Hauling a boat?

Been pondering the possibility about getting a small fishing boat and trailer, in the next 3-4 years.
Any of you guys hauling boats?

 

Yes.

 

Lots of threads on towing boats.

https://www.google.com/search?q=hau...wIjQIHe7uAdsQrQIoBDAAegQIBhAM&biw=320&bih=452

 

I recently bought a Tracker jon boat and I've towed it 5 or so times now. The truck handles it great, it doesn't have any trouble with the weight. The boat is 16' and the boat/trailer/motor weighs about 1500 lbs dry, probably 1700 with gas and gear. I seem to average about 17-18 mpg towing it, but my truck is lifted and on larger than stock tires. All in all I'm really pleased with how it's been working.

 

I will make a suggestion, I don't know why Tracker does not include a Transom saver on the grizzly boats, but if you are traveling Louisiana roads, you may want to put one on. Just mount a Transom saver stud on your trailer, its only two bolts. If you got it from the bass pro in Denham Springs, they can get you set up. I may know a guy that works there.

 

With the towing capacity of these trucks, any small fishing boat will be no problem.
Are you talking aluminum or fiberglass boat?
What HP motor if any?
Just find out what your total package weighs, then consider gear, cooler, etc. But your options are many before you get close to capacity.

 

I've been thinking about getting a transom saver. I really don't like towing with the motor trimmed up, but the bass pro mechanic told me you're supposed to tow with it on the locking rest trimmed up, as it is in the photo above. It is the bass pro in Denham, by the way. Thanks for the advice, I'll add that to my growing list of boat needs right next to a spare wheel for the trailer. I love the boat and the trailer is fine but Tracker sure could pay more attention to some of these things that ought to be included in the price.

 

Yea, I prefer a true transom saver. That lock is not real sturdy, plus it does nothing for taking stress off of the transom. You still have all the weight and vibrations going directly to the boat.
As for not adding stuff such as a spare tire, its a cost thing. One thing we have our salesmen trained to do is always ask the customer if they want a spare tire. I would not tow a boat without one.

Sorry for the thread jack OP, its just that I wanted to make sure one of our customers gets the most life out of his boat.

 

I tow my 18 ft. Bayliner, about 3400 lbs. I’m pleased with how it does.

 

Yes and zero complaints.

 

No. Nobody at all

 

Tows it better then my 2nd gen ever did.

 

Towed this little fishing boat a lot and had to keep looking in the mirrors to see if was it still there. Couldn't feel it pulling or stopping. Pulled my friends 2,000 lb boat and it required more effort to stop.

 

I tow a 1860 Crestliner aluminum not a huge or heavy boat but here in MT not a flat state, only towed 4 times only has 750 miles on the New Tacoma, but has no problems. Averaged 14 mpg.

 

Nice, that's a decent size/weight.