Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC - Page 2

ScottM · #11 10-17-2003, 10:41 AM

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.

CMBarnes · #12 10-17-2003, 10:45 AM

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

FELLOW-SHIP · #13 10-17-2003, 11:54 AM

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]

ocuyler · #14 10-17-2003, 10:26 PM

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.

gw204 · #15 10-18-2003, 01:56 AM

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.

BJGreen · #16 10-19-2003, 01:04 AM

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 ]

Hooper · #17 10-23-2003, 12:04 PM

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

Briguy · #18 10-23-2003, 05:32 PM

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.

Capt Chuck · #19 10-23-2003, 06:18 PM

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]

Briguy · #20 10-27-2003, 12:16 PM

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.