Seeking advice on bringing home our new baby

[janswake]

Hello everyone,
Louis M Blais (fellow PN member) and myself have just inked the deal on our new baby.After all the trouble with used boats we decided to go new and found ourselfs a 2008 super air 236 team edition.We are looking at a pick up date of monday feb. 8th so pictures will follow.Acquiring that bad boy in going to require a 1100 mile road trip one way.The boat has no cover but the dealer has said he will shrink wrap it for us.I am very worried about the shrink wrap scratching the boat on the way home.I am looking for advice from some people who have done a road trip like this in the middle of winter.The boat will be winterized so no worries there,Mostly just worried about the gel coat and interior.If there is anything else I should pay attention to any info on all matters would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
janswake & Louis Blais

Sorry Jeff and everyone else for double posting just wanted to get the most info possible

[bkhallpass]

They ship from the factory under shrink wrap.

I would be less concerned witht he shrink wrap, than I would with road salt, etc. from winter roads, banging
against the bottom of the boat. I don't see much of any way to stop it.

I towed my boat from CA to Wisconsin and back. Admittedly in July. The thing I found most likely to
get damaged was the stick on pinstripes, particularly as they round the corner on the stern of the boat.
It doesn't take much friction from a cover etc, to scratch them up.

BKH

[janswake]

Thanks BKH,
The boat is not curently in the factory shrink wrap but the dealer will do it themselves.Unfortunetly ther is nothing I can do about the salt except give it a very good bath upon arrival home.please keep the info coming.I will try to make sure they cover the stripes well.
janswake

[DanielC]

Shrink wrap it. The shrink wrap fits tight enough that it does not rub on the gelcoat, and it is clean plastic that does not abrade on the gelcoat.
Shipping covers are a lot looser, move around in the wind, and can hold dirt in them, that is why it is a bad idea to tow with a cover on.
Have then put a layer of wax on the hull, and do not buff it off before the boat is wrapped. It will help protect the boat, and the shrink wrap will not stick to it.
Be extremely careful removing the shrink wrap. In the excitement of unwrapping a new boat it is really easy to nick or scratch the gelcoat.

[whitelakerider]

we shrink wrap at our dealership. we have done them for long road trips and had no problems. the shrink tape seals the lower portion of it so nothing can get between it and the gel. like danielc said a loose cover is wehre you have to worry about the rubbing from the wind moving it around. the shrink fits tight and does not move at all. you will not go wrong in shrinking it. i highly recommend it. it will also keep the salt out of the interior preventing corrosion.

[janswake]

Thanks for the info guys sounds like shrinking is definetly the way to go I will be there before they shrink it so I will put a coat of wax on it.If you have any more advice please keep it coming.
janswake

[Quinner]

Looks like you are in Vermont, lakes will be ice for at least another 45 days, why not wait until better weather to pick up the boat?

[janswake]

Hi Quinner,
I wish I could wait until better weather but my schedule won't allow for it.

[xjay]

seems as though it would be a lot cheaper to have it shipped
driving to pick up the boat of your dreams.....priceless

[louismblais]

We looked up having it shipped, it is by no means cheaper, not even close.

[WakeSlayer]

seems as though it would be a lot cheaper to have it shipped
driving to pick up the boat of your dreams.....priceless

Done it several times. The road trip is just part of the buying process. I have thoroughly enjoyed each one. My SAN was about a 4300 mile roundtrip. 72 hours. including a nights sleep and a couple hour test drive.

[CradGen2]

Couple comments

1. I had a boat shrink wraped but they used plactic strings to the trailer. It rubbed marks in the gel and I never got it the same. Have them use tape.
2. Have a spare tire or 2. Call and get the size ahead of time. All the things to fix the tire. I carry all my tools for trips like that.
3. Bring a roll of duct tape.
4. Make sure you have the right size tow vehicle. A 236 is a lot of Nautique to pull 1100 miles. Drive slow.

Interesting you called your boat a BOY. We usally say "She" !!!

JMO

Congrats and good luck!!!