getting a boat
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Spring Hill, TN
rAMPS
I have a '99 supercab with limited slip. The key is the tires you have. My LS was useless with the original Wrangler Ap tires.
Of he two boats I have, one is a 19' bowrider witha small block v8/sterndrive. Never a problem with pulling it out, 350lbs tongue weight. My othe boat is an 1800lb 16' outboard fishing boat. The first time I towed it to the river, it pulled me down the ramp backwards until it hit the water. When i loaded up to leave, I didn't know if I was going to get enough traction to get up the ramp. Tons of tirespin no matter what trick I tried. Went fishing the next day with the same boat pulled by my 5spd/open diff Ranger and it walked up the same ramp, no tire spin. I pulled this boat with the Ranger for 3-4 years previously and never had a problem on a ramp, ncluding a steep gravel one. Went the next week and had some Bridgestone Dueller AT Revos put on the 150. No problems since.
On the boat power choices, I own an Outboard and a Mercruiser. I much prefer the outboard. Easier to maintain, lighter to tow, and no bellows or hoses to rupture and pour water in the boat. Also no ujoints to deal with, or squeezing yourself in small holes to drain water for the winter. The Sterndrive is fun, and generally cheaper to buy, nothing wrong with it, but I like the OB better.
If you go with a sterndrive, my preference is Volvo. They use teh same SX drive for the 135hp 4 banger to the larger V8's. Cone clutch makes shifting a breeze. mercruiser is Ok, my #1MR drive is the precursor to teh Alphas. It is 30 years old and hasn't been apart for repairs that I can tell, but I often wonder if my warm 302 is stressing it. It also has the dog type shifter that clunks as it engages.
Of he two boats I have, one is a 19' bowrider witha small block v8/sterndrive. Never a problem with pulling it out, 350lbs tongue weight. My othe boat is an 1800lb 16' outboard fishing boat. The first time I towed it to the river, it pulled me down the ramp backwards until it hit the water. When i loaded up to leave, I didn't know if I was going to get enough traction to get up the ramp. Tons of tirespin no matter what trick I tried. Went fishing the next day with the same boat pulled by my 5spd/open diff Ranger and it walked up the same ramp, no tire spin. I pulled this boat with the Ranger for 3-4 years previously and never had a problem on a ramp, ncluding a steep gravel one. Went the next week and had some Bridgestone Dueller AT Revos put on the 150. No problems since.
On the boat power choices, I own an Outboard and a Mercruiser. I much prefer the outboard. Easier to maintain, lighter to tow, and no bellows or hoses to rupture and pour water in the boat. Also no ujoints to deal with, or squeezing yourself in small holes to drain water for the winter. The Sterndrive is fun, and generally cheaper to buy, nothing wrong with it, but I like the OB better.
If you go with a sterndrive, my preference is Volvo. They use teh same SX drive for the 135hp 4 banger to the larger V8's. Cone clutch makes shifting a breeze. mercruiser is Ok, my #1MR drive is the precursor to teh Alphas. It is 30 years old and hasn't been apart for repairs that I can tell, but I often wonder if my warm 302 is stressing it. It also has the dog type shifter that clunks as it engages.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 31
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Thanks for all the help guys, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to boats. I will check out those J.D. Power ratings.
-Super FX4, I would love a Nautique, but those are a little out of price range for me right now, maybe in the future.
Thanks,
Casey
-Super FX4, I would love a Nautique, but those are a little out of price range for me right now, maybe in the future.
Thanks,
Casey
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 113
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From: Killeen, Texas
Originally Posted by Raoul
I don't recommend this. It makes it look as though our trucks aren't 'up to snuff' when we're at the ramps.
A much better idea is to always invite a buddy who hasn't read the 'Fat Bastards' thread.
Just let him think you really enjoy his company and aren't just using him.
At a critical moment in the boat retrieval process just holler out,...
"Hey Wally! Hop in the back and get me a sandwish out of the cooler, will'ya?"
Wait until he climbs in and floor it. Then you, Wally, the sandwish and the rig will be at the top of the ramp like a champ.
A much better idea is to always invite a buddy who hasn't read the 'Fat Bastards' thread.
Just let him think you really enjoy his company and aren't just using him.
At a critical moment in the boat retrieval process just holler out,...
"Hey Wally! Hop in the back and get me a sandwish out of the cooler, will'ya?"
Wait until he climbs in and floor it. Then you, Wally, the sandwish and the rig will be at the top of the ramp like a champ.
Problem is, you have to haul his fat azz around in the boat all day, using more gas to get it moving and keep it going, not to mention that he will probably list the boat to one side thus requiring you to reposition him on one side and everyone and everything on the other side
I had a F150, 4.2L V6 manual 5 spd and it pulled my 18' stingray with no problem. If you start to have tire spin apply the E-brake a little at the same time accelerating.
Dont have a problem now with the new truck
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Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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So if I'm looking for just a regular bowrider boat for cruising around and a little skiing, should I look for an I/O or outboard? The outboard ones seem to be cheaper, but I want to get something that I'm going to be happy with.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,550
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From: Mount Airy,MD
They both have advantages and disadvantages. I like outboards. They seem to have a better power to weight ratio, although the transom does have to be in good shape to handle the weight. Also, with 2 cycle engines, you do not have to change oil, although more and more outboards are now 4 cycle.
That is one of the main problems with inboards, changing oil and servicing. They also take up valuable space in the boat, where an outboard doesn't.
The boat I had was a center console I used for fishing, so an outboard for me was a must.
That is one of the main problems with inboards, changing oil and servicing. They also take up valuable space in the boat, where an outboard doesn't.
The boat I had was a center console I used for fishing, so an outboard for me was a must.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 110
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From: Moreno Valley, CA
If it happens, just put 2-3 people in the bed and you are good to go.
It shouldnt happen if you have good tread and pull out slow, as long as you do not go in too far. I always back it in and have someone tell me when the boat just starts to float the rear, then give it a good push off, no more than needed. Also, turn the wheel to one side while coming out, this helps a bit too.
It shouldnt happen if you have good tread and pull out slow, as long as you do not go in too far. I always back it in and have someone tell me when the boat just starts to float the rear, then give it a good push off, no more than needed. Also, turn the wheel to one side while coming out, this helps a bit too.