largest boat for HASSLE FREE long distance towing ?
11-10-2018, 04:47 PM
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largest boat for HASSLE FREE long distance towing ?
Posted this on another forum, but thought I'd try here since most members seem to be running "bigger" boats.
Lets say you are looking for a new boat, lived on the ocean (might make some coastal runs on glassy days) but it would mostly be used in the West's Big Lakes....Havasu, Mead, Powell, Shasta, etc...maybe even an occasional road trip to Idaho. So most trips would involve long haul towing, gassing up and stopping for eats along the way, multiple launches and retrieves, negotiating towns upon arrival, staying in small hotels, etc.
What's the largest boat you'd feel comfortable towing...if you wanted to ensure a hassle free travel experience?
Not referring to the open road, but all the logistics...i.e stopping for gas, stopping for food, overnight parking in hotel lots, maneuvering through city streets, turning around at small launch ramps, finding parking, etc.
Sure we all seen 52 MTI's on tilt up trailers, but having towed a boat behind a Class A MOHO before, there is a certain length at which the length and logistics become a PITA.
So what size boat do you tow, and what have experienced in your travels?
Lets say you are looking for a new boat, lived on the ocean (might make some coastal runs on glassy days) but it would mostly be used in the West's Big Lakes....Havasu, Mead, Powell, Shasta, etc...maybe even an occasional road trip to Idaho. So most trips would involve long haul towing, gassing up and stopping for eats along the way, multiple launches and retrieves, negotiating towns upon arrival, staying in small hotels, etc.
What's the largest boat you'd feel comfortable towing...if you wanted to ensure a hassle free travel experience?
Not referring to the open road, but all the logistics...i.e stopping for gas, stopping for food, overnight parking in hotel lots, maneuvering through city streets, turning around at small launch ramps, finding parking, etc.
Sure we all seen 52 MTI's on tilt up trailers, but having towed a boat behind a Class A MOHO before, there is a certain length at which the length and logistics become a PITA.
So what size boat do you tow, and what have experienced in your travels?
Last edited by motuman; 11-10-2018 at 05:06 PM.
11-10-2018, 04:59 PM
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I've had my 37 for 11 yrs and I think it's a piece of cake and I wouldn't hesitate to go up to a 42 but I would think once you get over that you would start having issues with gas stations, restaurants and even storage units as most of those are 50.
11-10-2018, 05:04 PM
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I live in Los angeles so do the ocean and havasu boating plus up to discovery bay and even across country once in awhile, my 38 cigarette was a breeze to trailer, behind a pickup or sport chassis, my Formula 400SS was a pita, only towed it with an F450 once and didnt like it, much better with the Sportchassis or my Peterbilt, i really liked the 400SS but hated to trailer it. it took hours to get it ready, taking off the radar and lights, putting on flags, plus depending on where you go you can't travel at night ( like arizona )
11-10-2018, 09:23 PM
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I think it matters more on what you are towing it with, A good quality trailer with big wheels is also a plus.
The bigger the rig, the harder it will be to find a place to park it.
The bigger the rig, the harder it will be to find a place to park it.
11-11-2018, 06:13 AM
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It depends on what my tow vehicle is. I just sold my F250 and I'm purchasing a F150, so for me it'll be a 26' or so, and then only locally to the rack and back a few times a year. Maybe a 28' if I pull it at 2 am.
11-11-2018, 06:49 AM
#6
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Yep.
Depends On truck then trailer.
IMO:
1/2 ton = 25/26
3/4 ton = 28-30
1 ton = 32-35
Also my feelings, anything over about 26 starts changing things.
Bigger brakes on truck and trailer.
Required equip/tools for on road servicing of tires etc. ( I carry a kit w/jack, lug wrench, tire plug kit, fix a flat etc)
Ramp condition requirements also changes as size goes up.
Ive put a 24 in at ramps Id never consider w/a 30.
Also, as stated above, parking areas.
Hotel, gas station, restaurant etc.
For me personally too, my 1/2 ton truck is my daily driver.
Not sure Id want bigger.
So now your tow vehicle is a 3rd vehicle which = maint, expense, parking etc.
Yes Im just jealous 😉
Depends On truck then trailer.
IMO:
1/2 ton = 25/26
3/4 ton = 28-30
1 ton = 32-35
Also my feelings, anything over about 26 starts changing things.
Bigger brakes on truck and trailer.
Required equip/tools for on road servicing of tires etc. ( I carry a kit w/jack, lug wrench, tire plug kit, fix a flat etc)
Ramp condition requirements also changes as size goes up.
Ive put a 24 in at ramps Id never consider w/a 30.
Also, as stated above, parking areas.
Hotel, gas station, restaurant etc.
For me personally too, my 1/2 ton truck is my daily driver.
Not sure Id want bigger.
So now your tow vehicle is a 3rd vehicle which = maint, expense, parking etc.
Yes Im just jealous 😉
Last edited by Twin O/B Sonic; 11-11-2018 at 06:51 AM.
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11-11-2018, 08:08 AM
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I think alot of it comes down to what you're comfortable with and your experience. I have driven truck for 20 years. I could put my 37 Active Thunder in places alot of guys had trouble putting a 27ft boat. I'd have no problem with a 42 any day. 47-52 you will definitely want to get fuel at truck stops and plan ahead for hotel accommodations if needed.
