Thoughts on towing a Cruisecraft to Cairns from Brisbane

[Almako]

Hi all will be heading to The Cape next year for 5 weeks. Am considering taking the Cruise Craft 625 Explorer as far as Cairns and trying to get some fishing done whilst up there.

Just wondering from those who have been there before should I bother? Do I have enough time for both? Where in Cairns could I store it for a few weeks and pick it up on my way back?

Would love to have a boat I could take further but funds won't allow me to get another one.

[Steve villani]

Hi all will be heading to The Cape next year for 5 weeks. Am considering taking the Cruise Craft 625 Explorer as far as Cairns and trying to get some fishing done whilst up there.

Just wondering from those who have been there before should I bother? Do I have enough time for both? Where in Cairns could I store it for a few weeks and pick it up on my way back?

Would love to have a boat I could take further but funds won't allow me to get another one.

Honestly, I would just hire one when I got there.
Even if you are driving anyway, 1800ks each way with a hefty boat on the back makes for a big trip.
Personally, I'd take my own gear, and hire the boats.

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[Dirtyfuzz]

Yeah I’d just do a couple of charters, probably work out cheaper, especially if you blow out a tyre or two or worse!


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[PixieAU]

Agree with above. Think of how long it takes to recon your local area let alone somewhere different. Also doesn't take much change in weather to ruin a boating trip. Long way to tow it but not use it (speaking from exact same experience)

[scottar]

As above. If you were staying in Cairns for a month - for sure but the savings on fuel alone will pay for a few trips on charters - with a lot more flexibility around the weather. The Cruisy probably isn't the pick of craft to chase barra round an estuary if it's a bit breezy offshore.

[upstart]

You could tow it to Airlie and leave it there. Can still get around the islands a bit if it's blowy.

[Noelm]

I guess to look at realistically, to tow a big boat like that, even with limited stops, and a couple of drivers, plus no trailer "issues" is going to take at least 2 days each way (but probably 3) that is a fair chunk out of your trip, and that's assuming you don't stop and use the boat on the way up and back.

[Stressless]

It's a long tow, particularly if you come when it's blowing 25knots, or tropical downpours with scuds of 35k.

There are storage yards with good security.

Also a few good charter boats up here specialising in bottom bashing, pelagics, marlin etc etc etc.

I've just sold my reef boat

[TREVELLY]

We towed my boat from Lucinda near Cairns (6.25m plate boat) on the back of the V8 diesel landcruiser and did not even know it was there however if towed on the back of Nissan Patrol (4.2l diesel) I know it would be a nuisance and cost 50% more in fuel.
If you have a rig that tows it easily and readily - personally I would not have an issue to Cairns
Whilst we were there the winds blew from the SE at 20 to 30 knots night and day for a week and the locals said it probably will for the next 6 weeks - so that is a risk to throw into the mix as mentioned by others

[Almako]

Thanks for the feedback. Lots to think about though i'm not a fan of charters as it takes the self achievement out of it.
I really just need a tinny for the creeks I think.

[Funchy]

https://boabboats.com.au/cairns

[NAGG]

& here I am towing my 6.15 Barcrusher from Sydney to Lucinda for 1 weeks fishing next month ...... gotta have a sense of adventure .

Chris

[Lucky_Phill]

FWIW..... charters in NQ are not the same as SEQ. And you can also get Guides in one on one tinnies around the estuaries.

Good luck either way

cheers

[Lovey80]

& here I am towing my 6.15 Barcrusher from Sydney to Lucinda for 1 weeks fishing next month ...... gotta have a sense of adventure .

Chris

Just a tinny mate calm down.

[BigE]

Did the Brisvagas to Bowen run the last 2 yrs running, it's not without it's challenge but very doable.

you will need to be able to tow at the speed limit safely , once you get north the overtaking lanes dry up real quick. i was able to ensure the boat and tow vehicle were loaded correctly and well balanced and i stripped down all the clears to reduce the wind drag. The trip went well and i averaged 13.5 litres per 100km for the round trip. factors that would guide my decision would be

need to be able to tow at the speed limit
have a two way to talk to the trucks and grey nomads
new bearings before the trip
check and adjust brakes ( you should be able to do an emergency stop from 100kph if you cannot you should not consider this type of tow)
load the vehicles using scales and do everything you can to reduce wind drag and effect.
plan your trip including stops
take some spares and tools

most of all make good decisions stop when tired check the rig regularly dont take risks.


BigE

mos