24' Pontoon Boat

[jason7274]

Good Morning! I'm thinking about purchasing my brother-in-law's pontoon boat, but I'm a little concerned about getting it in and out of the water. I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.0L straight line 6. The pontoon boat is a 24' Parti Kraft with a Tandem trailer. Any thoughts?

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

I have a '24 pontoon boat and tow with a 2500 suburban. If you're just pulling it out of the water, it shouldn't be a problem. ( especially if you have low range in your transfer case )

Personally, I would like a bigger vehicle than that for towing.

Jeff

 

[evol]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

I tow a 3500 lb 19 foot boat with a 2004 grand cherokee with the I6 and it seems to tow just fine.

I dont know the weight, and thats the biggest factor, but the 2004, given that it has the tranny cooler is rated to 5000 lbs with the I6, or 6500 with the V8.. above 2000 a weight distributing hitch/trailer brakes are reccommended. Without the Tranny Cooler, I believe it is only 2000 or 3500 lbs though..

 

[sc_shane]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

Just pulling it in and out of the water you will be just fine. If you have to drive an hour to and from in traffic and\or at highway speeds is what I would be worried about.

That motor has a lot of torque, and will get you out of the water fine assuming you don;t have extremely steep launch ramps. The rig is a little light and not too beefy on the stock breaking system if you're going to trailer decent distances. But, if you're only traveling a few miles here and there, you should be fine. Just keep your distance between you and the next guy!

 

[phipps]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

I pull our 77 24ft Sylvan in/out with a GMC Sierra with a 4.3. No issues.

 

[dodger11]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

I pull my 20' Starcraft 'toon with 1995 Ford F150 I6, 5 speed, & have not had any trouble. I don't break any speed records, especially into a head wind, but I am not in a hurry anyway. I think you'll be fine, take it easy and work up to a driving speed you are comfortable with.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

Good Morning! I'm thinking about purchasing my brother-in-law's pontoon boat, but I'm a little concerned about getting it in and out of the water. I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.0L straight line 6. The pontoon boat is a 24' Parti Kraft with a Tandem trailer. Any thoughts?

One more important thing to consider. You will need extended mirrors to see around the pontoon boat on the trailer. I had to get them for my suburban to see safetly.

 

[JimMH]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

As I've said before the weight will push you around especially in the rain. Just be prepared to stop and in an emergency situation you will not be able to stop quickly. If you are over you vehicle's tow rating and you are in an accident get ready to get sued and your insurance company will have a get out of jail free card!

 

[sc_shane]

Re: 24' Pontoon Boat

As with any towing, slow and easy is the best thing to keep in mind. You can haul that boat just fine - just keep your distance and your attention on things that will either pull out in front of you or stop quickly in front of you. Also remember, hitting an animal is generally less of a major ordeal than trying to stop, swerve, and then hit someone else or run off the road. Take your rig around the neighborhood a few times - you'll see what we mean - but it can be done, you just have to be careful.