Proline 29 Walk - Trailer options

[b12ptr]

Folks,

Looking into getting a trailer for my 2001 Proline 29 Walk. Any recommendations?

Dealers around here where I am, tell me i need approx 14,000 lbs trailer... adding the weight i come to around 11,000 lbs (7500 Hull, 2000 Engines & I/O, and 1300 full fuel). So not sure since big price difference. Would appreciate if you have any experience.

My tow vehicle is 2000 Ford F350 Diesel w/Dual wheels. Will be using to two under 60 miles one way about 3-4 times a year.

Thanks.

[231CALIFORNIA]

weigh it on a truck stop scale and then weigh the trailer alone while boat is in the water to get boat weight, if you are close ,with full fuel,ice and gear you can get the smaller trailer if you are in spec.    spec is spec.
if you can, tow only with partial fuel and some of your gear in the truck  and that may be a way to go, but dont cut it too close.or buy a ratty old trailer, make it fit, put new tires and brakes  and lights on it  and a few cans of spray paint.
or
buy a dereclict boat and use the trailer and sell/give the boat that comes with it away?

[b12ptr]

i have no way to taking the boat to a weighing station unless i buy the trailer. i am looking at a venture trailer which supports 10600lbs on three axles. checked w/some dealers and as far as i keep the fuel low i am told would be ok.

the other issue is the boat height. i am told by the hwy dept that under 13'.6" i should be ok. but i have no clue on the trailer what the height will be.

a few if's and assumptions, but with a boat this big would like to confirm before i purchase the trailer. thanks much for the suggestions.

[C-Lark III]

i have no way to taking the boat to a weighing station unless i buy the trailer. i am looking at a venture trailer which supports 10600lbs on three axles. checked w/some dealers and as far as i keep the fuel low i am told would be ok.

the other issue is the boat height. i am told by the hwy dept that under 13'.6" i should be ok. but i have no clue on the trailer what the height will be.

a few if's and assumptions, but with a boat this big would like to confirm before i purchase the trailer. thanks much for the suggestions.

Just offering the following info. as food for thought.  I have a '93 2950 with the hardtop and a radar dome.  it's on a 14,000 lb. trailer (triple axle), and height to top of the dome is 14' 4".  To top of the hardtop is 13' 6".  So height should be OK for you.  (Most all state and federal highways have 14' 6" height clearance.)  But I would recommend getting a trailer rated above 12,000 -- I have a bias toward going a little bigger / heavier than "standard".  My pickup tires are a step above standard, and engine is bigger than standard. So my trailer is also.  I think that gives you a margin of safety / strength that will avoid some troubles -- like marginal strength of the trailer, and possibly borderline braking capacity on the trailer.  Just my 2 cents worth !!

[b12ptr]

C-Lark III is your boat powered by Outboards or I/O? mine is I/0's rated at 1000lbs each including engine and Bravo III's.

I am landing right at the limit of the trailer if i make sure not to have full tanks of Gas and water etc..

Hull (7500 lbs)  + (Engines 2000 lbs) = (Total 9500 lbs) which leaves me with 1100 lbs for gear, limited fuel etc..

Fully agree with going larger in such situations, but with cost of trailers which tend to significantly be pricier going north of 12000lbs I was hoping to be in that range.

Much appreciate the comments on the height. VERY useful in my case. For the near future at the Maryland Eastern-shore I have 3-4 overpasses in my route... so i am trying to figure out what the clearance is.. i am hoping it is 14.6.

Thanks again.

[C-Lark III]

C-Lark III is your boat powered by Outboards or I/O? mine is I/0's rated at 1000lbs each including engine and Bravo III's.

I am landing right at the limit of the trailer if i make sure not to have full tanks of Gas and water etc..

Hull (7500 lbs)  + (Engines 2000 lbs) = (Total 9500 lbs) which leaves me with 1100 lbs for gear, limited fuel etc..

Fully agree with going larger in such situations, but with cost of trailers which tend to significantly be pricier going north of 12000lbs I was hoping to be in that range.

Much appreciate the comments on the height. VERY useful in my case. For the near future at the Maryland Eastern-shore I have 3-4 overpasses in my route... so i am trying to figure out what the clearance is.. i am hoping it is 14.6.

Thanks again.

My boat is powered by twin Volvo Penta diesel I/O's with duoprop stern drives -- 1149 pounds each.  With capacity of 220 gallons of fuel, that's 900 pounds at half full.  With electronics, gear, anchor and rode, etc., you'll easily put on an extra 500 pounds.  And the hull weight of 7500 pounds is bare, dry weight without anything in it.  So I agree, you will be at or above trailer max. for a 10K trailer.  But I think you'd be OK with a 12K trailer.
To confirm the overpass clearances, you could probably call your state highway dept. and get the answers there.  If that highway accommodates semi's (tractor - trailer rigs), the overpasses must be at 14-6 or above.  Here's a photo of my boat on the trailer.

Jim

[b12ptr]

Diesel's! had no idea they made them w/Diesel's... nice looking boat... interestingly only 149lbs more then my Gas setup. Nice!


State hwy folks don't comment on past 13'6" but i am also told locally the bridges i am concerned about are at least 14'4".

Will update soon when the journey is over :-)

Much appreciate all the comments and suggestions... I am also looking at someone local who may transport it for me.

Mine in the slip.. will send one after its on the trailer.

[C-Lark III]

Diesel's! had no idea they made them w/Diesel's... nice looking boat... interestingly only 149lbs more then my Gas setup. Nice!


State hwy folks don't comment on past 13'6" but i am also told locally the bridges i am concerned about are at least 14'4".

Will update soon when the journey is over :-)

Much appreciate all the comments and suggestions... I am also looking at someone local who may transport it for me.

Mine in the slip.. will send one after its on the trailer.

I talked with the folks at the Proline factory, and they said that there were only a handful of diesel powered  2950's.  I know of one more in San Francisco area, and I saw one with twin Mercruiser diesels (they are Cummins).
In my opinion, the 2950 is a great boat.  As you many know, when it came out it was named "boat of the year" for two years in a row by "Boating" magazine.  It's one of the top selling Prolines.  I really like the deep walkaround - you can actually use it !!
I look forward to seeing your setup on the trailer.  Your tow rig will obviously handle it.  I have an '08 GMC 3/4 ton with the Duramax.
By the way, if you want to send me a private message, I'll email you a couple of documents you might enjoy -- The "Boating" magazine article, and the sales brochure for the boat.
 
Jim

[b12ptr]

Just ordered 12,600 lbs trailer. should be in two weeks. will update on how it goes.

[C-Lark III]

Just ordered 12,600 lbs trailer. should be in two weeks. will update on how it goes.

I think you'll be very pleased you went with the heavier trailer.  No worries about having to keep the fuel tanks 1/2 empty, etc.  Send a photo when it's all set up !

 

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