Towing a R31 CB

[Bobby P.]

Trying to decide about whether to go for a 29 CB 31 CB. Is it realistic to tow a 31 CB up and down the East Coast? We enjoy both the waters of Maine and the Florida Keys, and many places in between. The 31 is advertised as trailer, but is that really realistic?

Who is trailering and what can you tell me?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Tug Travelers]

Hi bob,
I have an R31CB and trailer it often. In fact, I put it on and off the trailer by myself in 20 minutes.
I have a Chevy diesel longbed pickup, and the boat tows very well behind it. 1 ton durmax.

Towing it can be easy as long as you plan your trips around traffic and get to know the best gas stops. If you pull into a busy gas station you are screwed. find gas stops that have a huge turning radius for you to utilize. I live in Eugene Oregon and tow my boat north to Everett all the time. I get diesel out at a lonely gas station on the way up before I reach half a tank just so I don't have to deal with fuel after I get north of Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett.

Breaking down an R31CB for towing will take a bit longer than the R29CB, but not a huge time cost.

Personally, and this is just MY opinion, I would go with a 31. Main points for me were, slightly bigger and more room. the cockpit gull wing seating, the larger area up top including the hardtop area, the helm door, the more usable mid-cabin berth and I really liked the 'traditional" tug look of the 31. Again, just my preferences. You should ask a 29 person what they like the best about them. (Visibility from the inside helm, for one).

All in all, towing is not too bad. Just plan your turns CAREFULLY in confined areas.
Let me know if you want a rundown on how I load the boat on the trailer. My record was 12 minutes, but I got lucky with a very favorable wind that held the boat perfectly while I worked.
jeff
Tug Travelers Ranger Tug Guided Flotillas.
www.tugtravelers.com

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks so much for the insight.

Have you had to get permits? Is it easy?

I currently have a Ram 1500 diesel, but will bump to a 2500 when we decide on the boat.

 

[tugnnaweigh]

I tow a R29 with a 2003 F-450 4 X 4 and suggest you step up to a dually Ram 3500 4 X 4 and add a larger tranny cooler and monitor all your vehicle temperatures. You'll need permits for each state, could be different travel restrictions for each state, there's websites to do it for you and they've been mentioned here on the 'Nuts. Oversize load signs on the back and perhaps front. Keep your trailer brakes in tippy top condition, get and keep the controller set right.