BIG BOAT little van

[JoelD]

Pulling boat out of water on all sorts of different ramps is one reason I've resigned myself to needing 4x4 no matter what. My boat is light, but on a dirt ramp, forget-about-it.

Joel

 

[Diamondpilot]

I pull at least 3-4 out of the water every summer. Last one was a brand new GMC 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive. Guy started spinning the rears pulling a 3,000# bass boat. He got about 7-8 people to get in the bed. Still spinning. So they decided to hop up and down and like a grenade. as the engine was revving the drive shaft exploded and beat the bottom of the truck all to heck. Got to pull the entire mess to the top of the ramp with my Titan.

Chris

 

[bp fick]

My experiences in boating for 25 years or so, with all different sizes, is that 4x4 or not, one day, your "2 foot more" disease catches up with you, and the next wet ramp you attempt is at an angle is beyond an Everest team!

Hey, it happens. Instead of going nuts, as in the example Pilot just spoke of, (I have seen shafts break and hurt people and some folk die because of that sort of thing) remain calm. Get a helper to assist from high up on dry pavement. Just a boost is usually all it takes.

Final observation. A boat is just flat heavier than you imagine it is going to be. That's my experience. The Boat is Heavy!!! Usually heavier than you think. Don't con yourself. Just my 2 cents.

Oh and don't forget the straps and tie down in all the confusion. You'd have no idea how many boats I've seen get left on the ramp. Smack!! Wet bunks and rollers do that.

From the Great Lake State,
Yours Truly,

 

[Low Bucket]

I'd like to see him pull that up a hill.- That's just stupid, but funny too see.

I wonder if the owner of the car found out who hit it.

Diamondpilot, That's some nice looking boats!

 

[bp fick]

I'd like to see him pull that up a hill.- That's just stupid, but funny too see.

To say nothing of ever hoping to actually stop it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'd like to see him pull that up a hill.- That's just stupid, but funny too see.

I wonder if the owner of the car found out who hit it.

Diamondpilot, That's some nice looking boats!

Thanks. I usually buy them as repos or dealer leftovers and then sell them a few years latter for what I have in them. I have owned over 15 boats and brokered many others. The most I have ever loss on a boat was 2K on a 90K boat that I had for 3 season. I usually break even or make something.

Chris

 

[radioman]

I'm just shaking my head. that boat is way too much for the caravan. I know, I had a 89 caravan and put 250k miles on it and yeah it doesnt have good rep on engine and tranny. I replaced engine once and had overdrive rebuilt twice. I towed with it alot, but only used a tiny trailer 4X8 open trailer.