Time to trade her in on a new/used Escalade ESV :) We get towing pkg, at no extra charge. Pulls the baja boat around in comfort and style with no prob:poopoo:

dallas - We love our 232 but I'd say there are a few other things to consider.

deadrise + weight = ride quality H2X has less deadrise so wont ride as well as 232, 252 will ride better yet and they go from there. But H2X, Hammer, 20 OL, 202 Isl 208 Isl, etc will all be better for water sports.

Stand up bolsters vs. sit down. H2X and Hammer are sit down only. There are 232's with sit down swivel seats which are nice for at anchor: can be rotated so driver/pass can face rear bench. Bolsters are more comfortable in bigger waves, but I leave mine dropped out 95% of the time, my wife leaves hers up 95% of the time so its also personal preference.

On the suburban, I can't seem to find a tralier vs. tow package, unless the dealer added a trailer hitch on site... maybe double check just to be sure. Might be able to call GM (I wouldn't count on a dealer/salesman) with your VIN to double check. It looks like the tow package that gets to the 8000 lbs mark is: Auxiliary transmission cooler; Heavy duty engine cooling system; 3.420:1 axle ratio. Might be able to add cooling components and get closer to the 8000 mark. Not sure on cost vs. benefit.

Your tow numbers are correct. I would have to change rear gears ( which then effects the front 4 wheel drive aspect) and add trans cooler etc. we decided to just reduce the size of the boat as it's easier and cheaper. Good stuff on the seating and performance side of things!! Thanks very much.

Dallas, I sent Navy a text this morning and he hasn't replied. I pointed him to your user name and this thread. Stand by.

I thought all 4WD had 3.73 gears. That half ton Burb should be good to tow 7500#.

Where are you located and whats the price range.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/4372069683.html
http://loz.craigslist.org/bod/4365623359.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/boa/4408344022.html
http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bod/4416828757.html

FWIW i just bought my 97 232 islander last year and i absolutely love it. I have the 454 lx mpi and fastest ive had it was 59 mph gps with 3 people 1/4 tank. has bolster seats and imho bolsters are the only way to go. Good Luck!

There is Grand Sport Center in Illinois that has this listing


http://www.grandsportcenter.com/bowr...r-232-open-bow

Good Luck

3pointstar

Dallas,

I'm not sure what happened to Navy252. He replied to my text last Monday morning at 05:00 and said he'd been at sea and would get with you on this thread.....haven't heard a peep from him since. Kinda weird, I guess he's in good hands with the USN.

Sorry life has been crazy busy.. here is my boat

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/boa/4394889114.html

Can someone tell me how this suburban is only rated for 5000 lbs towing? That just seems too low even without the trailer package. Midsize trucks like the tacoma and frontier are rated over 6k colorado was rated 4k and they are not v8. Even the small smallest v8 on a 1500 chassis should tow more than those ratings. Am I missing something here?