I finally bought a proper tow vehicle. Earlier this summer I bought a 16.5' searay I/O that we keep on the lake. The launch is poor. Steep and although there are concrete pads, all except the ones right near (or in) the water are covered with loose gravel. When it's damp at all, the gumbo comes through. My FWD van struggled to pull a light tinny up this ramp (only being successful about 1/2 of the time).... A couple weeks ago I bought a used expedition 4x4... I used 4 Low and it pulled the I/O up like a tractor... no wheel slippage at all. no drama. My only regret was that wifey was not there to see it considering some of the drama we've had on that ramp in the past. It will be nice to be able to help out others for a change, instead of having to go look for someone to help me out. It's more fun being on the right end of a tow strap. 
