towing a 1975 20 SF

[Fr. Frank]

Ken and the others are right.
Stopping the load is MUCH more important than pulling it.

I once pulled a 34' Scarab from Miami to Melbourne with a 1955 CJ3B with a 215 ci Olds V8. Took 2 blocks to stop from 45 mph. Hit the brakes hard one time and the boat shoved me over 200'. Trailer brakes didn't work very well.

[Normagain]

I agree on the stopping comments, and just because it is a full size truck or other vehicle with a good tow rating, doesn't mean it has good brakes. My old trusty 96 Chevy 1500 had issues stopping short even without a load, lol.

[FishStretcher]

I towed a 20MA with the 2.7 liter 4 cylinder automatic Tacoma. Once. I don't think the trans would take it for a long time. The brakes were not up to it. Towing with a F250 diesel is great. Especially with surge brakes. 4WD is needed for really steep ramps.

I wouldn't suggest it, but a 3 ton F250 can haul and stop a 25 footer on a trailer withou brakes. Not well, but not horribly. Which is nice in case you lose trailer brakes.

[deadrise]

Originally Posted by jim

First post here, hope it is the right spot. Have a 2004 Toyota Highlander, V6, AWD. Am considering towing my 1975 20 SF with it. Live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland so flat land. Tow rating is 3,500 lbs. I calculate the boat loaded with motor to be 2800 lbs. Any thoughts or experience towing with one of these?
Thx, Jim

I'm doing the same math with mine. I have a 20 sceptre 1978 hull that I think weighs 1400 pounds now plus 400 motor so it's 1800, plus trailer 800= 2600 total weight. My 2012 Toyota Tacoma reg cab 4wd with 2.7 4 Cylinder is rated at 3500 but it's not a real truck.

But I'm used to Chevy diesels which tow and stop like the boat/trailers not even there so I don't have much faith in my Toyota Taco but I'm going to try it.