Towing with the top up

Phil Layer · 02-01-2002, 10:07 AM

A friend of mine just bought a new Alumaweld with the soft top. The dealer told him no towing faster than 50 unless the top is put down.

Last weekend, we were poking down the freeway at 50 when a North River which appeared to have the same top on it, passed us at an estimated 70 with the top up!

Was this guy nuts? Are North River tops better than Alumawelds? Or, was the Alumaweld dealer hiding the fact that the top can actually take a 70 mph wind?

Pilar · 02-01-2002, 10:13 AM

Moby. I had a top made recently and this question is one I've been thinking about. I have towed for short haul with it up. So far nothing terrible has happened but sometimes zippers are partway undone and the sides seem to flap alot.

I'm starting to think that maybe it should be rolled up on the way to the boat ramp to minimize damage. I can't see ever floating around in a 50 + wind. Hope it never happens anyway, never say never. Gotta believe the stress on your boat canvas would be the least of your worries at that point.

The bad part is that the inside of the boat would be wet when you got there.

What to do hmmmmmm.

Uncle Bob · 02-01-2002, 10:16 AM

Moby,
Does your boat have a front windshield - how about that NorthRiver?
Was that other guys top all bottoned up on the back side?

Beer Waggin · 02-01-2002, 10:30 AM

I always left my top up while towing in the winter time. One of the things I always checked was to make sure all of the zippers where closed, and that the back drop was fully attached. With the back drop attached it seemed to reduce the amount of flap I got. I'm sure this takes a few years off the life of the top, but it sure beats stretching a cold top at the boat ramp every morning.

WaterDog · 02-01-2002, 10:36 AM

It all depends on how the top is made. My last boat I had to make braces made of the same tubing to attach to the windshield and the gunwales. Cost was about $40 for parts. All I had on that top was 3 bows and the nylon straps in the back. The extra braces made a world of difference. I was comfortable towing around 55 or 60. My current boat has tubing made of Sch. 40 conduit and instead of nylon straps it uses an aluminum flat bar. I’ll go as fast as I want to without worries. However, if I were towing a long distance , more than 3 or 4 hours at 70+, I would take the top down just to save wear and tear.

I hate getting to ramp and having the boat wet, before I get the boat wet.

My 2 cents.

Dr Strangelove · 02-01-2002, 10:38 AM

I trailer with my North River top, made by Bentleys, up all the time. All zippers covered with heavy cloth, no problems so far. I go 65mph most of the time. As long as you havve a windshield and the top fits tight without fluttering and the zippers are protected, should be OK. Check with your manufacturers. Doc

Phil Layer · 02-01-2002, 10:42 AM

Yup, the Alumaweld has a windshield and a secure back screen. The top seems rock solid and there doesn't seem to be any flap in it when going down the road at 50. It sure seems like it could take more speed.

The North River appeared to be the same boat style and the same top.

He sure made us envious for a while.

Eric · 02-01-2002, 01:18 PM

The friend's north river I fish out of in spring/summer/fall does fine with the top up when he pulls it. He probably averages 60-65 mph on the road. As was mentioned earlier, he just makes sure everything is buttoned and zippered properly so there is no flapping. I saw the top a week ago and it is going strong with no tears or signs of stress. I should probably mention the boat is a 20 ft. windshield model and is 3 years old.

Stz ll · 02-01-2002, 01:32 PM

I have an Alumaweld with a windshield also. I have driven at 65 to 70 mph with the top up with no problem. I have done this both with the mooring cover on and off. I don't have a rear drop curtain.

Pete

Lured In · 02-01-2002, 02:04 PM

I am of the opinion only do it when you need to. If its nasty out or if I am towing short distances I don't even think about puttin it down. I drive normal freeway speeds and just make sure the snaps and zippers are all secure. I haven't had any issues in two years and the top is tight as a drum.

jet · 02-01-2002, 02:14 PM

I had the same fear, I say had.

My boat came with Sunbrella (cloth). I was told do not tow above 45 mph. I did tow once with it up to Raineer, and ripped the 2 zippers and put a hole in it... OUCH.

I had it repaired and them took the top down every trip and put it up ever trip, arriving some days with a wet muddy interior. I just had a guy remove the Sunbrella material top and replace it with Top Gun. The guys added a bow support and made it bullet proof. I probably will not tow with the top for 3-4 hours at a time but for the trip to the local wet spot no problem.

It cost me a few $, but not bad. I can arrive with a dry boat and not worry about a shredded top during springer season. Have the work done when you want not when you have a problem. If anybody wants the name let me know, he used to do all the tops for Stevens and now does his own thing.

Jet~~~

[ 02-01-2002, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: jet ]

02-01-2002, 08:25 PM

Yep, Top Gun....thats the stuff. Sometimes for long trips I will take the side and back curtains off to avoid unnessary wind flap. The top seems to keep the rain out of the boat. 60-75 mph no problem.

Snapshot · 02-01-2002, 08:36 PM

Help, I have an open supervee and no windshild. I do not have a back drop. Could I take it in somewhere and have them beef it up so I could tow with the top up or not? Most of the responses are for boats with windshields. So far, I have not needed it, I ware the bibs and rain gear to stay dry. Not as comfortable as a top but certainly an alternative to ripping one apart on the hiways. I do want to put the top up for 4.0 and the spring run. Any ideas of how to proceed?
* Fish only bite wet hooks*

big guy · 02-01-2002, 08:50 PM

I also have a northriver and have towed my boat to montana with the top up. the zippers are double stiched and I keep the snaps lubed slightly,and the material waterproofed. never had a problem with towing at 65 mph.hate wet seats and foggy guages.

Bob Barthlow · 02-01-2002, 09:21 PM

Snapshot, I think we're out of luck, I also have a top on my 21' supervee and wihout a windshield, theirs no way to trailer with the top up. Good thing it's easy to take down and put in it's boot. For 4 years I had a windshield sled,but for most of that time I wanted an open boat. Well the last 9 years I've had open boats and still :smile: with my fishin machine........also we don't get the rain you fella's get,that helps.