Can I tow this boat?

4wheelpeel · 02-01-2008, 06:31 AM

I found a dude up north giving this boat away yes I said free. Its a 26' 1979 sea ray boat. I would have to tow it from IL to GA would it be to much weight.
I have the big tow pkg. Here is a pic.

**loufish** · 02-01-2008, 06:41 AM

I'll bet that boat is reall heavy...Have to wait until some sailors weigh in on how much...

4wheelpeel · 02-01-2008, 06:49 AM

Yeah I bet its heavy also but man its free. I hope I can get this!!!!

Any boaters have a clue what this beast would weigh?

Quartz · 02-01-2008, 06:55 AM

Free!! At that price I'd tow it if I had to use a Honda Civic.

I tow a 26' Cuddy with mine. We load it with about a dozen scuba tanks, ice chests, fuel, spear guns, lead weight belts, etc. It sits on a triple axel trailer and when it’s completely loaded boat, trailer, and gear weigh about 8,500. Add 4 guys to the truck and it is quite a load but the Titan handles it without complaining. I should add that I don't normally haul it more than about 80 miles though.

Make sure the trailer is up to the task, empty any liquids that you can from the boat to reduce the weight and take it slow until you see how everything is working. Practice stopping the load on a deserted road. Surge brakes take some getting used to.

**Carbeaux** · 02-01-2008, 06:57 AM

It's free? Rent a truck if you have to!!!!!!!

4wheelpeel · 02-01-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quartz

Free!! At that price I'd tow it if I had to use a Honda Civic.

I tow a 26' Cuddy with mine. We load it with about a dozen scuba tanks, ice chests, fuel, spear guns, lead weight belts, etc. It sits on a triple axel trailer and when it’s completely loaded boat, trailer, and gear weigh about 8,500. Add 4 guys to the truck and it is quite a load but the Titan handles it without complaining. I should add that I don't normally haul it more than about 80 miles though.

Make sure the trailer is up to the task, empty any liquids that you can from the boat to reduce the weight and take it slow until you see how everything is working. Practice stopping the load on a deserted road. Surge brakes take some getting used to.

Thanks for the help. so I will need to buy a brake controler?

4wheelpeel · 02-01-2008, 07:15 AM

Just talked to the guy. Its needs a new or rebuilt motor and needs interior work but thats it. He told me it weighs about 5k pds so towing it will not be an issue. Anyone have a boat trailer they want to rent me for a week?

Quartz · 02-01-2008, 07:17 AM

If you can get a boat trailer it will probably have surge (hydraulic) brakes and you won't need a brake controller. If you are using a temporary trailer just to haul it home (i.e. one not designed to be submerged) you will need a brake controller.

**DeadRiver** · 02-01-2008, 07:22 AM

My dad has an 88 26' welcraft with a 9-10 foot beam (can't remember) with twin 260 merc cruisers. he also wanted to move his boat... he found a nice triple axle trailer an old boat relocating company didn't need for about 3 grand. We've talked about moving the boat with my truck, our best guess is the boat is around 9-10k lbs not including the trailer. When he pulled it out this season since I don't have a tow package or trailer hitch, yet, He decided to use his buddy and his f-350... I will hopefully pull it with the titan this summer. It'll only be a 5-6 mile trip on secondary roads with the trailer having brakes/controller... So far everyone has said go for it... he moves the boat/trailer around the yard in his isuzu rodeo..

Obviously your trip is much longer, but I hope at least our boat weight/trailer info is helpful.

4wheelpeel · 02-01-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quartz

If you can get a boat trailer it will probably have surge (hydraulic) brakes and you won't need a brake controller. If you are using a temporary trailer just to haul it home (i.e. one not designed to be submerged) you will need a brake controller.

do places rent boat trailers and are they expencive?

**DeadRiver** · 02-01-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4wheelpeel

do places rent boat trailers and are they expencive?

That's a great question.. I know the guys my dad bought the trailer from did this as a full time service so I imagine it's not cheap.... father/son team, dad retired, son wasn't interested in keeping it big...

Quartz · 02-01-2008, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4wheelpeel

do places rent boat trailers and are they expencive?

I can’t speak for Kennesaw, but there are no places I can rent boat trailers locally. A trailer for that boat will need to be at least a double axel. For a decent used double axel galvanized around here I’d expect it to run $1500 to $2500. A brand new triple axel aluminum two to three times as much.

Blindside · 02-01-2008, 08:47 AM

You can tow that boat no problem.

The onlything to worry about is tongue weight when pulling large loads. I have personally towed stock trailers with 20,000 lbs of cattle behind a old dodge rated to tow 7,000 lbs. But it was a 3/4 ton so it could handle the tongue weight. As far as pulling that load it was a slow go but it can be done.

4wheelpeel · 02-01-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blindside

You can tow that boat no problem.

The onlything to worry about is tongue weight when pulling large loads. I have personally towed stock trailers with 20,000 lbs of cattle behind a old dodge rated to tow 7,000 lbs. But it was a 3/4 ton so it could handle the tongue weight. As far as pulling that load it was a slow go but it can be done.

I dont think I will have a problem towing it I just need to find a trailer now!!!!
come on guys rent me your trailer!!! free boat rides this summer!!!!

mneal · 02-01-2008, 09:53 AM

There are several places around here (Tampa Bay) that rent boat trailers. I bet there are some by you.