My mid-winter adventure...
- Thread starter South of Heaven
- Start date
Thar she be!
Sorry about your weather, but it sounds like you're prepared and taking it in stride. Have a great trip home!
PS: 2003, Magic Tilt trailer, blue stripe, Yamaha on the back... I wonder if she was originally sold at Three Rivers Marine in Crystal River, FL? (As my boat was.) If so, you may have some of their typical "value added" things such as custom screens/window covers/screen door, etc. (well, if you have a rear cabin door - I guess I'm not sure how the 19's do that).
Anyway, maybe a "dealer sibling" to my 2002
Sorry about your weather, but it sounds like you're prepared and taking it in stride. Have a great trip home!
PS: 2003, Magic Tilt trailer, blue stripe, Yamaha on the back... I wonder if she was originally sold at Three Rivers Marine in Crystal River, FL? (As my boat was.) If so, you may have some of their typical "value added" things such as custom screens/window covers/screen door, etc. (well, if you have a rear cabin door - I guess I'm not sure how the 19's do that).
Anyway, maybe a "dealer sibling" to my 2002
Classy looking combo, the tow should be a piece of cake. With a new tow I like to try a hard brake in a place with room and no traffic. Nice to know your limits and how the tow handles before something unexpectedly happens.
Towed both my 22 and 25 from Seattle to Anchorage Alaska, about 2200 miles each way. Round trip took 6 days for the 22 and 7 for the 25. The tow back was the best because I got to sleep in the boat instead of the Truck.
You'll be fine.
Towed both my 22 and 25 from Seattle to Anchorage Alaska, about 2200 miles each way. Round trip took 6 days for the 22 and 7 for the 25. The tow back was the best because I got to sleep in the boat instead of the Truck.
You'll be fine.
Looks good. If it keeps raining you may need to to the care with the boat :lol:
If you need some more tongue weight, but don't want to mess with any adjustments, stop at a grocery store an pick up a sack of potatoes or a case of dog food or ???? to make up some weight. Then put that down on the floor in the V-Birth.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
If you need some more tongue weight, but don't want to mess with any adjustments, stop at a grocery store an pick up a sack of potatoes or a case of dog food or ???? to make up some weight. Then put that down on the floor in the V-Birth.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Marco Flamingo
Active member
Probably too late now, but you could have looked out for state highway scales on the way home. A quick trip to the scales can tell you exactly what the weight ratio is and, at least here, they don't charge anything.
Mark
Mark
South of Heaven
New member
Sunbeam":3jsjt9os said:Thar she be!
Sorry about your weather, but it sounds like you're prepared and taking it in stride. Have a great trip home!
PS: 2003, Magic Tilt trailer, blue stripe, Yamaha on the back... I wonder if she was originally sold at Three Rivers Marine in Crystal River, FL? (As my boat was.) If so, you may have some of their typical "value added" things such as custom screens/window covers/screen door, etc. (well, if you have a rear cabin door - I guess I'm not sure how the 19's do that).
Anyway, maybe a "dealer sibling" to my 2002
Sunbeam: Yes, she's a 3 Rivers Marine boat and trailer. I do have the window screens! No covers or rear door. Although I do have a full drop down canvas door and bimini cover; not sure if the canvas is factory or not? I honestly haven't even done a full inventory yet; this friggon weather is killing my mojo!
South of Heaven
New member
Marco Flamingo":2csm0vur said:
Yup, I did. It was CAT scale (certified automated scale). $10 bucks; ripoff!
South of Heaven
New member
So I made it home safe and sound. My main priority was the wellbeing of my precious cargo, not me! lol. It was an uneventful ride. I had some traffic this morning as I approached Queens, NY but then it was wide open all the way from there to basically Boston.
I did a morning safety check and hit the road by about 10am. The car pulled the rig just fine. The terrain is mostly flat too which was obviously in my favor. I stopped after about 30 minutes to check the straps, position of the boat, coupler etc. The port side strap actually had loosened a little bit; nothing substantial but I'm glad I stopped and re-torqued it. My next stop wasn't until 2 hours later when I got gas and went to the truck scale. I also checked the tires and hubs for excess heat. None.
SO, the scale was a little tricky. When I pulled on I didn't know what to do or where to position myself. I went to the end and pressed the intercom; I asked them how to do it and they said "Do what?", "its already done". So I went inside and got the receipt. They had 4 figures. Steer axle, drive axle,trailer axle and gross weight. I can't make heads or tails of the first 3 figures but the gross weight is all I really need anyway. Right?
My scaled gross weight was 6,920 lbs.
BUT this is tricky part. I've seen varying amounts online for my cars curb weight. Some sites say 3,433, 3,500, and 3,610 (for my exact model). So I went with 3,433 because that figure came up more than the others....SO here we go>>>>>>>>>
3,433 lbs-Curb weight
200 lbs- South of Heavens body weight !
50 lbs - tools and luggage
GROSS WEIGHT- 6,920 lbs
minus
TOW VEHICLE- 3,683 lbs
= a boat and trailer weight of 3,237!
I don't totally believe it though....I'm gonna weigh my car next week and get that true weight. There are too many online discrepancies. I'm thinking the car is a couple hundred lbs HEAVIER than the online quotes. That would put me closer to 3,000 lbs for a boat/trailer weight.
I'm also thinking that the old owner gave me the wrong trailer specs by accident, he had quoted the aluminum Magic Tilt at 690 lbs. I'm thinking maybe it's closer to 800 or 900 (it is a tandem after all). Even on the trailers registration it doesn't give the exact model # so it's hard to research it. I'll also research some single axle, aluminum trailers. I MAY entertain the possibility of trading this trailer in for a newer, lighter one. IDK. I'm not gonna rush into that too soon. I first wanna launch and reload with this current setup and see
"whats what".
But even if my car's weight stands and they are correct it's still not a concern of mine. The car is more than capable of towing that and more (since I'll be adding more gear, cooler etc).
I didn't have one issue on the highway today. No swaying, or rocking and the braking was great. Honestly, I didn't even feel the trailer behind. I probably averaged 65 mph! Some stretches I was doing 71, 72 for a few miles..... but then I backed off it. It was a tad too fast. I did a lot of 66, 67 ish.
After the scale I got home probably around 3pm or so. I then had to tarp the boat and get her ready for tonights storm. We're getting 3-5 inches tonight/tmmrow morning....God, spring can't come fast enough. So I didn't even have time to take any pictures. Haha
That's it for my news. You Brats are probably getting sick of me by now! hehe
I did a morning safety check and hit the road by about 10am. The car pulled the rig just fine. The terrain is mostly flat too which was obviously in my favor. I stopped after about 30 minutes to check the straps, position of the boat, coupler etc. The port side strap actually had loosened a little bit; nothing substantial but I'm glad I stopped and re-torqued it. My next stop wasn't until 2 hours later when I got gas and went to the truck scale. I also checked the tires and hubs for excess heat. None.
SO, the scale was a little tricky. When I pulled on I didn't know what to do or where to position myself. I went to the end and pressed the intercom; I asked them how to do it and they said "Do what?", "its already done". So I went inside and got the receipt. They had 4 figures. Steer axle, drive axle,trailer axle and gross weight. I can't make heads or tails of the first 3 figures but the gross weight is all I really need anyway. Right?
My scaled gross weight was 6,920 lbs.
BUT this is tricky part. I've seen varying amounts online for my cars curb weight. Some sites say 3,433, 3,500, and 3,610 (for my exact model). So I went with 3,433 because that figure came up more than the others....SO here we go>>>>>>>>>
3,433 lbs-Curb weight
200 lbs- South of Heavens body weight !
50 lbs - tools and luggage
GROSS WEIGHT- 6,920 lbs
minus
TOW VEHICLE- 3,683 lbs
= a boat and trailer weight of 3,237!
I don't totally believe it though....I'm gonna weigh my car next week and get that true weight. There are too many online discrepancies. I'm thinking the car is a couple hundred lbs HEAVIER than the online quotes. That would put me closer to 3,000 lbs for a boat/trailer weight.
I'm also thinking that the old owner gave me the wrong trailer specs by accident, he had quoted the aluminum Magic Tilt at 690 lbs. I'm thinking maybe it's closer to 800 or 900 (it is a tandem after all). Even on the trailers registration it doesn't give the exact model # so it's hard to research it. I'll also research some single axle, aluminum trailers. I MAY entertain the possibility of trading this trailer in for a newer, lighter one. IDK. I'm not gonna rush into that too soon. I first wanna launch and reload with this current setup and see
"whats what".
But even if my car's weight stands and they are correct it's still not a concern of mine. The car is more than capable of towing that and more (since I'll be adding more gear, cooler etc).
I didn't have one issue on the highway today. No swaying, or rocking and the braking was great. Honestly, I didn't even feel the trailer behind. I probably averaged 65 mph! Some stretches I was doing 71, 72 for a few miles..... but then I backed off it. It was a tad too fast. I did a lot of 66, 67 ish.
After the scale I got home probably around 3pm or so. I then had to tarp the boat and get her ready for tonights storm. We're getting 3-5 inches tonight/tmmrow morning....God, spring can't come fast enough. So I didn't even have time to take any pictures. Haha
That's it for my news. You Brats are probably getting sick of me by now! hehe
Not sick of hearing about New Boat Day. But (there's always a but), trailer tires are generally speed rated at no more than 65 mph. If you haven't checked the date your tires were manufactured... age, overweight, and speed are the biggest factors in trailer tire blowouts. Your boat, tow it at whatever speed you want, but if you have an accident, and your insurance (or even worse: the other guy's insurance) finds you were overweight or over-speed for the tire ratings, you could be in for real problems.
I can certainly believe 3,500 pounds or more for a 19. Most folks with 22s have found them to weigh in the neighborhood of 4,500 pounds on the trailer. For some perspective, the factory told me the 25 would be "6,500 pounds, all up, on the trailer." It weighed in at 8,700 pounds. Yeah, they missed it by just over a ton. To get a very accurate weight, you need to disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle to get the tongue weight (weight on the front wheel of the trailer) and the axle weights.
Enjoy the new boat - hope Mother Nature cuts you some slack so you can get her out very soon.
Best wishes,
Jim
I can certainly believe 3,500 pounds or more for a 19. Most folks with 22s have found them to weigh in the neighborhood of 4,500 pounds on the trailer. For some perspective, the factory told me the 25 would be "6,500 pounds, all up, on the trailer." It weighed in at 8,700 pounds. Yeah, they missed it by just over a ton. To get a very accurate weight, you need to disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle to get the tongue weight (weight on the front wheel of the trailer) and the axle weights.
Enjoy the new boat - hope Mother Nature cuts you some slack so you can get her out very soon.
Best wishes,
Jim
South of Heaven
New member
JamesTXSD":3s0m0hmx said:
Definitely Jim. That's why when I caught myself having a bit of a lead foot I backed off. I know things can go bad QUICKLY and when they do there will mostly likely be a person taking a video of it!
I'm gonna try one of those gravel/sand places for my next weighing trip (another Brat suggested that I think). They will probably be more patient too; at the interstate truck stop I felt rushed because I didn't wanna tie up the scale for the big rigs. I had thought about disconnecting the trailer but decided against it.
colbysmith
Active member
One thing to consider when weighing the boat and car, those truck scales are usually set up to weigh in the capacity of many tons. I would not be surprised if they could be off a few hundred pounds, which may be a little more critical on our smaller rigs. Personally, I'd use a home scale to get the tongue weight. If you know it's under 300 lbs, most scales can handle that. If it's over, then you probably should set up a fulcrum, unless you have a big old meat scale! Colby[/url]
South of Heaven
New member
colbysmith":3vqshpu5 said:
Good point. Yes, those couple of hundred pounds are critical to us! All I've been thinking about all day are "GVWR, curb weights and trailer weights"..... I'm gonna have nightmares about it tonight. LOL
AstoriaDave
New member
In Oregon, the weighmaster style scales are very accurate, maybe +/- 100 lbs at the most, in our experience. We regularly pulled axle numbers which showed the effect of shifting a heavy 50 lb cooler from the pickup bed to the transom of the boat.
I think this is normal, because over the road vehicles have to meet load stipulations, or withstand a citation ... too many of which can threaten their livelihood.
I think this is normal, because over the road vehicles have to meet load stipulations, or withstand a citation ... too many of which can threaten their livelihood.
South of Heaven":2n9i9i9r said:
All of the boats that I've noticed as being from Three Rivers Marine seemed to have some number of "value added" canvas/etc. package items. Many were made by JP Canvas (who is still in business). Some things on my boat (just to give you an idea what to look for - always fun to find bonus stuff!):
1) Carpet sections (bound on the edges and fitted with snaps) for the main cabin sole, plus helm sole, dinette sole, and V-berth sole).
2) Sailcloth window "curtain" panels, bound in Sunbrella of seating color (snap in place on windows).
3) Screened/canvas edged covers for the front opening window and forehatch (you can still open them through built in slits).
4) Screened, canvas edged, zippered "screen door" for cabin door (22 has a cabin door).
5) Sunbrella bag for window covers/screens (matches interior canvas).
6) Bimini top and travel cover.
I have also seen full camperbacks and boat covers, although mine didn't come with either of those. I suppose there was a list of suggested optional items.
One other Three Rivers "thing" (not my favorite) was to mount the GPS antenna through a hole in the galley countertop. I moved mine to the shelf over the helm (although newer chartplotters seem to have them built in).
I have some model/spec info for Magic Tilt trailers, but only for the galvanized series (what I have).
Glad to hear you got your new baby home in one piece, safe and sound. Now I hope your weather improves soon!
Certified cat scale should be 20lbs +/- so pretty darn good. Using one with a platform sceen, you can see your own weight as you walk on and off the platform and the last I used was about the same as my bathroom scale. Weight is money to truckers so they are calibrated for wide ranges in these digital times. Good work getting it home and start the scrubbing. Ours had gone fishing and needed serious cleaning as well. It is a fun kind of cleaning (new boat cleaning) that could rank right up there with wiping mud off a naked....well you get the idea.
Greg
Greg
Sout of Heaven,
Glad you made it home OK and all went well. Congrats on the boat in your driveway.
CAT scales, Greg is right, and I bet it's closer to 5 pound +/- 5 for accuracy. I have weighed my car, my truck 2001 Tundra (5240#), empty trailer pacific galvanized tandem (1160#), boat on trailer (4900#) and tongue (425#) and even my motor cycle (540#) Honda Shadow 750. The bike was weighed without me on it, and the difference was about 5# off of my home weight. That was done on the DOT scales. On Washington and Oregon highways the DOT scales are public, and you can weigh there. I have never been hassled, but I try to make sure I am not in any of the big rigs way.
On the tie straps. Put a twist in them , one or two turns over will keep them from buzzing, and loosening. The straps will last longer too.
Now it's home, Enjoy, and take your time.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Glad you made it home OK and all went well. Congrats on the boat in your driveway.
CAT scales, Greg is right, and I bet it's closer to 5 pound +/- 5 for accuracy. I have weighed my car, my truck 2001 Tundra (5240#), empty trailer pacific galvanized tandem (1160#), boat on trailer (4900#) and tongue (425#) and even my motor cycle (540#) Honda Shadow 750. The bike was weighed without me on it, and the difference was about 5# off of my home weight. That was done on the DOT scales. On Washington and Oregon highways the DOT scales are public, and you can weigh there. I have never been hassled, but I try to make sure I am not in any of the big rigs way.
On the tie straps. Put a twist in them , one or two turns over will keep them from buzzing, and loosening. The straps will last longer too.
Now it's home, Enjoy, and take your time.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon