The cover is a good idea but very hard to keep in place with the road trains. The cover I had on my Outsider was clipped on at the windscreen and made it back with only a few tears. I also bought some grey tarps from Bunnings and tied them from the bow rail and looped them under the trailer frame and back up to the rail. The eyelets do tear out but it is just for the trip. I also bought some tarp clamps to try and tie it all together. The glass hull of mine was fine when it was unwrapped. Buy some rolls of 4 mm rope to tie it all up and its a cheap option. The whole thing stretches with the wind hitting it but makes it sit on the hull. If your worried about the tarp rubbing just tape some bubble wrap to the hull first. It took me about 2 hrs to tie the whole boat up but that included straps and chains. Chain the boat fore and aft from the eye on the boat to the trailer. Use Turnbuckles. This ensures that if you hit the brakes hard all the load isn't on the winch post. I also threw a strap over the hull as well and it holds the cover down. The last thing I wanted to worry about was the new pride and joy coming loose.

Ask what trailer plug the boat has! I didn't even think of it and sure enough was different to the car. Bugger. Quick trip to Supercheap and problem solved.

Take a spare set of bearings and watch tyre pressures as road heat radically changes pressures. I actually had to let air out of my car tyres as they became too hot as we didn't stop too much.

Ensure you have spare fuel or a long range tank. The wind out there and a new boat changes fuel consumption drastically. Its nice to have backup.

I also ended up buying a wide door mirror in broken hill as I couldn't see the road trains coming up on me. The boat was wider than my centre console so road position is critical. It made it a lot better as I was surprised a couple of times with them passing me. triple trailers need concentration with the wind.

Scott

Murf Im interested to see what cover you get for the boat mate. I have exactly the same boat. I havent done any long road trips as of yet with it but will be heading up to Exxy with it sometime soon. So i will need something tough and durable. I have a weather proof cover it lives unfder currently when its waiting for me to come home from work. Its a great tub mate you'll love it.

Ryan 

Thanks Guys. Good Ideas Scott.

What are the stones like on this stretch are they bad?? Also does the covering of the boat make any difference to fuel economy. I heard someone suggest without it a cover they become a bit of a wind sock-May post this out as a separate post?? Also Scott what size tarps do you recommend and what do you mean by tarp clamps??

I plan on buying a 6 metre ratchet strap to strap down over the hull. I am told it has back restraining straps already on it. I have been recommended to tape packing blankets on the hull instead of bubble wrap. Bit tougher so I am advised.

Good idea on the chains and turnbuckles what size and length of chain did you end up using.

Yep I will get a mirror as well-good idea given the trucks.

Ryan I will let you know once I make my mind up on tarps. I have speaking to 2 mates who have custom tarps (6.1 and 5.25 boats) they are advising not to waist my time on the $329 jobs. They are also advising not to worry about a cover for the tow from Victoria given the boat will be empty and the roads are pretty good.

Hopefully I get some thoughts on this from this forum.