How big is too big to trailer??

[Greg]

What is the maximum legnth boat I would want to consider trailering??? I have a Ford Explorer with 8 cly engine and additional transmission cooling. I live in central Florida and would like to try the Gulf, Intercoastal, Tampa Bay, maybe the Keys. I'd appreciate some advise. thanksGreg

 

[Pat Hooyman]

H 26 0r 260 Tops

Having hauled various size boats in and out of slips both in Colorado, Michigan and the Gulf Coast I think the H 26(or 260) is the biggest trailerable around and the best in its size range. Lots of room, good quality, and water balast. For the price it is a good value.As far a s size 26 feet is maximum I would consider trailering. Any bigger and it would be a real challenge. As it is it is still a lot of work to move the boat and launch it but it can be done by one person in one day with minimal injuries and damage. Also the bout is considered below 26 feet for the coast guard which makes the legal requierments simpler.

 

[Jon Bastien]

I agree with Pat

I towed my H23 with an Explorer for a while... The short wheelbase of the Explorer makes trailering an interesting experience! The trailer likes to swing at high speed, and this can push the front end of the towing vehicle around a bit. A longer wheelbase helps to solve this... I use an extended cab Ranger now, and it's a completely different (and less un-nerving) experience. Back to your original question, I think that a water-ballasted 25 or 26 foot boat is about the maximum I'd try to tow over the road- Not too heavy, not too long, and not too wide, but still gives me plenty of boat and versatility for the money. Anything larger would probably also (technically) require permits in many states for towing an oversized vehicle. There are many articles in the forum archives about towing and tow vehicles- check 'em out!--Jon BastienH23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'H25 'Adagio'

 

[Jeff]

Hunter 26 Water Ballast

I've towed our H26 several times with a '99 GMC Savana 1500. It has a 350 V-8 with lower gears in the rear end. It is rated for 6500 pounds. Plenty of power to tow but the trailer even with tandem wheels gets alittle squirrelly above 60-65 mph. The cross winds on the highway makes it interesting. This is especially true when tractor trailers are passing you. If I didn't have remote controls for the 9.9 outboard I would take the engine off before towing. It contributes to the problem having that extra 100 pounds or so back there. I can however limit the amount of fuel in the 12 gallon tank which saves nearly another 100 pounds at the back end of the rig. This boat is terrific though for long weekends or all week. Being able to go where other boats can't and even beach the boat if you desire is wonderful. The large cockpit is what sold me on the boat. I've had this boat for 3 years now and see no need to move up in size any time soon."Festivity"H26 1996

 

[Harvey Small]

Take it easy!

Having trailered my H-26 from St Louis to Florida twice, I think I speak from experience. I can go all day at 55 to 60 mph. Anything above 65 gets uncomfortable -- the trailer gets wiggly and it's like the tail is trying to wag the dog. This was true with my old V-8 GMC conversion van, and it's just as true with my V-6 GMC Blazer. So, since 60 is a lot faster than it'll go on the water, just set the cruise control and stay in the right lane...

 

[Jeff]

Hey Harvey!

Where do you sail in Saint Louis. We keep our 1996 H26 over at Carlyle Lake."Festivity"H26 1996