trailering concerns

captdan · #1 06-30-2010, 10:00 PM

I've been looking at seacrafts now of a few months, I like the lines and looks of these older potter builts. One of the many other reason why, i like these boats is that there alot lighter than most boats there size. I've been looking at the 20footers. Especially the 20MA. I own a jeep wrangler unlimited and can only tow 3400lbs. To the owners of the 20footers what do you tow with? Do you find that these boats are really 1600pounds dry? I figure boat,motor, trailer,and gas should be around 3200. Has anyone ever weighed there set up?

Another question is how easy are boat parts for these boats? like inside rails, bump rails.
thanks Dan

Blue197320 · #2 06-30-2010, 11:39 PM

if your max is 3400 lbs, id be thinking about maybe another tow vehicle. at the very least get some trailer brakes. sometimes i wish i had brakes on my 20's trailer. im towing with a fullsize gmc 1500. the truck does not like panic stops with the boat on the back.

Bushwacker · #3 07-01-2010, 12:55 AM

If you get an aluminum trailer with good stainless brakes on it, I think you'd be ok. I tow my Seafari on a 900 lb steel trailer (I figure entire rig fully loaded is about 4000 lbs) WITH BRAKES with a Dodge Dakota and it stops fine, like I don't even have the boat back there. I added the brakes after I got the trailer, and they make a HUGE difference!

Old'sCool · #4 07-01-2010, 06:05 AM

Most states have very specific laws regarding towing trailers, weight, and brake requirements. I think you're a little close on the weight for towing any distance....around the corner on flat land with a not-so-steep ramp might be OK with that Jeep.

ggreeby · #5 07-01-2010, 09:49 AM

It is in your best interest to have brakes on any trailer over 1500 pounds GVW . Also working brakes on all axles regardless of number of axles. You will not find any combination that stop to well. George.

SOS · #6 07-01-2010, 10:26 AM

I towed mine home from the shop yesterday and was suprised when I monitored my gas mileage how much it dropped. It's a 07 Chevy Silverado 4.8 liter V8. I usually get 16.8 mpg normal driving highway and city without the boat. Towing the boat down the interstate and through town 45 miles yesterday my mileage dropped to 10.7 mpg. Huge drop, point being I disagree that the boat is light, for a 20' boat that thing is heavy, and built like a tank just the way I like it. I'd get brakes or a new tow vehicle.
SOS

NoBones · #7 07-01-2010, 11:53 AM

Tow with a 1999 1/2 ton Dodge 2WD 5.9L (360)
Average 16-17 mpg highway towing sail boat fuel...

Plug the No Bones in her butt and hit the road, mileage
drops to 8-9 mpg.... [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
Stopping with the Dodge has never been a problem
even without brakes on the trailer.
Total "wet" weight is 4954 lbs.
Trailer 1190 lbs.
Fuel 480 lbs
Motor 350 lbs.

Just my .02¢ worth..

See ya, Ken