97 23' Wellcraft Excel 225 Ocean Pro

mikem0011

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 18, 2008
Messages
30
I am wondering if my 03 Explorer 2wd 6 cyl will be able to tow this boat or should I be looking at getting a larger vehicle. I would be hauling it 10 miles each way. If anyone could help me it would be much appreciated.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 97 23' Wellcraft Excel 225 Ocean Pro

i don't know the towing capacity, but the 6 is going to grunt, with that boat. i tow the same size and weight with a 5.0 Surburban. also afraid you will get the " tail wagging the dog," with the wheelbase of the explorer.
 

Zackman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Messages
376
Re: 97 23' Wellcraft Excel 225 Ocean Pro

What kind of roads will you be driving? What is the condition and slope of the ramp? I pull 5200# (boat and trailer) with a 5.3L Yukon, I can tell it's back there. Have a friend with a boat ramp, that is very steep. If the ramp is wet, I have to have people push to get it started up the ramp.
 

mikem0011

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 18, 2008
Messages
30
Re: 97 23' Wellcraft Excel 225 Ocean Pro

Roads aren't a issue all in good shape and flat I have 3 or 4 ramps to choose from.
I guess I will have to go and check them out.
I need to take the boat to the shop so maybe I will just test drive it there and see what happens.
 

januarysails

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 18, 2007
Messages
43
Re: 97 23' Wellcraft Excel 225 Ocean Pro

I tow the same boat with a 6 c Nissan Xterra. It hurts... The truck is underpowered. My ramp is about 300 yards from storage so it doesn't hurt for long. By this summer we will have a V8.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 97 23' Wellcraft Excel 225 Ocean Pro

All above is well intentioned but useless, Mike.

Find out what your rig weighs, ready to launch, and what your Explorer is rated to tow as currently equipped. No other information is useful in determining if you have a safe vehicle for towing that rig.

You are obviously not a professional tower, though you may be competent, so you need a vehicle rated to tow about 150% of the weight of the rig.
 
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