New 382 owner
 

As Baja says " Speed Changes You" I just bought a 1999 Formula 382. I suppose 73 (GPS) isn't the fastest one around, but it's a lot faster than I have ever gone before.

Couple of questions for those of you that have gone over 70 more than once.

Does anyone have a ballpark weight for a triple axle steel trailer? I plan to have the whole rig weighed eventually, but to get it home I am going by water and drag the trailer with a 1/2 ton PU.

Does anyone have a decent radar installation? I have been an all weather boater for the last 8 years despite my best effort to stay in the sun

I have heard of camper canvas packages and seen pictures of Bimini's. They look ugly and I am wondering how fast you can go before they blow away. A friend with a 382 just wears a raincoat the few times it actually rains

Thanks

rjr

My triple axle steel Eagle with two spare tires for my 382 Formula is #3000 on the nose.

Congrats! Is it the one from Lake George?

Congrats...we love our 382!!! A steel trailer will be about 3000 lbs, my aluminum trailer is about 2000 lbs. Your 1/2 ton will tow the trailer fine WITHOUT THE BOAT. I'm glad you appear to realize you'll never be able tow the boat (safely) with that rig.

Can't suggest radar, never heard of one on these types of boats.

A custom made bimini is certainly possible but don't go with "low-bidder". A buddy has a 90mph Active Thunder with a bimini top and it holds for WOT runs. A full enclosure is going to cost a couple $$$K

I keep a jacket and cheap motorcycle helmet with a full face shield in the boat. If the weather goes to chit, just put the helmet on and the rain is a non-issue. (as long as it's warm)

Congratulations! If you need a bimini, I have a factory 382 bimini off a 2001.
(red)

What color? I'm looking to replace my blue one. (Sorry we missed you guys in New Buffalo last month!)

Yes it's the one at Lake George.

How much for the Bimini?

What do you guys use to tow? My neighbor uses a 3/4 ton Suburban with a 496. Another guy at the marina uses a 3/4T PU. But when I look at the Chevy & Ford websites they say a 3/4T dually with a diesel will barely tow it.

I WILL weigh it but I am estimating

10500 boat
1000 Air & generator
3000 trailer
1200 gas
500 misc other stuff (water, cooler, anchor,stereo (don't laugh the
amps are gigantic) etc.
16200 total

rjr

Your probably high on the weight of the generator/air, but low on the 500 lbs of misc gear. I had a 3/4 burb with the 6.0 gas motor. It pulled the boat out the water at the ramp fine but 40-50 mile tows down the highway were brutal. After hauling that thing to the river with the burb I would be wound up and sweating just from the tow. Ended up buying a diesel dually since we tow every weekend....now I sit back on cruise control and don't sweat trucks passing me or getting this rig stopped.

The Connecticut Regs are somewhat confusing about needing a CDL to tow recreational rigs but my license clearly states 10000# combined weight.

Does anyone know for sure?

You will be over the max of a 3/4 Ton with those numbers. I am a believer in more is better when towing. I just purchased a 38 Donzi ZrComp and will be picking it up this weekend in Sarasota and trailering back to NJ. I have a 3500 Chevy dually and would not use anything less. You could get away with a 3500/350 single rear wheels but I like the stability of the dually. If possible, I would suggest buying a dually and a daily driver. I used to have an s-10 pickup as my work truck and recently got upgraded to a F-150. It will cost a few bucks more upfront but you will keep the miles down on your tow vehicle (last longer) and save money commuting in a more fuel efficient vehicle.