What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

[Stasik]

I bought a boat... good start, hah?

Got myself a lean sale from the storage, by internet. AD stated '78 Bayliner cabin 22 ft but it happens to be 26 ft with a top bridge. A little difference The largest one I had before was 21 ft tri haul, which i carried with my Volvo SUV.

Now I'm stuck with decision to make. I like this boat project but have no idea what may I use for towing/launching? Not very expensive but powerful enough to carry 8-10K weight with twin axle.

I really want to take this summer 2 week trip to California Delta (about 350 ml away) and take this boat alone.
I thought about renting a truck, but they're like $200/day.

Any ideas, folks?

Thank you very much ;-)

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

You will want to find out or closely estimate the weight of the boat & trailer. I would figure 7,500 lbs or so. Then match that up with tow vehicle ratings. It would seem like you are at the capacity of a Tahoe or Expedition rather than a Volvo SUV.

 

[agallant80]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Honestly I would make sure the boat was not junk before I spent any money on something to tow it with. What ever you do don't buy a V10 Excursion.....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Honestly I would make sure the boat was not junk before I spent any money on something to tow it with. What ever you do don't buy a V10 Excursion.....

I know . . . who would do that?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

I know . . . who would do that?

Especially after selling a perfectly good diesel tow vehicle

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Honestly I would make sure the boat was not junk before I spent any money on something to tow it with. What ever you do don't buy a V10 Excursion.....

Is there something I'm missing? The V10 Excursions have a pretty good reputation from my understanding, in terms of reliability and towing, not so much on fuel mileage.

 

[agallant80]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Is there something I'm missing? The V10 Excursions have a pretty good reputation from my understanding, in terms of reliability and towing, not so much on fuel mileage.

I had a brilliant idea of getting rid of my truck as a daily driver, buying a V10 excursion for a boat hauler and a car for a daily commuter. First trip out to the ICW this year I blew the motor, shot two rods through the engine. I now have a nice new F150.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

and we have been busting his chops since.....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Lol, that's terrible. Talk about some bad luck!

 

[Stasik]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Wow thank you! I was just looking at V10

 

[Stasik]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

You will want to find out or closely estimate the weight of the boat & trailer. I would figure 7,500 lbs or so. Then match that up with tow vehicle ratings. It would seem like you are at the capacity of a Tahoe or Expedition rather than a Volvo SUV.

So, you think Tahoe or Expedition would be enough to launch? Maybe I'm too scared so I was considering a used Ambulance ;-) Sounds like a good idea - 4 wheels behind and a camper in a same time ;-)

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

3/4 ton or bigger but SERIOUSLY check out the boat first....

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

My 2005 Ford Expedition with factory tow package is rated at 8900 lbs.

 

[Stasik]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

3/4 ton or bigger but SERIOUSLY check out the boat first....

Oh, sure I will. I went trough the 1st check b4 I left a deposit. More detailed one is on the way when I'll get the boat in my possession ;-) Anyway, even the trailer will pay off the $500 price of the boat project. Actually I was surprised to find absolutely no rust all around. Just 2 inches of dust and beehind in toilet area - years of no touch... Mercruiser V8 and Volvo outdrive...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Well there's ur first red flag... Swapped engine..... Not a deal breaker but look close to make sure it's all done well with the right parts.

I wasnt thinking you'd be to far over your head on the cost of the boat but ya wouldn't want to spent too much on a truck if you were gonna end up only towing the boat once......

Either way I hope it turns out to be a solid hull and you get years of enjoyment out of her.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

years of no touch... Mercruiser V8 and Volvo outdrive...

Wait, what?

 

[Stasik]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Well there's ur first red flag... Swapped engine..... Not a deal breaker but look close to make sure it's all done well with the right parts.

I wasn't thinking you'd be to far over your head on the cost of the boat but ya wouldn't want to spent too much on a truck if you were gonna end up only towing the boat once......

Either way I hope it turns out to be a solid hull and you get years of enjoyment out of her.

Yea, I hear you. And would advise the same to somebody else. Sure, I'm going to buy a vehicle b4 making sure that vessel worth it. Just planning ahead. There is no loose situation on this boat. I can fix many things on older models and for the rest I got 2 marine mechs, friends of mine. In worsted case I'll just sell it in parts. But I have a good feeling about this one and hope it will work out for a few years.

Like this trihull on my pic, I got it from the guy who wanted to junk it after 30 years sitting in a garage and all cooling system rusted out. It took me 2 month of weekends to take apart the motor and get rid off all insides. But now I have perfect fishing boat with everything handy and useful in a way i like it. Final cost - $1000 + 2 tickets for speed (I'm surprised myself!) and tags ;-)

But towing heavy boat... kinda thing I never deal with b4

 

[Stasik]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

"...I'm going to buy a vehicle b4..." - mistake. I'm NOT going to buy b4 ;-)

 

[ricohman]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Wow thank you! I was just looking at V10

Nothing wrong with a V10 Triton. I've had 3 of them and currently drive a 2010 F350 with the V10. Always gets about 10-12 mpg pulling 10K.
I've never had a single failure with any of my V10's. I bought the 2010 because it was the last year I could get this motor in anything lighter than the F450 chassis.
I think your boat is a 3/4 ton or bigger haul.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: What to tow / launch 26 ft with?

Nothing wrong with a V10 Triton. I've had 3 of them and currently drive a 2010 F350 with the V10. Always gets about 10-12 mpg pulling 10K.
I've never had a single failure with any of my V10's. I bought the 2010 because it was the last year I could get this motor in anything lighter than the F450 chassis.
I think your boat is a 3/4 ton or bigger haul.

Agreed, the Triton V10 has an excellent reputation, especially if you want to stick with the gasser instead of the diesel engine. Agallant80 just happened to have an unfortunate experience with his purchase of a used one that had a catastrophic failure.