Trailering

[rcnight]

I'm a new member and a longtime SeaCraft devotee. I sadly parted with my 20 Seafari a few years back and now wish to corect my error. I had a single axel trailer with my 20 and was never too happy the way it pulled with a full fuel tank. I'm looking for a 20 or 23 cc this time around - or maybe another Seafari. I drive an 4.0 v-6 Explorer with a tow package. Could my Explorer pull a 23? Any comments? Oh, my the way - I have a 92 900s Saab convertible or a 16' Phantom flats boat to trade if anyone is interested?

[EBEACH]

RC,

I posted this in the "for sale" section. Don't know anything about it. Came across it while searching. As of 10/8 it was available.

20 Ft. Seacraft 350 O/B engine EVEN trade for smaller boat -
Elvis643@aol.com 14:54:27 08/26/02
Have a 20 Ft. Seacraft with 350 inboard engine, new starter,alternator and bildge pump. its a 1975 and the engine was overhauled in June 2002. All fiberglass, white with green trim, seats 4.ooking for EVEN trade for a 15-18 foot fishing boat with not less that 50HP outboard engine.I am in the fort Lauderdale area of Florida. Boat in water Ready to Go.Trailer
http://www.everythingboats.com/btsex...sexchange.html

[JohnB]

RC,
I am down the road from you on sr434 and I trailer 1-2 times a week to both the east and west coast with a 23 Scepter. Trailering isn't a problem, but get a real good alum. double axle trailer with good brakes and balance. I had mine custom made for my boat, (2,600 new), and it tows like a dream. The older 20 or 23 foot boats are just too big and heavy for a single axle trailer. As far a tow vehicle, I use an '89 suburban w/350 efi. The Explorer would probably do fine with the 20' and less than a 1/2 tank of gas, but I think you might have some difficulties with a full rigged and gased 23. Maybe someone else can speak for the explorer's towing capabilities. The good news is there are not a whole lot of hills in our neck of the woods.
Good Luck.

[ScottM]

RC,
I have a 23' Sceptre and have towed it with my '00 Chevy Blazer (4.3 liter V-6). It's rated to tow 5,600#, but other than towing from the storage yard and back twice a year (8 miles one way, no highway), I wouldn't do any more than that. I have a dual axle trailer with hydraulic brakes, but still, the Blazer isn't big enough to safely tow the 23' any distance. JohnB does it right using a Suburban for a 23'. Your Explorer would be fine towing a 20' though.

Scott

[ychtcptn]

This is an interesting thread. I am looking to buy a new vehicle with the hopes of one day towing a 23' and right now i can't afford more than an explorer size vehicle. Right now I have a Mountaineer towing my 18 Boston Whaler and it does fine, for the short tow, haven't tried it for a long ride yet. I would like to hear more vehicle boat matchups and estimates on the weight of a fully loaded 23.

[Brian Rice]

I personally would not tow a 23' with anything less than a fullsize pickup, suburban,excursion, etc. I have a 1973 23' I/O CC and tow it allot over the road and would not feel comfortable in anything less than my F-250 Crew Cab pick up. As far as the trailer it is dual axle w/o brakes at this time. We will have breaks on it for next season.

I would be more than happy to give anyone advise.We have done a fair amount of traveling.