You've got two factors that are seriously against you on this. First, boat manufacturers lie about weights. There's no way your boat weighs that little. Plus, they never account for gas and "junk" on board. Plus you have a trailer that weighs 1500 to 2k/lbs.

Second, manufacturer's tow ratings have escalated over the last decade while the materials they build them out of have not. Marketing took over from engineering on setting these ratings- now there's a whiplash happening and there's talk about a common standard for setting the ratings.

It never seems to end, does it?

Seems like the american way!!!

Hey Rat-

How goes the hull repair? Any progress?

You recently bought the truck used? Ever have a chance to check the axle fluids? What does the pumpkin look like, especially around the vent? Signs of fluid puking?

I agree you should really have a 3/4 ton. But NC to FL is relatively flat. One trip wouldn't dry up a diff like that. At least this is an opportunity to get that crappy excuse of a "locker" replaced with a real limited slip gear carrier. And put a good diff cover on.

Nothing like a GM G80 (grenade 80), I switched mine out in my Avy to a Detroit True-Trac when I put the 4.56 gears in.

Get a Mag Hytec rear diff cover. It will double the fluid capicityand has a dipstick.

...and bolt it on to the differential of an F250. Then you can tow legally and not endanger your life.

thanks for asking. hull is fixed, floor is replaced and I did the TOT's run in Palatka last weekend.

No F250--actually looking at 3500 and F350's

Good to hear. I'm sure it was more painful than you wanted but maybe less than it couls have been. Did either of the two pole smokers on the other side of the transaction help you at all?

Good move on the truck. A dually will keep you safe.