Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

[BryanR]

Here is the deal. I want to buy a boat to fish from. itll be mixed use fresh and salt water. I thought about buying a truck to tow with, but both my cars are in excellent comdition and PAID OFF!! So, I just cant convince myself to spend the money on a bigger tow vehicle just for the purpose of pulling a boat.

So, with the tow vehicle set at a constant (Jeep Wangler, 4.0L straight six), the size and weight of the boat and trailer will have to be the variable. Been thinking of a Key West 1720, but I think that "could" be a bit heavy for the Jeep. Then thought about possibly going aluminum, maybe a 16ft Starcraft!? That would possibly come in just under 2k loaded on trailer, Jeep could probably handle that no prob.

What are some good boats, high quality, etc that are out there that are 2000lb or less with motor and trailer?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

Bryan, having been a long time Jeep guy I will tell you that I hope you don't have to tow far with the YJ/TJ(Wrangler depending on the year) For short distance its a great tow vehicle, for long distance your going to be perty busy!! I think the Starcraft is doable even the 17 footer is, just remember you will want brakes on the trailer and a brake controller in the Jeep. Be careful and I think you will be fine. Your boat? with the tow vehicle your going to be limited by weight so I would find out specifically what the tow rating of your vehicle is before deciding what size boat to get

 

[BryanR]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

The tow rating is 2k. the Jeep is a 95 Sahara and the brakes are brand new. Dont mind driving slow, but will need to hit at least 50mph. They can go around!!!

I have every intention of getting a truck in a couple years, but would like to enjoy boating in the interim. Just need to find one I can safely pull. Ill go bigger when I have a better tow vehicle.

Boston Whalers are lighter due to their foam insides, right?

 

[Cheetah 210es]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

What's the budget?

 

[BryanR]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

Im more interested in a good deal than setting a ceiling. 10k would be too high, 3k prolly a bit low. So maybe 5-7k would be reasonable.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

Boston Whalers are lighter due to their foam insides, right?

A 15' Super Sport is 900 dry. Add 20 gallons of gas and you're up to 1050. Add a motor and it's now 1300. Add your "stuff" and it's 1450.
Add the trailer and it's 2000.

 

[BryanR]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

Interesting....

What about a key west 1520? How would that handle in moderate chop?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

Well I'd had it in my head that the wrangler was rated for 1000 lbs (and I think I may have told folks that in the past:redface: hope not), SO I walked out and grabbed the manual in my 94 and sure enough as long as it isn't a 2.5 auto (rated at 1000 lbs) it is indeed 2000 lbs.... the manual also does specify that tongue weight MUST be 10-15%.... that number is critical towing with a jeep....

As for a boat, what are you using it for? my 20' Wellcraft Fisherman CC is probably 1800 lbs without fuel... If you could fuel up say 1/4 mile from the ramp that would work.... I've test pulled it with my jeep and it's a bit twitchy but I have a 4" lift and 33's and have removed both track bars and my swaybar for offroad use. I think that if the jeep was stock it would do fairly well at limited speed (50 mph) .... I'm sure I'll use mine on occasion but I have 3 miles to the river so I don't need to go over 30 mph

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

I have a 91 Wrangler with the 4.0 and 5 speed. I have pulled log trailers that have weighed at least 3 times the rated capacity but that was on narrow trails that were too windy and tight for by 2500HD to manuver and in low range. I have an 11 foot utility trailer I have pulled on the road with it and it can be a handful when loaded to legal towing weights because of the short wheel base. No driving with a cup of coffee in one hand and tuning the radio with the other at highway speeds. I often would like more power and would love more braking ability.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

What's your other vehicle? The Wrangler's short wheel base makes it a particularly poor tow vehicle. The best fishing boat to combine with a Wrangler would be a kayak.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

If I were you, I'd stick with a 16' or less aluminum hull.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Jeep Wrangler, what boat can I get?

Smoke your right again. Had a 1990 4 popper/manual and 1000 lbs. was the rating. Even a jetski was a handful. :facepalm:
If your going to do it, then like Lipp said "a brake controller in the Jeep" could save your backside.

The Jeep was just way to squirrely for towing for this old man.

squirrely
Adjective:
1. mildly insane
2. unpredictable and jumpy

2000lbs. because of the powertrain and bigger tires/brakes, but the same wheel base and 50mph. NOPE, not me, with or without trailer brakes.
huts