Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I am considering purchasing a new pickup truck. I would like to know about the performance and/or your experiences with typical 2-wheel drive trucks(Ford F-150, Chevy/GMC 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra). I will be towing a 23CC (Estimated weight 5500# ??). My primary concern is that of pulling the boat up a ramp. I feel safe assuming that all of these trucks would be satisfactory towing, but will I be forced to consider 4WD just to get it up the ramp? Our tides average 5-6 feet, so assume the average ramp drop would be 3 feet over varaible ramp lengths. Thank you for your remarks.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

2 boat theory Bill. I have a Tundra 2001 4 wheel drive and it pulls easy up the ramp. The truck is rated to pull 7200 lbs but the truck is also very light. If you just do short trips to the ramp and back its a great truck and I really love mine, but if you are doing many highway miles get a full sized pick-up with some weight to it. It makes me nervous on the highway stopping at a stoplight doing 50 looking in my rearview mirror. JMO- craig

Go SOX !!!!!

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

[img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] 2 Boat
I think you need the 4 wheel drive especially if you are using a "float-on" type trailer. Some steep ramps at low tide have a lot of green slippery rash and no grip grooves will give you touble [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] A pick up has little weight in the rear.
I have a full size Bronco (OJ Special) with a 351 automatic 4x4 and it does trick on the long hauls in the Florida heat. I tow with the a/c on and 55mph to the keys and the west coast of Fla (300 miles) with now problems. I need the 4 wheel in most of the ramps. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Bill, I also have a Tundra with 4 wheel drive and while I wouldn't hesistate to tow my 20' anywhere, I have to agree with Miles comments about the 23'. Go fullsize. Got to disagree with his choice of baseball teams however. Go Yanks!

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

you'll only miss the 4WD when you really need it...

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I have a 23 and use a Chevy 1500 with 4 wheel drive. You're right in that its not needed at all to tow, esp with the tow/haul shift pattern. I would recommend it for the ramp though. At low tide you may have to be pretty far down the ramp to make the water with a float on trailer and it helps a lot. Consider too that you will probably have extra weight in the truck and bed. The heavier suspension helps too. You will not need the Z71 version though.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

2 Boat Bill,1500 5.3 V8 G-80 (Locking Diff.) 3.42 gear if Ya want fuel Mileage vs pulling power then 3:73 less top end more pulling.Just depends on how often/far You tow. 4x4 will tow 500#s less than a 2wd.Weighs more therefore gvwr/trailering changes. It will be helpfull on steep/alage/muddy etc. Ramps.I didn't get where You were from. Expect about &2500 more & Upkeep.
Get the Factory tow package,Has coolers & wiring.
Scream'n Reels'
Got Snow ? [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

2 boat .... like Mark and others say you'll only miss 4 wheel when you need it ..... I have come up a ramp at low tide in Florida without 4x4 and it was NOT FUN .... Had to wait for the tide ....

I tow (only a few times with this boat 23 cc) with a 1500 4x4 5.7/350 and with the trailer balanced properly you cant tell the boat is behind you .... no problem stopping either

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I had to pull a guy up the ramp the other day as it was a minus tide and the ramp was full of green slime. He had a 1/2 ton full sized pick up and was trying to pull up a boat out that weighs less then our 23 foot seacrafts. I have a F350 4x4 diesel. My truck stays in 2 wheel drive 99% of the time. For your application a minimum of a 1/2 ton pickup is the right choice and consider a 4x4 as they have bailed me out of trouble many times throughout the years. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Strick

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Bill, it's a tough call.In SC you don't need the 4WD for the snow.I have a Dodge Ram and an alum bunk trailer, at the 2 ramps I normally use, I've never needed 4wd.But I have put in some nasty ramps in R.I. where I used it.It is nice to be able to travel around and not worry but only you can say if it's worth the extra bucks.
One thing to keep in mind is that you really only need the traction to get STARTED up the ramp,and that's when there is very little tongue weight esp with a bunk trailer.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

2 Boat,
I have an F-150 4x4 w/5.4 V8 and 3.73 rear end. No problems towing up our ramps in 2WD at low tide with an all-roller trailer (8-10 foot tides). I usually dunk the trailer pretty deep so we can drive the boat on as far as possible (no power winch [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] ). Not sure about the float-on, but spend the extra $ and go 4WD if you have any doubts whatsoever.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I am in Charleston and drive a 2 wheel drive Dodge Ram. I have the 5.2 V-8 and have no trouble on the ramps around Charleston. It is a manual transmission and I do need to drop a few gears for steep hills when trailering (ie Cooper River Bridge). If money wasn't an issue I would get 4x4 big diesel ford but the Dodge works for now. Good luck with the decision and I hope those Gamecocks can pull off a miracle against LSU this weekend.

CMB

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I tow my 23 with a F-150 V 8 with just the limited slip rear end and the towing pack. I use the Loadmaster drive on type trailer with the proper tong weight. I have never had any problems at the ramps I use, but I only put in at good ramps. The tide here is about 2’ or so.
FellowShip [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

IMHO, miniumum rig for a 23':

GM 1500, 5.3, 4x4, 3.73, limited slip, Z-71 adds some heft to the rear end. Or equal.

My comment on the 2500 and/ or bigger motor depends on how far/where you haul. You only need it occationally, but you pay for with horible fuel milage ALL the time. Plus the ride sucks compared to a 1500 or HD 1/2. I really like the 1500 4 door HD 1/2 ton that GM has out now. But I'm sure the new F-150 is sweet too.

I agree with Brian. It's about stopping too...

I've also learned to set up trailers with long necks so your tires are not in the water. Proper tongue weight and properly adjusted disk brakes are HUGE.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I realize that since I only own an old 20' Grady, my replies aren't a heavily weighted but I'll put in my $.02 anyway. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I used to tow my boat w/ a Jeep Cherokee 4.0 liter, auto, 4x4 (2 speed transfer case) and 3.55 gears. I'd get lots of nasty looks and people telling me that vehicle was too small to lug that boat around...until it was ramp time!

The Jeep had more than enough power but leave it in 2 wheel drive and I couldn't get anywhere...no traction. 4 HI made pulling the boat out a breeze and 4 LO was like towing a jet ski! Absolutely get the 4x4! The guys in full size 2 wheel drives weren't so nasty after I put on my show! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] If you can't swing 4x4, go for a limited slip or full locking rear differential and be prepared to weight the rear end down.

I now tow w/ a Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4x4, 5.7 HEMI, 5 speed auto, 4.10 gears, limited slip rear, etc. That damn truck doesn't even know the boat is there. I upgraded my tow vehicle simply because the Jeep didn't have adequate stopping power or enough weight to keep it stable at anything over 55 when towing. I could lug that boat around at 80 now if I wanted!!!

For pulling a 23'er, I'd really consider a 3/4 ton.

Good luck.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I have a 97 f150 2wd and it rips my boat up the ramps around mass, which are shitty ramps to say the least. My boat weighs approx 5300 lbs loaded. Four wheel drive if you are going to launch at a beach, two has been ample for the ramps- without a hitch; no pun intended.

P.S. Have a buddy who used to pull a 23' seacraft with an '88 chevy S10 4wd, man did that look funny- not something i ever aspired to do. Full size pickup for a full sized boat.

[ October 18, 2003, 12:05 PM: Message edited by: BJGreen ]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Bill-

When I bought my 23 cc, I owned a Tacoma V6 4x4 which I loved, but it could never handle towing the 23. I searched for a V8 and found a '99 Chevy Z71 with 38K miles and it does a great job. The ramps here on Cape Cod can sometimes be treacherous at best and I have never had an issue with thie truck. I carry 150 gallons of fuel in my 23 and again, no sweat.

Good luck with your decision, I HATE buying another vehicle! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] Boats are another thing entirely....!

-Hooper

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Oh no, I must be the only loser here to tow my SeaCraft 23 with a CAR! I have a crappy old lincoln LSC that is a 1988. BUT, it has the 5.0 mustang gt 225 hp engine and a posi rear and 225 16 tires. It will pull up any ramp known to man except one that is all sand or one with a drop off. Perhaps because of the low tongue the weight is centered on the rear tires. Yeah, I have had bug eyed stares from the local rednecks but they are amazed it actually does it. FYI, I only tow 1/2 mile from my house to the ramp so it works for me. You will be also happy to know I got a ford F150 econoline full sized conversion van that, as of tomorrow, will take the place of the Lincoln.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

hey briguy

You got rednecks on your side of the state? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Yeah, we got readnecks. And the ones staring at me on the ramp were mostly WOMEN! I havn't even began to tell you about the men. They pretty much all remind me of the character boomhower on king of the hill.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

WELL I DRIVE THE DODGE 1/2 TON 2 WHEEL DRIVE WITH THE 5.7 HEMI & THE TOWING PACKAGE & THE STOCK 20"TIRES & RIMS. I HAVE NEVER SPUN A TIRE AT THE RAMPS IN PALM BEACH OR THE LOWER KEYS. I PULL A 23FT 1974 SEACRAFT CENTER CONSOLE I CAN,T EVEN TELL THE BOAT IS BACK THERE! ! ! BUT I SHOULD HAVE GOT TRAILER BRAKES ON THAT DANG TRAILER ! ! ! PEOPLE SURE DRIVE LIKE IDIOTS IN MIAMI ! ! ! !HA HA HA BUY THE WAY I GET ABOUT 8-9 MILES A GALLON WHEN TOWING. BUY THE WAY THE SEACRAFT IS FOR SALE ..... NOT THE TRUCK THO! ! ! DIVESALONE@AOL.COM

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Well you saw my reply about the Tundra as a tow vehicle, but she sure does look great (IMHO)lol

http://images.snapfish.com/338%3A794...%3C56697ot1lsi

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Hey Scout

The CG should have bought your "Seacraft to tow the TRUCK" back to Cuba not sink it! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...ba/6370341.htm

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Yugo GV with tow package and reinforced transom (in Yugo that is, to deal with being overrun by 23' boat at the stop light). If vehicle gets wrecked, simply buy another one for less than a new t-top.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Amen, Brother!

http://images.cardomain.com/member_i.../406412_15.jpg

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Otto,

That particular one would almost match the color of your boat as well! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] A matched set would definitely get rave reviews at the ramp [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Now here's a Tow vehicle for our Seacrafts [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

I think John can post this Bad Boy as a link on his Bayliner.Com [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...1&m=1426098854

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Captn Chuck......Hands down thats the best picture I have seen. I tow mine with a 2003 f350 4x4 duallie with a v10 and I thought I was big..Maybe I should get a camper in the bed.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Get the 4X4 you will never regret the decision. I have the same truck as Scott w/5.4 Lariat package and it pulls my 20 ft. boat like it isn't even there, when the ramp gets dicey I pull the lever and just keep on truckin'. I agree with the earlier comment that full size boat needs a full size tow vehicle. The other thing most don't think about is stopping the whole rig in time, Toyota Tundra will pull it fine but will it stop it in time?? I have 4-wheel disc brakes and 4-wheel discs on the trailer, when the trailer brakes needed replacing I could tell there was a significant difference in stopping distance.

Mike M.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Take it back Scout, take it back......I live in Miami and I ONLY drive like an idiot when I have to......

2 Boat Bill,
If you really want to know why you should get a full size truck with 4WD, come and sit on a busy Sunday at the ramp I use and see just how many of those 2WD vehicles go swimming!!!!!

2000 F150 Extended Cab 4X4 5.4 with the 7700 package, towing a Concept 23 and occasionally a 24 Grady. I don't slip, ever. For the extra money, you will never have to explain to the insurance company how the truck went swimming. Just my opinion....

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I believe in the bigger the better theory. S

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

so go with the bigger truck. I persoanlly use a 2000 Ford F240 4x4 7.3 diesel. A little bit of over kill but when i am towing my 29 Sea Vee to the keys I can pull it at 85 mph. Oh yeah i never have any problem with ramps either.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

"...towing my 29 Sea Vee to the keys I can pull it at 85 mph..."

Now there's a visual [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Towing my 23'Sceptre with a '97 3/4 ton 4x4 Chevy Silverado (5.7 with auto and 4:10 gears). No problem at all and like the larger brake system. Also definitely keep a well maintained trailer brake system for added safety.

Fabricating a trailer sliding tongue extension that can be utilized according to tides and ramp condition is also great.

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

I just sprang for a new ride Tuesday night. My 96 Dodge 4X4 with a 318cid engine (with 150,000 miles on it)was not enough truck on the highway. At the ramp it's fine, but in a head wind I can only run 55mph (and that's with me running behind it pushing it).

I told the wife I planned to fish the SKA tournament trail this year and needed diesel power to pull it. So we found a "good deal" on a demo that had 5,000 miles on it. Really I don't think there is such a thing as a good deal, but for what we got I don't feel "to bent over".

It's a 2500 Quad cab 4x4 Cummings diesel with a automatic trans. I had to go with the automatic so the wife can drive it. The clutch on the other Dodge was too hard. So I'm stuck driving it still.

She loves it! It's quite, fast and it has a great ride. I could beleive the get-up n go it has. I have not pulled the boat yet, but it looks like I'll get to fish Sunday so I'll give it a try then.

I wish I could post a photo, I put a picture of my boat on "New Members" thread. But now I don't know how I did it.

[ December 05, 2003, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: Captn C ]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Man I have not been around but will post this.
F250 w/ 7.3 PSD towing 60mph 13.8mpg, otherwise she gets 19.5 highway. Yes the ride is stiffer but with the optional Ranchero adjustable shocks she is a sweet ride. I don't worry aboput stopping or starting and there is no ramp needed [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

You will never have a problem towing anything with this baby! no prob towing

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

George,
You MUST be kidding! And, for a mear 93 grand! Pocket Change for Donald Trump but let's get real. Ya know, if I could get my hands on one, I know exactly what I would do with it too!!!

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

Re: Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC
 

original owner and only 58K miles:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=5357