How long can a sailboat be and still be pulIed on a trailer in the USA?

I'm one of the few people who I know that's pulled a lot of boats. Both sail and then power. I'm not exaggerating when I say I don't know anyone who has more miles doing it. Mostly in the Mid Atlantic States, but I have a few cross country trips (DC/Maryland to California) and a few Florida to Maryland trips.

I'm thinking with the right trailer 27' is the practical limit. The biggest I did was actually a mold, rather than the actual boat. (Arkansas to Maryland) It was for a 30' sailboat. I've pulled power boats to 32 feet. I've found even the F-350 is iffy unless you have duals on the rear axle. There are some manufactured that way for the Camper trailers.

Unfortunately larger sailboats have "ballast" which will make them much heavier to tow. Much above 28 ft. will start to push your truck around and stopping gets tricky. If you are in some parts of the US it's not to bad, but there are places I wouldn't want to go.

I hope this answer is helpful. I am encouraging askers to choose a best answer. Answers Boating allows you select one. If you like my answer you can select it. Thank you!

See www.towingworld.com for a state by state chart of towing laws. Maximum width varies from 8 to 9.5 feet. Maximum length combined overall varies between 59 to 70 feet. Most sailboats 40 foot have 10 or 12 foot beam. Special permits can be issued but may have restricted routes , hours & other requirements. One may be a lead safety vehicle.

Most states limit total length of the towing vehicle and cargo to 65 or 70 feet. Of course, if you are towing a boat that makes the whole rig that long, then you'll probably need to be concerned about width and height also. Check the laws of the states you will be towing through to see if you need to get oversize load permits.

I totally agree with RIchard. . . I have been boating all my life and I have never seen a boat over 26 or 28 feet being trailered by the owner - anything over that is either too wide or too heavy. A 36 footer (in my opinion) would be out of the question.