Ok tried to do a search and that did not get me anywhere. I know the trailer law is 8’6" wide. I am 9’10" and here is MD it is also 8’6" and I take my chances as everyone does and not get the wide load permit. I know it is illegal, but there are to many restrictions on when and when I can not trailer. How many of you don’t get the permit and are over 8’6"? Also if I did get the permit how much is it? Do I have to put flags and banners on my truck? Any other info would be helpful. Thanks
Chad
not entirely sure… however i think the 8’-6" measurement refers to the width of the boat. my last bay boat had an 8’-6" beam, but the trailer was wider than that. this is typical (and legal) i believe.
i am almost positive, that any trailer over 8’6" is “supposed” to have the permit. I take that is if the boat or trailer (whichever is widest) is over 8’6" you can be ticketed. i have always taken my chances, but have heard of some getting ticketed in NC and FL, but have not heard any instances in SC. Last i checked, almost every state had the 8’6" specification with the exception of 2 or 3.
I towed my 28 hydrasports from SC to the FL keys last year without a permit
quote:
not entirely sure... however i think the 8'-6" measurement refers to the width of the boat.
No, it’s the total width of the trailer. SC, like most states is 102". I know a lot of people who tow wider loads than that without permits or troubles, but that is the law. Look here for more than you wanted to know.
http://www.scdot.org/doing/osow.asp
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Thanks for the info guys. I think I will get a permit this year and then see how it goes from there. I know I will break the law since you can tow wide load on Sundays, but I am willing to risk that.
Thanks again,
Chad
I tow a 10’ wide boat and have never applied for a permit. Remember you need to get a permit in every state you travel through. On top of that each state has different times when you can drive. Most of the time its only in daylight. I don’t know about you but I hate driving during the day with everyone cutting you off and the traffic. I prefer to drive late into the night.
Never had a problem and if I do some day I will just play dumb…
I’m gonna take my chances. “Ignorance is bliss!”
Cape Horn 24OS
twin 150 Optimax
I don’t want to be rich,
I just want 1 dollar more than I can spend!
That’s what everybody I know does 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.
Growing old is MANDATORY, Growing up is OPTIONAL!
It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.
Sure, you only have to write a check that’s probably bigger than the check for the permit … 
Permit is a one time 50.00 fee. As long as your not stopping at a weigh scale or driving through Florida you will be fine…