Towing a boat with beam over 8' 6"

[Ms Molly McKever]

Originally Posted by jc19

serious contemplating getting a boat that has a beam of 9' (28 ft bow rider). From what i understand the law only allows you to tow a boat with a beam of 8' 6" without a permit (no matter the size of the towing vehicle).

Do people do this often and have you had any issues towing without a permit?

I will only probably put it in newfound, winnisquam, squam and sunapee outside of winnipesaukee maybe a combined total of 5 times a year...

Other general boating forums online seem to give a consensus that they will only really hunt you down if you're over 11 ft or so, but wasn't sure people's experience on here.

My concern with the permit is that you then have certain hours you can and can't tow - for example can't' tow on holidays, tow at night etc. (again, read this in forums, but not sure how accurate it is). Secondly, any idea to the cost f a permit (believe it's annual).

Any and all thoughts welcomed. Thanks!

what if you get in a fender bender with out a permit ? You won't be going anyplace with out licence.