1978 SeaCraft 23 open

[John R]

Ryank - what kind of truck?

[LiveLine]

I have never weighed it, but I would also guess close to 5,000 lbs. The trailer does have brakes, and that makes a huge difference when trailering, especially stopping. The biggest problem may be the ability to pull out of a steep or slippery ramp.

[TUGBOAT]

G-80 Locking Diff (GM);Trans cooler;Oil cooler(helps);platform hitch (make sure BALL has correct weight capacity);correct tounge weight;
GEARS Higher the # Lower the gear- average approx 1000#'s towing diff.between the Gear #'s.
No Hills ! Flat Ground !All play a Factor in towing. Towing is easier than stopping !
Scream'n Reels'
Whata Ya'towing With

[Ryank]

$I have a new nissan crew cab with the tow package, ltd slip etc etc i only tow the boat 2 times ayear to the keys and the rest of the time it sits at my dock .

[ScottM]

Ryan,
I used to tow our 23 Sceptre with a '00 Chevy Blazer (4.3L Vortec, 3.73 rear end) rated for 5,600#. We only did this 2X a year, 8 miles each way from winter storage to marina and back on 30-35 mph side roads. I would not tow the boat on the highway at all, even with trailer brakes. Your Nissan is similar in size, tow capacity and weight to the Blazer and you could get yourself into some real trouble trying to slow down a 25-27' long rig weighing at least 5,000# on the highway. IMO I'd get a bigger truck for a 23, at least a Chevy/GMC 1500, Ford F150 or Dodge 1500. I now have an F150 w/5.4L Triton and it tows the boat effortlessly.

Like Capt. Brad said, the towing is easy, it's the stopping that's hard.

Just my $0.02.

[TUGBOAT]

Hi Here's Your delima' Your pulling a Boat & Trailer that weighs the same if not more than Your truck.The brakes are designed to stop Your Truck.Trailer brakes will assist Your stopping ability.The only problem is on The "Trail" or Krome You won't have much WARNING of that STOP ! Especially if a Gator or Panther decides to cross in front of You.I pulled My 20' with a '94 s-10 blazer 2dr.& Yes I could pass Ya @ 60 mph.I have gone thru traffic a light with the horn blow'n & Me a waving Brakes a work'n(i was doin 45-50 at the start of the stop). Hook up to one look in Your RearView Mirror .That outta scare the *@$%*&^ Out ya !!I've seen Smaller rigs towing bigger boats soooo!
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Miles Offshore]

I recently pulled my 23 inboard with my Toyota Tundra, 4wd,trd,tow package all that, rated to tow 7200 lbs. I towed it from the boat ramp to my house then back. One way about 15 miles. Yes it towed it fine but that big assed boat behind me didnt give me that warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach. Lots of folks around my way tow here to Oregon Inlet NC(1.5 hrs) as well as Hatteras Inlet (3 hrs)and there is no way in heck that I would tow mine with the tundra that distance. Not that I dont think it wouldnt do it but I just wouldnt feel safe. And if that baby ever came unhooked or anything like that there is no doubt in my mind what might happen. No thanx for me !!!! A 350 Burban would be a different story though!!!just my .02$ - craig