Another stoopid tow question

[Sunsetrider]

I did post this quandary in the Doral section, but I don't think that area gets a lot of lookers. Either that or my question is just too stupid entirely. But whatever . . . . the nub of it is - I hanker for a 24-ft pocket cruiser with an aft berth and full galley with enclosed head/shower, and the Doral Cavalier (or mid-90's Chappy Sig 24) fits the bill exactly, and as well the price for these items is right for a budget conscious (read poor) person such as myself. I live on a smallish inland lake (where my current vessel is delightfully perfect) but to my enduring surprise find myself to be an older gentleman (62) and I dream of toodling up the canal systems and exploring the wonders of the 1000 Islands (St. Lawrence River).

So as I close in on a number of delightful targets, I have to ask myself (but I don't know the answers) if (a) this level of boat will be ridiculous in a small lake (roughly 5 kms, lots of bays and islands), and if (b) this type of boat will not be just too too much to hook onto the Dakota and pop around to a variety of waterways (all within 50 miles after all). As an aside, the weight of these boats are well within the rated towing capacity of the truck.

I would like to hear opinions from any of you out there in cyberville with experience in these types of vessels on these points. I just have no experience in that kind of boat, out of Big Water anyways. TIA.

 

[JB]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

To get a useful answer, Sunsetrider, you need numbers.

What would the boat/trailer weigh (numbers) ready to launch?

What is the tow rating (numbers) of your Dakota?

What weight is well within what tow rating?

Those are pretty big, heavy vessels to tow with a mid size pickup. Your concern about it reveals a lack of certainty.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

More specs about the truck. Year, setup ect.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

If the truck has a V6 engine the answer is absolutely not. If the truck has two wheel drive regardless of engine, the answer is still No! 24 footers with cabins (fore or aft) get heavy. Way heavier than your Dakota would be comfortable with. The answer to the question about a 24 footer being "odd" on a smallish body of water, that answer would be "yes" -- but who cares. It's your boat. Why care what others think. One last comment. At 62 you are just a "pup" - but everything, including age is relative to what you are comparing it with.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

I tow a similar boat to what you are looking at. My boat is a RINKER 230. The boat is definitely noticed behind my truck. My tow vehicle of choice is a '03 Dodge with a cummins. As you said the boat is well within my tow ratings (approx 1/2 tow rating with class IV hitch). But when pulling the boat out of the water it makes the boat seem heavier. With the additional drag of the water on the boat and trailer the boat feels a lot heavier.

Something to consider. But you will have to look at your vehicle and the loadedweiht of the boat you are looking at. Consider what you want to take with you when cruising the 1000 islands. Consider everything, fuel, food, clothing, passengers coming with you (family, pets). All of this adds up.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

Perhaps "within" is closer to the truth than "well within." The tow rating of,my 4x4 truck is 7,000 lbs and the boats I am considering are said to weigh, or variously, displace, between 3,800 to 4,500 lbs. I am assuming 6,000 lbs with trailer and gear. Taking into account the drag of water mentioned above, I can see where that might be getting too close for comfort. Having said that, I am more interested in having a sense of the boat rather than the tow vehicle. I can always switch to a bigger, cheaper truck if need be.

 

[JB]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

That sounds more like a workable package, sunsetrider. Please give extra attention to having working brakes on the trailer.

As for a big boat on a small lake, it would be a great place to master the launch, retrieve and piloting of your vessel before venturing to bigger water.

Bon Voyage.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

No offense but you posted in the TOWING area so towing information is what you are getting. Specifics about the boat would probably be best asked in another forum like "Boat Topics and Questions"

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Another stoopid tow question

No offense but you posted in the TOWING area so towing information is what you are getting. Specifics about the boat would probably be best asked in another forum like "Boat Topics and Questions"

Well, my question is about towing a boat. That's the info I'm after. What it not so much about is the truck I'm towing with. I assume there are two parts to a towing sitch: the tower and the towed. Perhaps I am missing the subtlety. It wouldn't be the first time!:facepalm: