towing c30s and storing on the hard

[AZtoVA]

This weekend I purchased a 2014 C 30s. I am having it towed from FL to VA where I will store for about 8 months prior to putting it in the water. Two questions from you experienced Tugnuters.
One: any wisdom regarding preparing it for the 900 or so mile trip (I am not doing the driving) It will be on its trailer.
Two: I will store it on the trailer in Hampton VA. Thoughts on winterization and not ruining the trailer or its tires as it sits a long time. Thanking Tugnut nation in advance.

 

[knotflying]

There are plenty of threads on this site regarding winterization and even a youtube video done by the factory. As far as storage on the trailer for 8 months; make sure your bearings are filled with grease and if possible taking the weight off the tires will be ideal. This will prevent flat spots. . If you can't do that then if you can move it a little every month that should help. I also use vinyl wheel covers for extended storage. A light spray of WD-40 on the rotors and calipers won't hurt either
As far as the boat goes, If you have a solar panel you should be in good shape if you cover the boat with one of those white tarps Enough light gets in for the solar panel. If not, I would cut to the chase and remove all battery cables. Take a picture before removing and zip tie them together and mark which bank and which terminal. In the warmer weather I would use a few of those Damp Rid canisters and change them regularly. A couple of Kanberra canisters all the time works wonders.

Geez, 8 months on the hard would kill me!!

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Prepping for a longer trailering is important. If the boat has a canvas cockpit cover take it off and stow it. Fold up the stainless canvas hardware and zip tie everything securely. Make sure the plug has been removed. Fold the mast and VHF antenna down. The guide wires from the mast on our R29S could rub against the gelcoat so I wrapped a rag around that area and ziptied the rag to prevent any damage. Put the dinette table all the way down and make sure all of the cabin doors are secure, locked etc. Holding tank pumped out and water tank drained and have the boat fully winterized,,,,preferably before the boat heads north. Fill the fuel tank to help keep moisture out of the tank while in storage for this long storage period. Make sure the trailer tire pressure is correct before the trip north starts. If there is not a strap to hold the transom snug to the trailer consider purchasing one to do so. Some have two straps, each that attaches to a aft cockpit cleat and down to the trailer I-beam on either side or one strap that goes from the starboard trailer I-beam up thru the cockpit aft cleat, across the cockpit, thru the port cleat and secures to the port side trailer I-beam. You might also consider adding a strap from the bow U bolt down to the trailer, this helps keep the bow from moving up and down on rough roads. This list should get you started along with Mikes great advice.

Jim

 

[Irish Mist]

Congratulations on your new boat
You may have trouble trying to keep the weight off the tires if the boat is being stored on the trailer. If you can move the trailer as mentioned to get a different part of the wheels in contact with the ground. Along with all the great advice all ready provided, I would also put some bounce dryer sheets around the boats or whatever you Google that you like best to keep mice away. Hopefully you can visit the boat every so often to check on it, that is a long time to leave it unattended.

 

[Phil Nersessian]

I Don't have a boat trailer, but I have several construction trailers. When they will be in 1 place for a while I drop the tongue jack all the way down, block the two rear corners all the way, then jack the tongue all the way up, on some trailers this lifts the tires right off the ground, on others it takes the majority of the weight off the tires and suspension which helps alot.

 

[Irish Mist]

Phil
I do not think this will work with 10,000 lbs of boat on an aluminum trailer. IMHO

 

[AZtoVA]

Thanks everyone. very helpful.

Ed