View Full Version : Donzi in tow
inlander
02-09-2010, 07:36 PM
Going to be flying out to Fayetteville, Arkansas soon, to pick-up my 1999 Classic 16. Tired of just looking at pictures of it and want to bring it home. Decided uship, wasn't going to work for me. Boats been winterized and is in covered storage, since I purchased it in December. Going to be towing it back to California (1800 miles). I'll be renting a 10' U-Haul van to tow it. Anything in particular with the 16's I should know about to keep the boat safe? Certainly, don't want any Suprises along the way. Going to store the seats inside the van and I'm considering shrink wrapping the boat. Trailer hubs are fine. Any tie-down recommendations? I'll be sure to slip a couple of towels between the haul and the straps. Giving ourselves 6 days to finish the trip. Would appreciate any input from you-all Donzi experts. :nilly:
Donzi Vol
02-09-2010, 07:50 PM
Good call. Rachet, tie, trim, hitch, air, go go go!
As for the straps, I would imagine on a '99 it probably has hardware on the transom for straps that will rachet down to the rear of the trailer. If not, go over the rear of the boat and hook into the trailer. Don't forget the nice soft, thick towels if you go that route.
Be careful and congrats on the purchase!
zelatore
02-09-2010, 08:24 PM
6 days should be a nice easy trip. I usually do that sort of run in 3; 2 if I'm pushing it.
If you're sure the trailer is in good shape you shouldn't have any problems. I'm wondering though, since you're not on-site, are you taking the seller's word that the trailer is ready to go or have you inspected it yourself?
Not to suggest anything since I don't know the seller (could be your brother for all I know) but I've seen 'ready to go' trailers that, ah, weren't.
BTW, where are you headed in CA?
gonzojessie
02-09-2010, 08:50 PM
I would take a few hours and pull the tires, hubs just to check the wheel bearings, and spindles, 100 bucks in grease and bearings(if needed) is worth the piece of mind knowing what shape everything is in. This also gives you time to inspect the bunks and lights thoroughly. Good luck and congrats on the new(to you) boat!
inlander
02-10-2010, 12:35 AM
Will definately check the hubs early on in the trip.
To Zelatore:
(Sandless in Sacramento)
Looks like we might be neighbors. We're up here in the foothills, Shingle Springs that is. Can't wait to try the boat out in Tahoe, but a shake-down cruise in Folsom will come first.:boat:
Tidbart
02-10-2010, 06:26 AM
I would take a few hours and pull the tires, hubs just to check the wheel bearings, and spindles, 100 bucks in grease and bearings(if needed) is worth the piece of mind knowing what shape everything is in. This also gives you time to inspect the bunks and lights thoroughly. Good luck and congrats on the new(to you) boat!
What he said. :yes: Also, wouldn't hurt to carry a spare if there isn't one already with the trailer. Tires can sneak up on you.
mike o
02-10-2010, 06:54 AM
Hi, If you dont shrink wrap it and it has a cockpit cover. I use 2 ratchet straps on top of the snaps front and back, up from the trailer frame, to keep the cockpit cover from blowing off.............:yes:. Id buy 2 new tires.
VetteLT193
02-10-2010, 11:33 AM
there is a member here who gets a bigger UHaul to move Donzi's around...
In a nutshell, get a box big enough to put the boat in. Get a flatbed tow truck to load the boat on to the flat bed, then roll it back into the uhaul. chock it and strap it inside the box.
That will completely alleviate any trailer issues. It will also protect the boat from the thousands of miles of road grime and debris and it will be a faster trip being that you don't have to worry about the trailer the whole time.
firstafence
02-10-2010, 12:00 PM
there is a member here who gets a bigger UHaul to move Donzi's around...
In a nutshell, get a box big enough to put the boat in. Get a flatbed tow truck to load the boat on to the flat bed, then roll it back into the uhaul. chock it and strap it inside the box.
That will completely alleviate any trailer issues. It will also protect the boat from the thousands of miles of road grime and debris and it will be a faster trip being that you don't have to worry about the trailer the whole time.+1 :wink:
Tidbart
02-10-2010, 12:05 PM
there is a member here who gets a bigger UHaul to move Donzi's around...
In a nutshell, get a box big enough to put the boat in. Get a flatbed tow truck to load the boat on to the flat bed, then roll it back into the uhaul. chock it and strap it inside the box.
That will completely alleviate any trailer issues. It will also protect the boat from the thousands of miles of road grime and debris and it will be a faster trip being that you don't have to worry about the trailer the whole time.
Only one possible problem, how do you secure it to the truck? Every uhaul I have ever gotten has nothing buy a chair rail to fasten to.
inlander
02-10-2010, 07:11 PM
there is a member here who gets a bigger UHaul to move Donzi's around...
In a nutshell, get a box big enough to put the boat in. Get a flatbed tow truck to load the boat on to the flat bed, then roll it back into the uhaul. chock it and strap it inside the box.
That will completely alleviate any trailer issues. It will also protect the boat from the thousands of miles of road grime and debris and it will be a faster trip being that you don't have to worry about the trailer the whole time.
Now let me see...
Boat beam is about 7'
26' U-haul box opening is 7'03", unless they've got a bigger truck. Even a semi trailer is typically 8' in width.
Loadmaster trailer width is 8'06"
Flatbed to load and unload my treasured boat... Priceless
I might be full of BS (Boat Stupid), but I think this won't work.
Checked with U-ship. Highest bid $3600, and lowest $1600. Car carrier wanted about a third what I paid for the boat. Looks like we're going to make a mini vacation out of it. Just going to have to check the rearview mirror a lot. Thanks for the suggestion though.
fogducker III
02-10-2010, 08:14 PM
Now let me see...
Boat beam is about 7'
26' U-haul box opening is 7'03", unless they've got a bigger truck. Even a semi trailer is typically 8' in width.
Loadmaster trailer width is 8'06"
Flatbed to load and unload my treasured boat... Priceless
I might be full of BS (Boat Stupid), but I think this won't work.
Checked with U-ship. Highest bid $3600, and lowest $1600. Car carrier wanted about a third what I paid for the boat. Looks like we're going to make a mini vacation out of it. Just going to have to check the rearview mirror a lot. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Good on ya.........those are my thoughts as well.........picked up a few boats over the years and after looking at shipping "prices" and listening to "suggestions"......decided to pick them up myself.
Just take your time, inspect items on the trailer as mentioned in some of the posts above, and secure the boat at bow and stern to the trailer and you are good to go.........best of luck......
PS. I found for a long road trip all you need to do is wrap the first 4 or 5 feet of the bow with a strong shrink wrap and duct tape over that and it keeps the road grime off and stops "minor" rock chips........
glashole
02-11-2010, 07:34 AM
big hardware to pull a little boat
i am pretty sure a 16 can safely be pulled by a minivan if it had a hitch
Last Tango
02-11-2010, 09:03 AM
I haven't checked this out in the last few months, but Enterprise usually rents SUV's made by GM. The larger ones ALL have trailer hitches. Might be a lot more comfortable, and is plenty of tow vehicle for your 16.
inlander
02-11-2010, 09:53 AM
I haven't checked this out in the last few months, but Enterprise usually rents SUV's made by GM. The larger ones ALL have trailer hitches. Might be a lot more comfortable, and is plenty of tow vehicle for your 16.
My dilemma is that it is a one way rental, so the types of vehicles are limited. Budget, Penske and others don't allow towing boats with their vehicles. U-haul has vans and pick-ups, but they don't provide one way rentals for these vehicles. I found that searching around for various drop off points, greatly influences the rental costs. The one way costs to rent was $869 to all drop off locations within about a 30 mile radius. After checking further, I found one for $629, within that radius, but in a more rural location. Huge difference for a little inconvience. I'll check Enterprise and see what they offer. Thanks for the TIP. :nilly:
BUIZILLA
02-11-2010, 11:08 AM
Enterprise no longer rents ANYTHING with hitches, been that way for awhile.... they have an office right next door to me....
U Haul will rent you a pickup or box truck though...
The Hedgehog
02-11-2010, 11:16 AM
Enterprise no longer rents ANYTHING with hitches, been that way for awhile.... they have an office right next door to me....
U Haul will rent you a pickup or box truck though...
They do if you are in Mcminnville and do a bunch of business with them.:kingme: That being said, I have not seen any of their vehicles in major locations with hitches in some time.
From what I have seen U Haul will be the reliable way to go.
penbroke
02-11-2010, 11:23 AM
We did sort of the same type thing last fall. Drove a 10' U-Haul one way to the boat and drove the boat back. We actually did it twice because it turned out the boat was not actually ready the first time. The first trip cost almost twice what the second one did 4 weeks later due to time of year. If you have flexability you might want to check different dates. I did find that some of the car rental companies will do one way rentals on mini-vans and SUVs between major airports.
Good luck to ya!
Frank
mattyboy
02-11-2010, 11:34 AM
pulling the 16 for about 2000 miles a season(for 7 seasons) behind a mini van no problem.It was a custom built tandem trailer way overkill for the boat but it towed like it was part of the tow vehicle.
the 16 will tuck in and you won't even know it is back there behind a van. It will be like ricky bobby drafting on buddy joe billy bob.
do all as has been said above with the trailer, also I didn't use a strap but 3m blue or green painters tape on the front edge of the cockpit cover helps keep the cover on. bring as much as you can handle in the way of tools and spares. I know it is tough flying in and driving out but take into account most of the stuff you need you are gonna need when you get back to CA too.
so I would search out suppliers in the area once you get the boat. buy the stuff when you get there throw it in the van.
on my last boat recovery I bought all the stuff to rebuild the trailer and had it with me incase i needed it. spare tire, wiring harness, trailer jack, lines,straps ,hubs,grease gun,tools and $$$$$$$ tolls to get on and off the island :eek:
zelatore
02-11-2010, 11:56 AM
Will definately check the hubs early on in the trip.
To Zelatore:
(Sandless in Sacramento)
Looks like we might be neighbors. We're up here in the foothills, Shingle Springs that is. Can't wait to try the boat out in Tahoe, but a shake-down cruise in Folsom will come first.:boat:
Well, one of these days I'll put my motor back togheter and we can go play! I'm actually in Walnut Grove, about 30 miles down-river from Old Town.
Personally, I'm not that fond of Tahoe. I've love the area, and the wooden boat show, and I've taken my 22 up there, but it's not my favorite area to boat. I usually just run around the delta since I'm already down here. Launching at Hogback on Steamboat Slough and running up to Old Town is a nice jaunt, assuming the fishermen aren't packed in too tightly!
If you want to make a bit of a trip, try to get toghether with the guys down at lake Powel in June. I went 2 years ago but didn't make it last year. Absolutely amazing lake! I'd love to go this year, but it looks doubtfull that circumstances will allow.:frown:
VetteLT193
02-11-2010, 12:32 PM
Now let me see...
Boat beam is about 7'
26' U-haul box opening is 7'03", unless they've got a bigger truck. Even a semi trailer is typically 8' in width.
Loadmaster trailer width is 8'06"
Flatbed to load and unload my treasured boat... Priceless
I might be full of BS (Boat Stupid), but I think this won't work.
Checked with U-ship. Highest bid $3600, and lowest $1600. Car carrier wanted about a third what I paid for the boat. Looks like we're going to make a mini vacation out of it. Just going to have to check the rearview mirror a lot. Thanks for the suggestion though.
That is a nice wide trailer for a 16. The ones I have been looking at (older and cheaper) don't usually have them that wide. It's obviously not going to work with a trailer that wide. The member here who does it talked to me about it for quite a while on the phone... he never seemed to have a problem. he might chime in to this thread if he sees it.
Donzi Vol
02-11-2010, 08:22 PM
That is a nice wide trailer for a 16. The ones I have been looking at (older and cheaper) don't usually have them that wide. It's obviously not going to work with a trailer that wide. The member here who does it talked to me about it for quite a while on the phone... he never seemed to have a problem. he might chime in to this thread if he sees it.
I actually know of two members who have done that (neither were me). It's quite a sight to see...
BUIZILLA
02-15-2010, 04:03 PM
I haven't checked this out in the last few months, but Enterprise usually rents SUV's made by GM. The larger ones ALL have trailer hitches. Might be a lot more comfortable, and is plenty of tow vehicle for your 16. I previously posted this wasn't true any longer, and low and behold I had to reserve a new 'Burban today for a few days, and it has a hitch... I stand corrected.. :angel:
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