newbee stuff

[neurofish]

New to the board and have a few "newbee" questions. I am trying to do my homework before I buy a inshore/near-offshore boat. I think I am looking at the used 16-18ft category. I know that folks on this site like the Whaler, but other recs on make would be appreciated. Also, is it worthwhile to hold out for a saltwater model for the outboard (e.g., Yamaha Saltwater series, OceanRunner, etc.). I also noted posts on towing capacity. I have a 2wd 2.6L Toyota pickup. Should I be able to pull-out and tow a 1000lb boat? Thanks for the input.

 

[JB]

Re: newbee stuff

Howdy, Neurofish. Other high quality (safe and dependable) boats in the same range as the Boston Whalers are: Edgewater, Grady White, Scout and Cape Horn. Avoid Bayliners. A used high quality boat is a much better value than a new cheapo-bargain boat.<br /><br />By the time you have powered and accessorized a 1000# boat and put it on a good trailer you are close to 2000#. I tried towing a rig like that with a 2.4 liter Toyota and found it wanting. Quick stops were tough. I had to add weight to the bed to keep the rear end from going squirrely and still burned up 2 clutches trying to bring her up a ramp. I recommend a 4x4 light pickup or a bigger, stronger vehicle. I currently tow my 950# Boston Whaler Montauk with a mid-size, 215HP V6 AWD vehicle (Mercedes ML320). It does well, but I wouldn't want to do it with anything smaller. I would expect a 4X4 4Runner, 4X4 Explorer, 4X4 Ranger or Tacoma or a full size pickup to do as well for less bux.<br /><br />Good luck and let us know what you do. This is the best time to buy a boat.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[12Footer]

Re: newbee stuff

I agree with everything JB said. I pull my Bayliner Capri (16.5ft/ 50HP) with a Toyota 4cylinder 22RE,automatic. It does fine, but strains up the ramp. Sudden stops will scare you. Also, I had to put a tranny cooler in it,so I wouldn't cook the tranny.I'm still still not confident enough with it to haul over 15miles, and never haul it in O.D.<br /><br />This limits speed to 55MPH pushin it. Boat/motor/trailer combo wieghs 1860lbs.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: newbee stuff

I'm with 12footer and jb -start with what your truck can tow or this new boat will cost more than you think. I have a subaru forester with a 2.5l 4 cyl, manny tranny and awd. It tows my 1000# 16' plus 55hp motor, trailer and junk (about 1800 lbs all in) alright but I feel like I put a year's wear on the clutch everytime I take it on the highway up to the cabin. <br /><br />By the way, JB are you serious that your montauk weighs only 950# with no motor? My 16' runabout weighs more than that and it has only one hull and no teak either!

 

[JB]

Re: newbee stuff

Hi, SuzukiDave. I guess that is another benefit of Whaler's construction. The classic 18' Outrage from the '80s only weighed 1250, and it is a BIG 18 footer.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[fishthebay]

Re: newbee stuff

I have a 1973 Proline with an 85HP. This boat is SOLID. Its a deep V Hull and has no problem cutting through the chop of the Chesapeake Bay. If your an ocean runner, I do like a deep V and am pleased with Proline. Its a good boat and reasonably priced.<br /><br />Actually here in VA they have a lot of 17-19' rigs cheap. For around $2K you should be able to get a great setup. Cosmetically, maybe not, for $2K or so just have fun.<br /><br />BTW I have an 87 Audi 5000s Quattro (4wd) and have pulled my boat up the coast for 4 years. $330,000 miles on the audi and believe it or not (I am very serious) Original Clutch. Go figure.

 

[yensid]

Re: newbee stuff

Well, you know those Whalers are filled with helium. It's why they float so well...<br /><br />Hmmm, suzukidave, I have a Forester as well, but it's an automatic. I hope it does decently At least the boat's only a 15' bass boat so it doesn't weigh much, I'm sure.