330 Mariner windshield removal

[mwest74]

Greetings all.
I need some help with possibly removing the windshield on my 1995 330 Mariner for transport. If my math is correct, The height is about 13'7" from the keel to the tallest part. Most over the road transporters the height down to a least 12'7". The transport can still be done but, it requires extra permits. I'm looking to save as much as I can due to some very costly repairs. So, my question is this: Can I easily remove the windshield myself? Or, should I just bite the bullet and get the extra permits? I'd like to think I'm pretty mechanically inclined. So, I'm not opposed to doing it myself. I just don't want to bite off more than I can chew. As far as paying the yard to do it, I've given them enough money

Thanks in advance.

[bud37]

How much more are the permits ?

[mwest74]

Not exactly sure how much the extra permits would be. There are only 1 or 2 transporters that will do it with the extra permits. I'm trying to get a feel for how difficult it would be as well as any potential issues after putting it back together.

[tomschauer]

not sure about the mariner wind shield but you may want to also consider...
You cant just set the keel on the trailer you need some sort of cradle, add a couple inches at least for that. Also, I am not 100% certain with the mariner, but don't the props, struts and shafts sit below the lowest part of the hull? You would also need to account for that or remove them which would be much more challenging than the windshield.
There are several reputable boat transporters in the Chesapeake city area, I would ask them to look at the boat and give you a quote.

[mwest74]

Thanks. I've already considered all of this. The trailer and cradle is all the responsibility of the mover. Hence the I need to lose about a foot off the top (standard DOT bridge clearance is 13'7"). I was just wondering about the windshield.

[bud37]

Not sure about your model, but the following applies to the newer 350 mariner, have a look at the base of the windshield....if and I say if there is a plastic/rubbery looking trim piece in the framework, that is the screw cover...once removed you will be able to access the screws to remove the frame work, hopefully they are not machine screws with nuts underneath .......now if you were to go to the Carver Yachts site and look at the parts/instructions part, you will see how to install the windows on a newer 350 mariner, I know it is a different year model, but it may still give you an idea what is what......now if the trim is like I said you may have to get new trim ( not cheap and maybe NLS) and the gasket after removal unless you are somewhat lucky.....anyway check it out and decide what to do from there....good luck man, hope it works out for you.....

[mjk1040]

I believe you are going to have to take the top window frame off if you can and then remove each glass panel. A heat gun may be needed to soften the rubber frame seal. If you can't float your boat to its new location, I would keep looking for a transporter. It seems to me that this boat should be able to be transported without removing the windshield and the bow down on the trailer should clear the 13'6" height restriction on roads. I'd keep looking for a transporter. I have seen a 32' 1986 Mariner on a tri axle trailer behind a 1 ton truck being hauled down the road with no problem! Good Luck my friend.