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Random Quote: There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
Posted some questions a couple months ago about boat/trailer weights... Trying to ensure I didn't exceed my towing capacity as I shopped for my 1st boat. Several of you said "it will be heavier than you think"... and you were right!
I purchased a 1997 Aquasport 225 with a 200hp Johnson, which is listed at 3900 lbs dry weight, including the outboard. Put her on a 2007 Karavan aluminum trailer (the trailer that came with the boat was too light), filled it up with gas, and took it to the scales.
Trailer alone weighs 1130 lbs. And the boat--(I don't know where the weight comes from)-- the boat + trailer weighs in at 6290 lbs, with 102 gal fuel, no water. That's 5160 lbs for the boat alone, but 632 lbs of that is fuel. So, I'm left with 4528 lbs for my boat, dry weight. Now where does the extra 600 lbs come from, if Aquasport says it weighs 3900 lbs?
Fortunately, I'm still under my tow capacity of 7000 lbs with my little Ford Explorer V8 4x4, but it's darn close!!
Did they include the weight of the motor?? Looks like it may have been the weight of a naked hull with no rigging motor etc.........Surprising huh!!!!
Tight Lines
Monty
Yeah, I was surprised by the real number more than once at the scales... Either I forgot how to add, or the manufacturers were very optimistic with the published numbers.
I feel sorry for that "Exploder" I've got one too...2nd tranny. Trade her in for an Expedition. My rig is about the same and the Expo does a lot better job w/ no repercussions. For safety factor...you should be about 15-20 % less than your towing weight....Not right at! or close to. JMO
The one consistent theme you can count on about boats on trailers... Most owners have no idea just how much weight is involved unless they make a trip to the scales to be certain. That business about the manufacturer under estimating the hull weight is very common - I'd say it's almost the rule rather than the exception.... And then, of course, come all the little additions that every owner adds... It's enough to give your trailer tires and tow vehicle a hernia....
__________________
Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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Did they include the weight of the motor?? Looks like it may have been the weight of a naked hull with no rigging motor etc.........Surprising huh!!!!
Tight Lines
Monty
According to the published manufacturer's information, that 3900 lbs includes a 200-hp outboard!
So far the Explorer has performed fine towing this boat/trailer. Never kicked into 4WD on the ramp, and with the trailer's 4-wheel disc brakes (surge type), stopping has been OK. Acceleration on the on-ramps on I-75 is slow, but it gets up to 65mph and I usually stay there.
I am acutely aware that I'm towing 90% of my vehicle's tow-rating, so I'm very conservative with speeds, stopping distance, etc.
I also try not to haul it very far with a full gas tank! That's 600 lbs right there!
I feel sorry for that "Exploder" I've got one too...2nd tranny. Trade her in for an Expedition. My rig is about the same and the Expo does a lot better job w/ no repercussions. For safety factor...you should be about 15-20 % less than your towing weight....Not right at! or close to. JMO
biposto- Yes, in an ideal world I'd upgrade to the Expedition, or F150. One of those will likely be the next vehicle, but until that's feasible, this is what I've got.
Is your Exploder a V6 or V8? Which rear axle ratio do you have?
Yea I here yea there. if it can't be done, go easy what with ya got, Travel empty on fuel till where your going...thats what I do all the time. I do alot of that. 373's the Expo, and I think the same in the Explorer, both w/ BIG tranny coolers. my Explorer's 2nd tranny after 3 yrs is starting to slip in OD. This yr if I find some work, been unemployed for some time now I'll look for a good used F250 so I have 2 vehicles to two with. the Expo is a 5.4 4X4 EB which does a good job, I'd love to have a F250 V10 for a REAL puller, but " until thats fiesable " all will stay the same.
Glock D,
I may have been one of the guys telling you the Explorer would be ok with your previous, underestimated weight. As a Ford guy, and veteran Explorer tower, my experince was the Explorer was OK for my 5400lb tow weight. If your tow distance is short, you can soldier on. I went Expedition (great for my 7000lb Proline) and now to a crew cab F150. Leaving in the morning for a 1450mi tow to the keys with the Proline in tow. Bigger tow vehicle sure makes it easier. Oh, my 09 F150 was $32100 out the door (incl taxes, employee discount).
I can get a limited number of "friends and neighbors, X plan" deals on a new ford. If interested, pm please.
Glock D,
I may have been one of the guys telling you the Explorer would be ok with your previous, underestimated weight. As a Ford guy, and veteran Explorer tower, my experince was the Explorer was OK for my 5400lb tow weight. If your tow distance is short, you can soldier on. I went Expedition (great for my 7000lb Proline) and now to a crew cab F150. Leaving in the morning for a 1450mi tow to the keys with the Proline in tow. Bigger tow vehicle sure makes it easier. Oh, my 09 F150 was $32100 out the door (incl taxes, employee discount).
I can get a limited number of "friends and neighbors, X plan" deals on a new ford. If interested, pm please.
Not too bad for the F150... what engine, tranny, & trim package did you get? 2-door or 4-door?
(F150 is my top choice for my next vehicle, but since my wife will probably drive it more than me, I have to keep the Expedition option on the table!)
I learned the hard way about towing at the top of a vehicles rated range and ended up having major drive line work ($4,600) on my old Denali. It felt like it was up to the job and actually towed very nice, but the wear and tear eventually took it's toll.
It's perty cool what one can find out at the Scale house , isn't it.
Most [ NOT ALL ] Mfgrs. give the Hull weight and that is just what it is , HULL WEIGHT .
No console, rigging, Gear, Trailer, Spair tire, Junk, guide on rails, stuff your wife and kids hide in the boat, and MORE.
Then most people end up Loading the snot out of the Tow Vehicle.
It all adds up right quick and in a hurry.
__________________
F350 4x4/ Dodge 2500HD 5.9L Cummins
Leaving the Picture of the Ford cuz I miss it
Pacific 2325 cc
Honda bf225
aluminumalloyboats.com
Dont forget that tow weight also need to take into consideration all the extra weight in the tow vehicle. People always seem to forget the passengers and gear and the driver. Tow weight means haul weight not just whats behind them. The biggest misunderstanding people face is the term tow capacity. Tow capacity means nothing, its a rating that manufacturers use to show how strong their vehicles are. Unfortunately for all those caught up in the hype, it will cause you a world of legal crap if your in an accident. The rating you need to know is GCVWR gross COMBINED vehicle weight rating. It is the maximum amount you can legally and usually safely tow down the road. That is the weight of the vehicle loaded, the tounge weight, trailer, and load all combined together. Exceed this, get in an accident, and lose your house
"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin."
Oh, I thought this thread was about Chris Christie, nevermind.
LOL, Cheap shot.
Now back on topic. My father just bought a new Duramax,Allison 3/4 Ton.
GCVWR is the important figure. If you exceed that nasty things can happen. Braking and frame ratings exceeded will put your family and boat at risk. Also tongue weight (load distribution) is very important for tracking. Make sure your trailer tires are rated for your new found weight.
The rating you need to know is GCVWR gross COMBINED vehicle weight rating. It is the maximum amount you can legally and usually safely tow down the road. That is the weight of the vehicle loaded, the tounge weight, trailer, and load all combined together.
Change the word "tow" for "move" or something like that and delete "tounge weight" and this is accurate.
3900 seems like an awful lot for just an aquasport 225 hull but I could be wrong. I would guess that does include the motor.
Doesn't it though?? But it's NOT accurate-- it was actually TOO LOW!
Look at comparable sized 22' CC boats, and you'll see alot of weights in the 2000-3000 lb range.
Yes, the GCVW is the important figure, as several have mentioned. My Explorer's GCWR is 11,600 lbs. Fully loaded (full tanks of fuel in both truck and boat), I'm at 11,300 lbs, with me behind the wheel. That's not including cargo or passengers. So, if I'm to haul it any distance, I will make sure I do so with not much gas in the boat's tank, and small passengers!
Man... you guys were right about my weight!
JMO
