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Towing a boat without engines

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Old 12-04-2008, 12:06 PM
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Default Towing a boat without engines

Boat is a 1990 28 apache. Engines are out. The tongue weight is now significantly more without the engines to balance the weight. What do I need to do bring the tongue weight down? Or do I even need to worry about it? Trailer is aluminum triple axle. I was thinking some sandbags would work, but looking for other options.
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Old 12-04-2008, 12:29 PM
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Don't pull the boat all the way on the trailer. If it's a short distance, just go slow.
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Old 12-04-2008, 12:34 PM
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I towed my 382 about 40 miles without the engines in the boat....what was worse.....the engines were in the back of the truck!!!!! Thank God it was a dually. If the truck looks OK loaded, just go slow.
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Old 12-04-2008, 12:52 PM
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Thanks for the feedback...........what if I wanted to tow it from TX to FL?
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Old 12-04-2008, 01:18 PM
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I honestly don't see the issue? I mean if he was going to be significantly tongue LIGHT I could understand. You should be totally fine, fast as you care to, that's what I would do.......
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Old 12-04-2008, 01:26 PM
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I have done it a number of times. Light tongue weight is dangerous, heavy not so bad so long as the trailer stays somewhat level and not overloading the reciever. I have also moved boats back on trailers to balance it better. I once tied a big boat to a large tree at the transom and inched the truck and trailer forward a bit to slide the boat back.
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Old 12-04-2008, 03:03 PM
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We towed a 42 fountain from Fla to Ok w no motors and it was a non issue. Except for the tire blow out in Tenn !
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Old 12-04-2008, 03:14 PM
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You could put that whole boat in the back of a dually, if it would fit, and still be OK. Just re level your receiver so that your trailer is relatively level and haul azz.
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Old 12-04-2008, 03:21 PM
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I know the feeling, took it real slow! Then and now
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Old 12-04-2008, 03:22 PM
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if you have a one ton or better I would not even think about it. Just make sure the transom is strapped since you don't have the weight of the engines to hold it down
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