towing

[Alexander]

I'm interested in a bigger boat, but I want it to be trailable. How practicle is it to tow a 31 foot boat (dry weight 10000 lbs) from my driveway to a boat ramp and back, throughout the summer? An Appox. distance of 20 mile, round trip.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[boater4life]

Re: towing

I tow my #14,500 rig all the time. You just need a good trailer and truck. I had a custom trailer made with electric/hydraulic brakes which makes it easier to back down a ramp, torsion axles that allow a more stable tow, and aluminum to lighten the load. http://www.greatlakestrailers.com/

 

[POINTER94]

Re: towing

Check your ramp first. The ramp I use is for boats under 30 ft. Not that they would bust you, but some people get their rocks off making others lives miserable. <br /><br />Yes, you can do it, but I bet it will become a bit of a hassell.

 

[ChrisMcLaughlin]

Re: towing

Rodney1966,<br />Where are you putting in? Onna Point? Naha, White Beach has some nice spots. We used to go over to Tsuken Jima for the night. Just beautiful!! I miss it so much.

 

[MrBill]

Re: towing

Rodney:<br />That's a fair amount of boat to be trailering around...just make sure the vehicle used can accomodate pulling and STOPPING 10,000 #. It will require a heavy duty version of a full sized truck. For example, most of the V8 equipped Ford F150 trucks are rated at 7,500#, so you'd need to move up to the F250 or F350 (assuming you're a Ford man). A lot of folks may advise that pulling and STOPPING a 10,000 lb. load with a vehicle rated at 7,500 lbs. is ok for the (relatively) short distance you'd be traveling, but don't believe them...because neither will the State Police or your insurance carrier. You'd be deemed negligent...