One member recently posed this question about towing a pontoon:
sornstein: When towing a pontoon boat a distance (300-plus miles), is it better to leave the bow door open or closed?
Moser: I have only towed mine that far a couple of times. I would find a way to cover it, even with well-lashed-down blue tarps. The highway can put a lot of junk in and on your boat. I don't think it will make a difference in your mileage.
I have seen a stainless Stanley thermos work its way out of a backpack, off the seat, and out an open front gate, all in a two-mile trip. A lady walked up to me at a traffic light and handed it back to me. It was a little banged up and we lost the cup, but we're still using it.
Captain Tony: I lost a brand-new lifejacket on a short trip to the ramp one time—once you take off the cover, the wind has free access. We towed our current boat from north of Kansas City, Mo., to the Lake of the Ozarks a few years back when we bought it used. It was a total of around 250 miles and we had the full mooring cover on it all the way. This was mostly to protect the boat from rocks, bugs and to keep inside things inside.
My guess is you may see no difference. By that, I mean you certainly must be using a mooring cover or at the least a trailerable cover to protect the boat, so the open door/closed door may be a moot point. I would expect even a totally open pontoon would funnel air through the open door and run smack into the console and seats or folded Bimini top. My suggestion would be to close the door, cover the boat and keep the speeds reasonable, considering the 3,500 plus pounds hanging on that 2-inch ball.
Legend Boats: We would recommend you keep the door closed and remove the windshield, any cup holders, tables and anything else that might fly off your pontoon. Also, lower your Bimini top if possible. Most manufacturers will include a stubby rear arm to lower your Bimini frame. A rule of thumb is just do a circle check when gassing up or stopping. Check tires, bearings, tie downs and a quick peek in the interior.
Do you tow your boat long distances? Jump on www.pdbmagazine.com/forum and share your story.
