trailering your boat with camper canvas up

[birving]

Hi all I'm new to this club and I have a 2001 2500scr. All have owned boats for the last 13 years but nothing of this size. I live in Iowa and will be boating at rathbun lake. Do to not having the money right now to keep my boat in the water I have a question. Do you think it would hurt to trailer my boat with the Bimini top up and the camper encloser on it. I'm asking this because it takes a while to put on and don't want to put on and off after ever use. Will be driving about 7 miles like this, and also is it even good for the camper part to be up all the time in the weather. Thanks if any one can help me Brandon.

[biggerseagar]

Well first welcome Brandon....that is a good question that you ask. First how fast will you be going on the highway?Under 40 mph you should be ok. If you have your boat competely enclosed as to make sure no road wind can get in and rip it off again you should be ok at 40 mph or under. Any faster and I would take it all down and invest in a travel cover for your boat.

Have fun and again welcome to the website!

Roger

[birving]

Thanks for the response roger sounds like I'll be taking it down every trip better safe then sorry I guess.

Brandon

[RNR-Marine]

We make Maxum's factory OEM canvas, and definitely do NOT recommend towing (more than a block or two) with the canvas in place. You risk damage from wind, stones and road oil/grime. Eisenglass is easily damaged by oils and grit.

In fact, most boat manufacturers do not recommend having the bimini top up over 45mph.

I know its troublesome to take down the canvas every trip, but your canvas will last much longer this way.

Happy boating!

[birving]

Thanks rnr-marine for the info. Well not tow with it on.

Brandon

[RNR-Marine]

Here are some canvas care and cleaning tips: http://rnr-marine.com/Maintenance.shtml#Canvas

and tips on cleaning and protecting your clear vinyl: http://rnr-marine.com/Maintenance.shtml#Eisenglass

[video=youtube;MX5fMkxfH2M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MX5fMkxfH2M[/video]

[A Little Nauti]

Welcome aboard Brandon. This is what you will love about this site. So many helpful people who share their knowledge. You gotta love it. Have a safe boating season.

Gary