topaz back in MI.
Been away in Fl. for several months with the Topaz in tow. The trailer
I prepared worked very well and was able to travel the highways using a
3/4 ton pick-up at 65 to 70 mph. We are polishing her up for the fourth
of july on torch lake and elk lake here in northern michigan.
As a few of those whom I talked to before leaving understood, I was to
be traveling about that great state of Florida. My intention was to
work and finish the Topaz and then cruise to my hearts content. All
know how well plans go. The boat saw very little use and sat idle at my
docks there, while I sold one of my properties and purchased another.
Like many of you who build boats know, we folks never do things the easy
way. This property was trashed with large boats that were in little
pieces and mixed with many tons of bottom mud taken from the canal. 12
large dump truck loads and heavy equipment plus many trucks loads of my
own and we got the place somewhat cleaned up. The rest of the time was
spent re-modeling, re-planting and re-building. To sum it up, the Topaz
was only there to witness the event and gathered a lot of dust and love
bugs.
I just read with interest what was said about the bunks extending out
and under the transom to support the engine. Made me think, as mine
extends out with no supports. We just put over 3000 mi. on and all
seems well, so far. The engine and tanks are in excess of 600 lbs.
Some changes may be in order. As to the forward roller that seems to
take the brunt of going on and off the trailer, I am going to my third
one. The cutwater crushes them on a regular basis. Seems most of the
ramps get deep fairly quickly, with all the weight coming on the forward
roller and none on the others as the boat is floating above them.
Brad Raby
I prepared worked very well and was able to travel the highways using a
3/4 ton pick-up at 65 to 70 mph. We are polishing her up for the fourth
of july on torch lake and elk lake here in northern michigan.
As a few of those whom I talked to before leaving understood, I was to
be traveling about that great state of Florida. My intention was to
work and finish the Topaz and then cruise to my hearts content. All
know how well plans go. The boat saw very little use and sat idle at my
docks there, while I sold one of my properties and purchased another.
Like many of you who build boats know, we folks never do things the easy
way. This property was trashed with large boats that were in little
pieces and mixed with many tons of bottom mud taken from the canal. 12
large dump truck loads and heavy equipment plus many trucks loads of my
own and we got the place somewhat cleaned up. The rest of the time was
spent re-modeling, re-planting and re-building. To sum it up, the Topaz
was only there to witness the event and gathered a lot of dust and love
bugs.
I just read with interest what was said about the bunks extending out
and under the transom to support the engine. Made me think, as mine
extends out with no supports. We just put over 3000 mi. on and all
seems well, so far. The engine and tanks are in excess of 600 lbs.
Some changes may be in order. As to the forward roller that seems to
take the brunt of going on and off the trailer, I am going to my third
one. The cutwater crushes them on a regular basis. Seems most of the
ramps get deep fairly quickly, with all the weight coming on the forward
roller and none on the others as the boat is floating above them.
Brad Raby