*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: Rainbow to windward, foul fall the day; Rainbow to leeward, rain runs away!
I bought a 28' and I was told a triaxle is the way to go if there is a lot of interstate driving but for just around town a double would do fine. I'm thinking a 7000 lb double should easily handle a 4000 lb payload even if there is a bunch of interstate driving. The boat is a Contender 25 shouldn't a 7000 lb double be ok or should I think triaxle? Thanks for any help or info.
Hey CC@Tampabay,
WE use a double axle Loadmaster for our 25 Contender including heavy highway miles
(Pensacola, FL to Wilmington, NC) etc.. and it does just fine. Keep in mind 4000 lbs is hull + engines. No T-top or FUEL, Oil etc.. The Loadmaster is made up in Brandon, FL right near you. 813-689-3096 is their number, ask for Ben, he owns the place. Hope this helps.
CC: That boat weighs over 6,000 pounds without fuel. I weighed mine on a truck scale with only 35 gallons of fuel, limited gear and an 1120 pound trailer. The total came to 7,640 pounds.
Put in 240 gallons of fuel and some coolers in it and you'll be popping Carlisles every other long trip.
Go with a tandem axle 10,000 pound gross trailer....and get as much stainless as you can.
Bigbone why does it say the 25's are 3000 OR 3300 dry weight if yours is coming up @6500? When say get as much stainless as you can, what do you mean exactly? Nuts, bolts, winch,etc?
What are you guys towing with? I've got a 2 door 4x4 Tahoe w/350 motor, that should be ok right? Thanks
[This message was edited by cc@tampabay on June 17, 2002 at 08:58 PM.]
CC: I tow with a 4 Door 4X4 Tahoe. You have to be careful, but it works fine...certainly a step up from my previous 2 wheel drive 6cylinder Grand Cherokee. I think you have a shorter wheelbase--2-door version, so you'll be alittle less stable on the highway, but more maneuverable near the ramp.
When I say stainless, I mean all of the hardware on the trailer, screws, bolts, u-bolts, etc. I just went through the whole process for the second time because I made the mistake you might make if you get the 7,000 GVWR trailer, especially with the often standard Carlisle tires.
Re: the weight of our boats...that seems to be a marketing riddle. "I understand, just a little, no comprende it's a riddle".
That is why I made the mistake in my original trailer purchase. I figured that no matter what you hung on a 3,000 boat (motors, t-top, gear, fuel....) you'd never get anywhere near 7,000 pounds. Well, it's not 7,000 that you're trying to stay under, it would be more like 5800 net.
Go put your boat on a truck scale (not an official state scale or you'll be hauled off). You'll see that no matter what you take off that hull or how many helium balloons you tie to it, you can't get it under 6,000 with motors.
I now have a 10,000 pound GVWR trailer and I try not to tow with much fuel in the tank. I would bet I could get very close to that gross capacity.
It is a 10,000 pound tandem axle trailer with as you mentioned a good bit of stainless stell hardware. The one thing I should know but do not is that I thought 10,000 lb tandems had to have eight lugs but ours only has five - do either of you know if this is the case?
The Tahoe should work but the problem we ran into was it was getting pulled w/ a truck similar to both of you guys and with a half-ton transmission there are only so many highway miles you can go w/o blowing a transmission. We now have an F-250 Powerstroke Diesel - yes I know expensive - but it pulls awesome.
We have Goodyear MArathon tires on the trailer which come standard at Loadmaster but have not heard much on Carlisles.
Big Bone - Is your Contender Green on the sides w/ a teal stripe and a white bottom with Raytheon electronics. We sold our '98 to a guy in Miami and that is why I am asking.
Check again, I would bet that you have 15" wheels with six lugs--that's what's on the 10,000 GVWR rigs. I haven't seen eight and 5 is for the 7,000 rigs usually.
If I tow in third, not overdrive and the torque converter is locked up so that there is little or no shifting while towing (all flat road), will the tranny still get beat up? I don't tow like you do; just occasional 100-150 mile trips to the keys.
Stick with the Marathons, they run much cooler than the Carlisles and don't break down as easily.
And yes, I have the boat, only it has Si-Tex electronics, you got the Raytheon "deal" on the boat after this one.
I'd love to be able to ask you some questions - don't worry, I love the boat. Can I email you?
You were right about the lug nuts. Last time I spoke with Chris (Loadmaster Tech) he was mentioning the military ordered tandem axle - eight lug heavy duty and that is what I was getting thrown off by. Again you were right about the Si-Tex and not Raytheon. The boat w/ Raytheon was sent to a lawyer from Jackson, MS w/ a place in Cocodrie, LA. The current Rag-Tag has a brand new Furuno set-up that might be the coolest thing I have ever played around with. How did you know the Raytheon came on the 2000 Contender?
The tranny ought to be fine when you watch overdrive plus only 150 max ought to keep it under the limit. I am not sure on your maintenance habits but I would have the tranny looked at every six months by someone you trust.
Do you still keep your boat on the trailer at that marina/ yard close to the MAcArthur?? causeway b/c I saw it sitting on the trailer there one time and I knew it was the old one based on where the GPS antennae was etc...
Ironically we had a Marathon blow ought on the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway a few weeks ago on the way back from LA and it looked like the $th of July behind the trailer.
Email me anytime at ufexplorer@yahoo.com - I would like to know how the boat is doing.
First, you win my respect. I love that song.
Second, next time you're gonna pass through Miami, let me know and I'll buy you a cold one....and it won't be a Fresca, either (movie?)
Gap you definitely have the mac daddy of tow vehicles. I initially thought I was going to wait to get a boat next year and get the tow vehicle this year but changed my mind mid-stride. I did look at a 2500 Silverrado and the F250 but not in the diesel. I'm in Tarpon Springs but am planning some trips up that way if you want to get together and do an offshaore trip let me know.
