FLORIDA TO ALASKA

[Catfish Hunter]

Joined in Feb. and talked about our planned trip!  Some of you wanted to know how it went!  Flew to Atlanta, bought a 2001 Dodge diesel in Winder, Ga (didn't know turbocharger and lift pump were bad), drove to Port St. Lucie, FL and picked up the 1998 215 DC.  Had a custom Continental trailer made before hand with 15" wheels and 5000# axles. Bought a new 175 Suzuki, had trim tabs added, and some electronics. It was all ready to go when we got there.  Met a man down there who handled everything for us - what a deal . He's an outboard engine mechanic, drives for Seatow and does pontoon boat lectures at a nearby state park(I now tap his brain for everything boat related). We spent a week in Stuart with shake down cruises and had coney island hot dogs off a barge. Stayed at the Harbor Inn by the water.  What a really nice area !  We are now friends and he and his family will be coming up next year.  We left in mid-May and drove back the 6400 miles to Fairbanks.  I guess I have the only AS 215 DC in Alaska !  We'll be using it mainly in Valdez !   We also have a 1977 Reinell 247 and several inflatables (wife calls them puffer boats). Thought you might like some photos !!

[slvrlng]

WOW!!!!

That was worth the wait!

[wingtime]

Wow what a trip!  15" wheels and what looks like two spare tires, wheels, and hubs is just the ticket for a such a long tow.  Nice rig, boat and trailer.  I think you have won the longest tow on here!

[Aswaff400]

what a haul! im considering hauling my AS out to colorado next spring after my truck is done being built, miss the mountains for 4-wheeling but dont want to get rid of the boat

[MarshMarlowe196]

Very Cool  8)

Welcome aboard CH.

Just curious, being from Fla.
Why choose and open deck plan rather than a cuddy/walkaround?
Even with global warming it still gets kinda cold up that way.  :rendeer:

Good luck and keep us posted during your sojourn.

I have to admit, I'm curious too.  What was the inspiration that led you to this particular boat?

[RickK]

I guess I have the only AS 215 DC in Alaska !

I would think there aren't too many fiberglass boats up that way?  I thought that was aluminum and inflatable country.
What is the reason for the deck on the trailer?  What is it made out of?

[GoneFission]

Now THAT'S a road trip!  

[jasons215]

WOW! that's a LONG way to go to get a boat! Gald you all made it home safe! The whole set up looks A+!

[seabob4]

I LOVE IT!!!  Congrats!  And I love the old 215DC, one of my favorite Aquasports!  Enjoy her!  The 175 Zuke is a great motor as well.  If you need a service manual for it, I can send you one via email PDF form...no charge!

[flounderpounder225]

I guess I have the only AS 215 DC in Alaska !

I would think there aren't too many fiberglass boats up that way?  I thought that was aluminum and inflatable country.
What is the reason for the deck on the trailer?  What is it made out of?

Rick,
I guarantee that deck is there to keep your feet dry from that ice water if you have to play with the bow hook or anything up there while in the water at the boat ramp??  
Marc

[allen456]

I guess I have the only AS 215 DC in Alaska !

I would think there aren't too many fiberglass boats up that way?  I thought that was aluminum and inflatable country.
What is the reason for the deck on the trailer?  What is it made out of?

Rick,
I guarantee that deck is there to keep your feet dry from that ice water if you have to play with the bow hook or anything up there while in the water at the boat ramp??  
Marc

That or the deck is there also for road debris protection for 6k mile trip.  Wish I knew you were going to look at the truck in winder, it is only 10 miles down the road from my house.  oh well, looks great and great photos.

[RickK]

That or the deck is there also for road debris protection for 6k mile trip.

I was thinking along the same lines - eliminate road debris or constant wind uplift.  Wasn't a closeup enough to see.  Seems it comes right to the front roller.

Catfish Hunter - you said you left in Mid-May - was that the start of the adventure or the start of the trip back? Did you stop at lakes all the way back?

[Aswaff400]

...Flew to Atlanta, bought a 2001 Dodge diesel in Winder, Ga (didn't know turbocharger and lift pump were bad).....

perfect excuse to put a compund turbo system on her :twisted: more power?

http://www.atsdiesel.com/ats2/productde ... Turbo_Kits

[mkguyvr]

The last picture from Stuart : This is right off of Sand Sprite Park where I put in, Straight shot to the inlet from there. Love having hotdogs there as well. That had to be one heck of a fuel bill to get you up to Alaska.

[seagate]

That is a long trip glad you made it safe,enjoy that boat sure looks great.