Need some advice on new boat

[KYsean]

Hi all, first time poster. I'm looking at a couple of different new boats in the 18ft. range or so and need some advice on towing. My vehicle is a 2011 Kia Sorento V6. Manual says 3500lb. towing capacity with trailer brakes. Do most trailers come with brakes and if so are they surge type brakes? How close to the rated weight limit is actually OK to do. I know the boats I'm looking at are on single axle trailers. I don't see any mountain driving/towing in my boating future. Any info would be appreciated and I'm sure I'll have some more questions. Thanks, Sean

 

[A/C Guy]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

Many single axle trailers do not have brakes, so you will need to specify that the trailer have them before your give the dealer any money. In an 18 foot boat, you should really focus on an Aluminum boat to keep the weight down.

 

[impatico]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

I have done a lot of towing and my advice is take a minute to look back at how you drive while towing. The towing rating isn't just because of the suspension, it's more about the extra abuse on the drivetrain. The harder you drive the more heat you are going to be pumping into your trans/rear end. the engine will most likely be fine with it, but the trans just can't cool if you have a heavy foot. I was towing 12K-15K at 100 on logging roads up steep hills and my tranny sure heated up. Good thing it's a chev

You will be fine towing most 18-19 ft fiberglass bowriders as long as you don't drive like me no need to get aluminum unless that's what you want

 

[impatico]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

http://www.caravanworld.com.au/latest-reviews/article/articleid/68471.aspx

 

[KYsean]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

I have done a lot of towing and my advice is take a minute to look back at how you drive while towing. The towing rating isn't just because of the suspension, it's more about the extra abuse on the drivetrain. The harder you drive the more heat you are going to be pumping into your trans/rear end. the engine will most likely be fine with it, but the trans just can't cool if you have a heavy foot. I was towing 12K-15K at 100 on logging roads up steep hills and my tranny sure heated up. Good thing it's a chev

You will be fine towing most 18-19 ft fiberglass bowriders as long as you don't drive like me no need to get aluminum unless that's what you want

I agree completely, I actually am an easy driver. The days of lead foot are long behind me. Keeping my vehicle in good shape is important to me. Thanks, Sean

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

With that Kia you could pull tubers down the Interstate.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

Sean - assuming the KY at the beginning of your name refers to living in Kentucky, you may also want to see what type of hills you'll be towing over and what kind of ramps you'll be pulling out on.

My last boat was a 15' with a 65hp weighing in about 1500# (I think). It would tow fine behind my Mercury Mountaineer (4.0 liter), and in most cases it would come out of the water without much trouble. My new(er) boat is much heavier, and I honestly don't think the Merc would pull it out of several of the boat ramps I use.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

I'd be looking for an aluminum hull if I was you with that tow vehicle. Much lighter per a given size.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Need some advice on new boat

Unfortunately, you're a little unclear on what kind of boat, and what use you have for it. Cruising? Fishing?

You should be looking for an outboard boat--to save 700 pounds. Aluminum boats are pretty expensive, new or used, but they have a very long life span. They are lighter, and can take a smaller outboard that's more efficient.

If you're going to be pulling the boat very far (50+ miles each way), you could consider going for as light a boat as you can. You should be able to find something in the 2000 pound range (not including trailer) to suit your needs.

I would suggest putting a second transmission cooler on your car, however. Heat comes from towing heavy boats, and it eats transmissions.