trailer. Does your trailer have oil bath hubs? If so check the level plus all around the hub for any signs of leaks, if brakes on the trailer you may also have a few Zurk (grease) fittings you can hit up around the tongue. Check tire air pressure always. If parking overnight anywhere remotely questionable it's also not a bad idea to add locks on your receiver and trailer

quinner wrote: .... If parking overnight anywhere remotely questionable it's also not a bad idea to add locks on your receiver and trailer

This is very important.
I think it was 2 years ago, there was a guy who lost his CC at a hotel. He locked his trailer to the ball, but the a-holes who stole his boat just pulled the pin from his receiver and transfered it to theirs.

Steve

Buckeye1nc wrote: Not sure if I will make it to GL but leaving NC next week for West Palm Beach (700 mile trip). The wife needs her spring fix at the beach, so I am dragging the '06 SN196 to Okeeheelee Park for some slalom skiing. It will be a nice change to the cool water in Lake Norman.

That's funny. We're going to NC for spring break for our spring fix!

I thought you had to have a membership to Okeeheelee in order to drop in there?

Also, I have a full spare hub for the trailer, pre-packed with races, bearings, and grease. This way if I blow a bearing on the highway I clean off the spindle and slide the new hub right on. It hasn't happened yet but I certainly think of it as a "Vacation Saver". I don't want to be pounding out races on the side of the highway.

Behl wrote: You can do away with the 1157 bulbs if your using LED. I converted every bulb to a LED

I think I might do this to my trailer as well as paint it steve. Are your led brake lights alot more visible during the day than the regular lights?

phatsat67 wrote: Behl wrote: You can do away with the 1157 bulbs if your using LED. I converted every bulb to a LED I think I might do this to my trailer as well as paint it steve. Are your led brake lights alot more visible during the day than the regular lights?

I have them on my trailer, and they are the best thing I've ever had. They're definitely brighter, at night, and during the day. On mine, the 3 light bar is pushed forward in front of the prop, and I've been told it's bright enough to be irritating...not a bad thing, IMO. I like the ones on the fender as well, since they make keeping an eye on the trailer in the mirrors a little easier at night. Plus, they're submersible. I can't imagine you'd be disappoineted with them.

Rob

Back to the original question...

I always tow with the cover on. Don't want the road grime inside the boat to ruin my interior. It also keeps the gear inside. Plus, it always seems like I'm towing it in the rain to (or from) my secret ski spot (jbear, shhhhhh).

I added snaps to my cover last fall. Screwed the male side under the rub rail (like my brother-in-laws Sport). Can't wait to see how well it works compared to the drawstring and bungee cords.

Glen

John,
Had the Amish re-sew every seam a couple of years ago, but I added the snaps. I'm still on the original cover from '87.

Dad had a friend who had the clinching tool for the snaps, so we did the snaps ourselves. You know, we're pretty resourceful!! Not much Dad can't do, but you already knew that!!

Mom & Dad are doing great. Still on the go, and nothing slowing them down.

I'm jealous of the pics you posted a couple weeks ago with all you guys out cruising.

I trust all is well with you , Mrs jbear, and the rest of the family.

Can't wait to get back to the secret spot to reunite with the gang!!!

Glen

reidp wrote: I'll bet Pete won't use LED's.

Reid, Yes I did buy a set of retro type lights for the restoration of my 55 TeeNee trailer!! The other trailers lights work so I really never saw the need to run out and buy a relatively expensive set of trendy lights! I also don't trailer as much as some.

8122pbrainard wrote: I really never saw the need to run out and buy a relatively expensive set of trendy lights!

I guess like anything else, it's a matter of what you're willing to pay for. For me, a no brainer, to know every time I hook up the trailer, lights won't be a concern. Plus, the brighter they are, the less likely, in theory anyway, some moron is going to run up on you and smash into the boat. Trendy or not, I'm happy with their performance, and would still reccomend them.

Rob