I'm looking into buying a boat soon. I'm looking for a 17 - 20ft ski/sport boat. Since I've never owned a boat (accept a couple of jetskis), I'm a little worried about the ramps. My truck is an extended cab WITHOUT the posi trac, just the standard open differential. What is peoples experiences? I really don't want to be "that guy" who gets stuck trying to pull the boat out.

 

The advice I can give you is to take off slow and if need be take off in 2nd and that may help with some wheel spin.

 

You should be okay as long as the boat/trailer combo isn't overly heavy. I used to have 17.5' center console that with trailer weighed somewhere around 2500lbs. Never had trouble with the ramps, including some that seemed to be straight up. As stated, if you slip, use 2nd.

 

People tend to back down the launch too far. When retrieving the boat, the top of the trailer fenders should still be out of the water. The truck tires should never be in the lake, where you will get into the slippery slimey stuff on the ramp.

 

Ditto Plus the more times you dunk the rear in the water the more likely you will get water in there.
Have fun on the lake

 

For the first time ever, my back wheels went in the water on Friday afternoon cause the river was WAY up. Truck didn't even spin the tires a bit. I've launched on a gravel ramp before (as in, I made my own ramp) and didn't spin them on that either, and my tires were right where the waves had been breaking on the shore of the lake. I've never had to take it out of D before. Just ease on the power and you'll be fine.

 

If in doubt, through about 300-500 pounds of sand bags or other ballast in the bed, as close over the axle as you can get. Bet you won't slip a bit. If no sand bags, tell your boating buddies to get themselves and the beer cooler in the bed. Same difference, maybe even better since that will lighten up the boat.

Also take a look at your tires. If they are bald, consider new ones.

Last but not least, take a good look at the ramp before you launch your boat. If it is crappy, falling apart, muddy (i.e. not concrete) or way to shallow to get the boat in the water without dunking your truck, go elsewhere!

Just my two cents,
Mike

 

Ok, thanks guys.

 

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.

 

Sounds like a plan. Also, does anyone know whether the Mercruser or the Volvo engines and outdrives are better? Also, what else would you look at in a used boat?

 

I personally prefer outboards. Easier to maintain and a better power to weight ration, especially the 2 strokes.

 

Volvo Penta all the way. The VP SX drives are heads and shoulders better then the Mercruiser Alpha series.

 

I second the Volvo option. We've got a 04 Crownline 240EX with a 5.7L GI Duo-prop. We can pull the tube out from under you or the arms off of skiers without a problem. In fact, the boat has more horsepower than the truck that pulls it. While I can't say anything bad about Mercs (I know many folks who have them), we've gotten used to our engine and boat and love the combo. So far we haven't had a problem one with the engine (though we try to take meticulous care of it).

I can even comment on your truck situation. I'm pulling this 6500lb beast around with a 99 F-150 extended cab XLT, 2WD, with the small V8. I went through many ideas on upgrading the truck... locking rear diff, helper springs, air bags, chips, etc., and I ended up adding only a tranny cooler and AT tires (Bridgestone Dueler Revos). I've only had trouble pulling out of the lake one time and that was on a shaded (only got sun for a portion of the day) boatramp before I added the AT tires.

Hope this helps.

 

WHATEVER YOU DO!!! ................. buy a Nautique! Have owned 2 in the past and own one now. They are soooo much better than the competition, especially mastercraft (owned about 4 of them) they handle and drive like buses compared to Nautiques.

 

I work at a dealer that sells them both - plus Yamaha outboards. Which one is better? They're all good. Personally, I like Mercury because there are more dealers - hence parts are generally easier to come by. Remember, the engines themselves are virtually identical.

What would I suggest you look for in a used boat? Above everything, look for something that was taken care of. I get to work on some boats that I just can't believe anybody could do the stuff that's been done (or not done) to them. For some reason, many people just don't take care of their boats - and somebody's going to pay for it someday. Next, stick to a good manufacturer. Look at the J.D. Power ratings for a good place to start. Hope that helps!