Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

[rlb2252]

Recently, while out doing my first time boat buying due diligence, I checked out a 26 foot Sea Ray cruiser parked in a dealer?s lot. Loved the cabin and bridge space. Not surprisingly, I much preferred it over any of the shorter Cuddy?s I looked at.

But when I stepped outside, climbed to the ground and looked at the Sea Ray from the bow?I thought, My God, I?d have to be nuts to try and trailer and haul a boat of this size. (Not to mention launch and recover it.) The Sea Ray lacked a fly bridge but it still seemed too massive to fit easily under most viaducts.

My closest river, the Rock River in Illinois, is relatively short in my vicinity, offering only a dozen navigable miles between dams. I?d likely want a boat I?d be comfortable ground transporting elsewhere.

Do many of you regularly lug boats of this size? Larger?

If you?re only transporting your boat a couple times a year, might it be more reasonable to hire a company to do it for you?

I tell you, what a difference a few feet can make. I had a completely different reaction to the idea of transporting the 20 and 21 foot Cuddy?s I looked at.

Now that I think about it I wonder if perhaps this Sea Ray?s trailer sat higher than normal, giving the illusion that the Sea Ray was more massive.

 

[freelancer]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

about the same size of my boat, I wouldn't lug that thing around.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

The Rock river? Near Rockford? Personaly If I had a boat that size I would probably dock it, Thats alot of weight backing Down a ramp, Lots of people have tried and ended up in the water with there boat, ramps can get slippery when wet, What are you pulling it with?

 

[rbh]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

We haul a 270 sundancer, 10 feet on the beam. it requires a overwidth permit, and its in and out every weekend or so. You require a good truck, such as the f350 super duty, duelly.
just takes practice.
rob

 

[samagy16]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

I own a 26' Hurricane Deck Boat that I trailer. It is a big boat but nothing to shy away from in my opinion. If you have never really towed anything with any consistency before this though, it may be a bit of a challenge at first, but nothing that would keep me from acquiring if I felt that it was the boat for me. Towing, pulling and backing up was never an issue with me as I already had plenty of experience in this department and launching and retreiving is down to an exact science.

I trailer in a busy city as I live in Miami, have trailered to the west coast in Fl. many times, to the keys frequently and about 30 miles roundtrip just launching from my regular ramp.

I don't see it as a big obstacle, just like anything else, it takes getting used to. Make sure everything is in order, be safe and have fun.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

Yes I drive my Chevy 3500 duelly too.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

Well, one thing I don't think you mentioned is what kind of tow vehicle you have. As suggested, a boat that big would require a larger diesel to safely tow it, but can be done no problem. I tow a 24' deck boat with an F150 XLT 4x4 and wish at times I had a F250, but I don't trailer it enough anymore to justify that cost. If you are going to leave it in the water, then you could have someone, maybe a friend, help you put it in, or hire someone.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

Like others have said, get the boat that is sized to meet your needs, as long as, you are comfortable trailering it. Me personally, a 26' boat on a river is overkill. There are way too many things to hit or run over in a river, especially in a large deep-vee boat. However, if you're into "cruising" and your local river gives you some distance up and down it, a 26' boat might be good for you. If the river has a monitored channel (by the Army Corps of Engineers), you should be pretty safe from hitting something just below the surface as long as you stay in it. They do a pretty good job of keeping it at least 9' deep in most areas.

As far as trailering a 26-footer...well, my 22-footer is a haul, but doable. For inland lakes and rivers, I wish I went with a 20-footer since I trailer it every weekend, but oh well. Bigger is better, right?

Good luck with your decision!

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

I have a Regal 2860, with trailer weights about 10,800 lbs, have no problem trailering it with Dodge 2500 diesel. Would never try it without 4x4, some ramps I would never get it out of the water.

Below is a link which covers trailering laws in each state.
www.boatus.com/trailerclub/laws.asp

The big thing when trailering are the other drivers. I think most of them don't have a clue about physics, they will cut right in front of you and take that room you need to stop.

Dale

 

[eastont]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

I have a 25' Larson weighing about 5800# plus trailer weighing 1500# that I pulled behind a 1994 Yukon 1500 4wd last year. That was a bit of an adventure, but now I have a GMC 2500HD 2wd and it pulls with no problem. I as yet haven't had to deal with any slippery ramps, so I don't know what will happen then.
A friend has pulled his 1995 Sea Ray 250 Sundancer with a Dodge Ram 1500 2wd and has never had any issues in the past 5 years.

As for the size of boat, you need to do a needs assessment before you go and do any serious looking. You could by a boat and next year be looking to trade because it doesn't suit your needs. Remember, this is the year to buy, so make sure you buy a boat that will fills you needs for awhile.

 

[rlb2252]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

Actually, I haven't bought the boat yet. Or own a vehicle appropriate for it's transportation. Assuming a trailer doesn't come with the boat, that's one more expense. All of which has to figure into the cost of acquiring a boat of that size.

I'm a complete newbie. I've literally never been on the water as either a skipper or passenger. I suppose there's always the chance that I won't really enjoy the boat ownership experience to the extent that I can justify ownership--particularly of such a substantial craft.

The boating life I envision, however, does entail ground lugging my craft to various lakes and rivers.

For means of cost comparison, I have to also consider hiring a company to do it for me. Unless that proves to be prohibitive.

Ever use a boat transportation company?

 

[Kracken]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

In my opinion

That is too much boat for a newbie.

Boating is a lot of fun but with it comes a lot of responsibility and worry. Just look at this forum, most guys here are like nervous mothers when talking about their boats.

First off, if you have never towed a boat of any size, towing a boat of that size and weight will be a monumental task. I would guess by the time you get it in the water on your maiden voyage, you will need a stiff drink and a smoke before you drive away.

Second, you will make some mistakes. That is why they have ?starter boats?.

Personally I would buy no bigger that 21 footer to start. Used would be best, let somebody else take the staggering depreciation. Then once you decide if you like boating and you learn how to tow and drive you boat. (And put a few blemishes on it). Then buy the bigger boat.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

That sounds like too much boat for that stretch of river which would mean that you are transporting it alot. Many of the lakes in that area are also fairly small which would mean that you are pulling it even further. Going up and down the mississipi can be nice.

Since you are new to this, why not get something a little smaller and lower cost to start with? There are a ton of excellent used boats on the market. Use it for a year and learn what you like/don't like. Then move up or down accordingly.

One always wants a bigger boat or another boat. It is a sickness that comes with the hobby/sport.

 

[jetter2]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

I have a 96 F150 2wd with a 4.9L straight 6, 300ci.. I feel that I should be able to tug around a boat up to ~22' without too much trouble..

Thoughts?

 

[rbh]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

A couple of things to consider for yor tow vehicle.
rear axle gvw, what is the tongue weight going to be.
total pulling capability, can your truck "LEGALLY" pull this boat/trailer combo.
pulling power, yes bigger is better, more torque, and turbo diesel.
4x4 a must for greasey, sandy ramps
wide mirrors.
rob

 

[rlb2252]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

A couple of things to consider for yor tow vehicle.
rear axle gvw, what is the tongue weight going to be.
total pulling capability, can your truck "LEGALLY" pull this boat/trailer combo.
pulling power, yes bigger is better, more torque, and turbo diesel.
4x4 a must for greasey, sandy ramps
wide mirrors.
rob

Why a diesel as opposed to gas engine?

 

[rlb2252]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

In my opinion

That is too much boat for a newbie.

Boating is a lot of fun but with it comes a lot of responsibility and worry. Just look at this forum, most guys here are like nervous mothers when talking about their boats.

First off, if you have never towed a boat of any size, towing a boat of that size and weight will be a monumental task. I would guess by the time you get it in the water on your maiden voyage, you will need a stiff drink and a smoke before you drive away.

Second, you will make some mistakes. That is why they have ?starter boats?.

Personally I would buy no bigger that 21 footer to start. Used would be best, let somebody else take the staggering depreciation. Then once you decide if you like boating and you learn how to tow and drive you boat. (And put a few blemishes on it). Then buy the bigger boat.

Funny, but very likely true. I am still looking at the shorter Cuddy's in that length: 19-22 feet.

That sounds like too much boat for that stretch of river which would mean that you are transporting it alot. Many of the lakes in that area are also fairly small which would mean that you are pulling it even further. Going up and down the mississipi can be nice.

Since you are new to this, why not get something a little smaller and lower cost to start with? There are a ton of excellent used boats on the market. Use it for a year and learn what you like/don't like. Then move up or down accordingly.

One always wants a bigger boat or another boat. It is a sickness that comes with the hobby/sport.

Yeah, seems somewhat limited 'round these part to me as well. If I were to dock a boat for the season I'd probably chose a more substantial location. Maybe the Fox Lake/Chain of Lakes area. A solid hour ride--at least--each way.

I could head up to Wisonsin. I'm not sure what the closest large pond up that way, maybe Green Bay and it's tributaries. Don't know how long a ride that would be.

I'm still considering what my average mission profile will be. I tried fishing--from shore some years ago. Became obsessed. Nary caught a single fish. Got discouraged and dropped it completely. I wouldn't mind trying it from a boat.

I think I'd like to over-night with my better half. But the Cuddy's seem pretty cramped in that regard.

But all of these suggestion are being well taken. Thanks.

 

[rlb2252]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

No one mentioned whether having a boat transported professionally is realistic financially. As long as it wasn't more than a couple times a year. For distances less than a hundred miles.

 

[rbh]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

Why a diesel as opposed to gas engine?

a diesel engine delivers more torque, which is essential for pulling heavy loads as well it is better on fuel. do not get a diesel engine without a turbo as that is what makes the power that your looking for. I prefer the dodge or ford trucks for there engines but the new chevs have certainly gotten better.
rob

 

[QC]

Re: Too Much Boat For 1st Timer?

For short, infrequent, hauls there is no way you could recover the cost of a diesel vs. gasoline. I have sold diesel engines my whole life, love them, breath them, worship them and I still believe in gas for almost anything but commercial. At equal cost, then definitely diesel, but I just don't believe you can find them cheap.

Personally I would buy no bigger that 21 footer to start. Used would be best, let somebody else take the staggering depreciation. Then once you decide if you like boating and you learn how to tow and drive you boat. (And put a few blemishes on it). Then buy the bigger boat.

Agree 100%.