Everyone seems to prefer 4x4 but then most people I have spoken too never needed it no matter how bad of condition the ramp is...Is it really necessary or just cheap insurance for "just in case"?

In our part of the country it would be considered mandatory equipment. I saw a 2 wheel drive pickup go in the drink last year hauling out a ski boat when the driver got the wheels on the mossy slick area of the ramp. Most people can't pull a boat up our community ramp at Lake Cumberland without 4 wheel drive because the ramp angle is so steep. I wouldn't consider buying anything that wasn't 4x4.

The ramp I used most often for my 38 was great......but I used 4x4 everytime so the gears did the work, not the throttle.

I don't think I'd want to find out I needed it and didn't have it!!!

I would not be without 4WD on a ramp.

I have to have it in 4. But I'm at 1400+ft lbs of torque and my
Clutch is on or off no feathering possible

If your only ever going to go to one or two ramps and they have gentle inclines then yeah you could probably get away with 2wd.

But if your like us who boat all over the place, see at least a half dozen different ramps a year and are always looking for more (one we go to on a regular basis is dirt!) then 4wd is a must.

I remember one time even in the parking lot of this ramp, the lot was really full of trucks and trailers....to get where I needed to be I had to back up the road (a hill, not that steep at all really) that I just came down for a little bit and go the other way....do you think that prick would back the boat up that hill in the sand covered pavement??? no way!.....didnt move, sat there and spun....dropped it into 4 wheel low.....didnt spin a tire....whew!

If you go with 2WD, just make sure it has posi-trac. I use pretty much the same ramps all year with no problems. Ramps are large, not steep, and with lots of room too manuver. If I go to new ramp, I'll always check it out first in person or google satellite.

I'll agree with that statement !!!

I guess it depends on the size of your boat too. Anything over a 27'...I'd definately want the ability to put it in 4 wheel drive. I cant see a guy with a 18' open bow Bayliner needing it.

Only once.

The time you don't have it!

This has been discussed many times on the forum many, many times.
4WD is priceless when you are sliding down the ramp backwards with no help in sight.