First time boat buyer, need some advice.

[steve'o]

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a cabin cruiser and was wondering about the size. I have a 3/4 ton medium duty chevy pickup with a 350 motor and a decent rebuilt transmission. I was wanting a 27-30 footer and need to go up some hills up mount rainier. Is a 30 ft. searay or bayliner too big for my truck? Thanks, Steve.

 

[beavers82]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

Might be a little too heavy for your truck in the 30ft. range. I tow mine with a 3/4 ton dodge. It is a 25ft. and weighs about 5200 lbs. I have the boat for sale. If you are interested shoot me a PM.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

you need to find out max towing width, in the states you want to tow it. they may be too wide. also need trailer brakes on all axles.

 

[solar7647]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

Look in the owner manual for the trucks towing cap... depending on the witch boat a 27-30 foot it could be any where from 5000lb to 7000lbs depending on what kind of extras they have such as a full head, microwave, fridge and so on and if they are twin or single engine. The tow cap. of the truck should be in the rang of 10000lbs but that dosnt mean its not going to work hard to get it up a good size hill.

What kind of condition is the drive train in, are the rear leaf springs going to handle it...thats something people over look..the engine may pull it but its no good if the body is riding on the tires.

welcome to the forum...it will help alot being a new boater.!

 

[Philster]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

What year truck? 4WD?

The odds don't look good.

 

[Bigmommasdaddy]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

I think these replies have covered the bases. You didn't give the specifics of your truck, but I would definitely look up its towing capacity. With a boat that heavy I would prefer to have a diesel vs. gas motor, and would strongly recommend a 4x4. Is it possible to moor the boat at your favorite fishing grounds?

 

[northernmerc]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

Depending on the year, GM 3/4 ton pickups should be able to tow about 10,000 pounds. The owners manual should give you the answer. With a rebuilt tranny and a good trans cooler, you should be OK if the boat does not exceed the rated capacity of the truck. Also check the rating of the receiver unit mounted on the truck; many of the factory units are not very heavy. You also likely will need a load leveler/equalizer hitch, and good brakes are an absolute necessity.

Some of the older GMs did not have transmission temp gauges; if your truck does not have one, install one and keep an eye on it. Does it have a tow mode button on the gear shift? If so, also use that.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: First time boat buyer, need some advice.

a 27-30' boat could easily weigh 10-15k lbs if it's a big one..... the real key here in the "hills" you mention..... what % of grade are we talking about here.... anything over 5% and I would strongly recomend a dually for the bigger ones.... My wellcraft with fuel and trailer is around 10k and is imho too big to pull with a 3/4 ton truck safely on big hills