Does anyone use a manual when pulling there boat out of the water. And if so how hard is it on the clutch?

First gear is usually low enough that you can just let the clutch out and creep up the ramp. If not put it in 4 LOW and it will take you 25 minutes to get up the ramp in 1st gear


I LOVED towing with a manual trans, the control through the hills and overall performance was awesome.

Not an issue at all. Used to drive manual, live in europe, hate automatic.

I had an '01 Chev 3500 with 8.1 gasser and 6 sp manual. Towed a Baja 302. I liked the manual on the highway, not so much on the back roads. IMO there's enough to worry about when towing without having to shift.

+1 on the low 1st gear pulling out. However, shifting on a steep, long, wet Cumberland ramp wasn't fun with 2WD. Having done it both ways, I prefer auto. Mostly because my wife handles the truck and I do the boat when we launch.

Do you have to worry about tranny temps getting as hot with a manual?

What about 4WD systems, does push button or the manual kind on the floor make a difference?

You won't ever have a tranny temp issue with a manual, there is much less friction in the transmission and no torque converter to make heat.

I have had both types of 4x4 systems, either works fine. I almost prefer the manual ones since there are no actuators to fail, and they can be shifted quicker, etc. My current truck is electric though, and I have never had an issue.

48 ceramic button dual disc clutch, gets really grabbing since theres no slipping that thing under 2500 rpm, so i just use 4 low, 1st and let it take its time.

I think todays automatics are so far advanced i see no reason to jump up and down on a clutch all day. I used to drive a 5 speed tow truck and my left leg, knee and hip were dead at the end of the day. Not to mention re-sale value. No one wants a stick.

I sought out a 6 Speed Manual for my F350. Never put it in 4X4 at the ramp - simply let the clutch out and it pulls it right out. I am probably 14k plus....