Boat ramp questions....

I have an 08 reg cab 4 cyl manual prerunner. I am looking to buy a boat in the 16-18 ft range. Looking at Carolina Skiffs and the Mako ProSkiffs, something under 3500lbs. Im sure I wouldnt have any problem towing the boat on the roadway. Im a little concerned about the ramp and getting it in and out, with the manual and 2WD. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks

 

As long as the ramp is CONCRETE or Blacktop--No problems--if its GRAVEL--you will be spinning your wheels---This is where the 4x4-is needed

 

Yeah x2 on the gravel part. Go to nice landings

 

Disclaimer: From this picture, it does not appear any tacoma's were soiled by this incident.

 

x3

 

i have a 4 banger and even on the black top ramp by my house and 31s i had to throw it in 4wd. it was so hard to not spin the tires on the moss with the manual!

 

I don't get it

 

Not always true.

How steep is the ramp? Does the concrete ramp have a textured surface, or is it covered in moss/algae?

 

This...

My parents have owned a marina before I was born... I have seen it all.

OP ~ you will need to find a ramp that works for you and you may have to put in or take out at certain points during high/low tide.

NO ONE can say youll be fine or you won't. Believe me the marinas are used to people screwing up at the ramp so don't be worried. Just use common sense.

 

Freshwater or saltwater launch?

If you're launching - or especially retrieving - in a a tidal area you want to be cautious of low-water retreival.

The bottom of the ramp will be slimed. You can get stuck down there - and the tide's coming in, to make it worse.

If it's a busy ramp - someone will pull you out.

If it's a lonely spot - you may need to unlaunch the boat and hope you can still retrieve the empty trailer.

 

I use to pull my 18 ft. center console with my 1997 Nissan and it had a 4 cylinder. Never had any problem on ramps. I've never had to use 4 wheel drive on any ramp, but I've never tried any unpaved. When you are pulling the boat out, the tongue weight of the trailer and boat will help give you traction.

 

I pull a 19ft lowe aluminum boat with my 05 dcsb v6 Prerunner. I have launched at both dirt and concrete launches with no problems. However i live in La, and everything here is FLAT. Common sense is key in this situation.

 

Haha I know I was jokin. I use a boat ramp at least twice a week

 

Welcome to the forum, Nate. Anyway, just like any other hill or incline, you'll be just fine as long as you can maintain traction. Well used or maintained ramps are seldom a problem, while others can be covered with algae, moss, or similar slippery surface contaminants.

Check before use. If you suspect a problem, sprinkle a little sand or dirt over the areas your tires will travel and don't back down the ramp any further than necessary.

Of course, a 4x4 provides significantly better traction, with the front tires often well above any slippery surfaces. That's not much use to you now, but perhaps worth considering when you purchase your next vehicle.

 

I have a '10 prerunner with the 4-banger and stick shift. I regularly pull a 17' boston whaler with a 115 2-stroke. Whaler's are not light.

I haven't had a problem to date, and I pull at coastal ramps.

I've also pulled a 21' Triton, although it was a bit sluggish.

Take it slow up the ramp and just don't spin the wheels. The 4-banger can handle it. Unless the ramp is crappy or your load too big, 2WD will be fine.

Just my 2-cents.......

 

Thanks for the input everyone. Ive never pulled anything with this truck. I dont want to spend the money on a boat and then have to buy a truck to pull it. Just wanna see if anyone had any issues with the same setup that I have. The boats im looking at are fairly light and we have pretty good ramps around here. I do have Nitto Terra Grapplers. They may help with the traction...?

 

id just bring a shovel to throw dirt under your tires incase you need traction. if theres not dry dirt around..... maybe just throw a sand bag in your truck incase you need it. just an idea


FWIW, a friend of mine had a giant ass diesel pusher with like a 30 footer, couldnt get out of the lake with that fat thing. he had to sell it to get a 4wd just so he can go to the lake!! haha

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FshOpPqj88

 

my buddy has a 29foot rinker... He pulls it with a titan no problem, but our trick is...

As he steers the boat onto the trailer... as soon as he hits the front bumper stop on the trailer we haul ass out lol. so it's basically the boat hitting the trailer moving the truck fwd and gassing it out. the boat aint going no where, trust me! lol
Gravel, sand whatever.. it works =)