I am looking at a Hunter 26 which I would keep in dry storage at the lake. I think I can store it with the mast up. This is compromise to paying the big bucks for a slip rental. It is only about 200 feet from the storage to the marina's private launch ramp, and I do not think there is any stacking problem at the ramp. What do you think of this arrangement? Also, I have a basic Ford Explorer. It has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and I propose to get a transmission cooler for it. It has a v-6 engine. Is this enough vehicle for the boat? Thanks, John.
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Ralph C. Regar
Trailering
If you can store the boat with the mast up near the launch ramp, it will certainly save some work in launching and storage. Just be absolutely sure that there are no overhead obstacles (especially power lines!) between your parking place and the ramp. As for towing, this has been discussed many times in the forum. You will find a lot of information by checking the archives. You could also check with your local Ford dealer and an RV dealer about towing. Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
If you can store the boat with the mast up near the launch ramp, it will certainly save some work in launching and storage. Just be absolutely sure that there are no overhead obstacles (especially power lines!) between your parking place and the ramp. As for towing, this has been discussed many times in the forum. You will find a lot of information by checking the archives. You could also check with your local Ford dealer and an RV dealer about towing. Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
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Ken Shubert
Trailer Care
Keeping a boat rigged in dry-sail is pretty convenient. Be sure you have "bearing buddies" on the trailer and keep them full of grease. Dry-sail storage means the trailer gets dunked fairly often. Also, watch the electricals and be sure the lights aren't swallowing water ---'specially those 3 little 'code lights'. You may find a lack of acceleration with a V6 and that much load but it depends on the distance and the hills. You'll only need a transmission cooler if you have an automatic transmission. Sounds stupid but some of us do still shift for ourselves. Many Explorers have trailer towing packages standard and the cooler is included. I'm really impressed with the towing capability of the Explorer! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Keeping a boat rigged in dry-sail is pretty convenient. Be sure you have "bearing buddies" on the trailer and keep them full of grease. Dry-sail storage means the trailer gets dunked fairly often. Also, watch the electricals and be sure the lights aren't swallowing water ---'specially those 3 little 'code lights'. You may find a lack of acceleration with a V6 and that much load but it depends on the distance and the hills. You'll only need a transmission cooler if you have an automatic transmission. Sounds stupid but some of us do still shift for ourselves. Many Explorers have trailer towing packages standard and the cooler is included. I'm really impressed with the towing capability of the Explorer! Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Michael Bell
Archives
Check the archives on this. There, you'll find my story of burning the transmission out of my aerostar (with oil cooler) pulling my H26 home from the dealer (so were talking much less weight than now). Was the transmission going out previous? Maybe. A lot of people have indicated hauling with like sized vehicles without problems. Keeping it on the trailer ready to sail, and launching it is no big deal. That should work OK for you.
Check the archives on this. There, you'll find my story of burning the transmission out of my aerostar (with oil cooler) pulling my H26 home from the dealer (so were talking much less weight than now). Was the transmission going out previous? Maybe. A lot of people have indicated hauling with like sized vehicles without problems. Keeping it on the trailer ready to sail, and launching it is no big deal. That should work OK for you.
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John Larsen
Not going far
I've towed a H25 back and forth between Duluth and Minneapolis without problem with a Chev 4.3 liter rear wheel drive but I think I'm pushing it. 200 feet should not be a problem unless you have problems loading boat back on to trailer and get stuck on the ramp. Most problems come from overheating engine or transmission. If you ever get stuck, best to get someone to provide additional pull with a tow rope or tow truck. I've found from experience that it pays to pay a little instead of paying a lot of bucks for major car repair. Having storage on trailer 200 feet from launch site sounds nice but remember that there is time involved in launching and putting back on trailer at end of day. I'd rather spend a few bucks on slip rather than the time launching but I'd try it anyway to see how much of your time is consumed. You can always get a slip later.
I've towed a H25 back and forth between Duluth and Minneapolis without problem with a Chev 4.3 liter rear wheel drive but I think I'm pushing it. 200 feet should not be a problem unless you have problems loading boat back on to trailer and get stuck on the ramp. Most problems come from overheating engine or transmission. If you ever get stuck, best to get someone to provide additional pull with a tow rope or tow truck. I've found from experience that it pays to pay a little instead of paying a lot of bucks for major car repair. Having storage on trailer 200 feet from launch site sounds nice but remember that there is time involved in launching and putting back on trailer at end of day. I'd rather spend a few bucks on slip rather than the time launching but I'd try it anyway to see how much of your time is consumed. You can always get a slip later.
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Dave Oberholtzer
works for me
That is percisely what I do. I leave my 26 on the trailer set up at the marina which I think is almost a better deal. No bottom painting, less worry in stormy times and it is certainly better for the boat to be in dry storage. I leave everything set up and the motor on it hanger so all I have to do is open the companionway and dunk it in the water. I also do not think it takes much longer than putting it in a slip.
That is percisely what I do. I leave my 26 on the trailer set up at the marina which I think is almost a better deal. No bottom painting, less worry in stormy times and it is certainly better for the boat to be in dry storage. I leave everything set up and the motor on it hanger so all I have to do is open the companionway and dunk it in the water. I also do not think it takes much longer than putting it in a slip.
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Ken Shubert
Stiff Neck ?
I watched someone launch their bass boat from a dry-sail area this week and was amazed to see he had it hooked to the front of his pickup. Yup..... ball wasl on the front bumper. This would really help for vans or pickups with shells on the back that limit sight. For a 200' haul this might be the ticket. If you try this, please post a picture... it's gonna' look wierd. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
I watched someone launch their bass boat from a dry-sail area this week and was amazed to see he had it hooked to the front of his pickup. Yup..... ball wasl on the front bumper. This would really help for vans or pickups with shells on the back that limit sight. For a 200' haul this might be the ticket. If you try this, please post a picture... it's gonna' look wierd. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Darrell Ivers
Towing fore and aft
Hey there, I am in the process of purchasing a H260 to tow around FL. I just bought a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac to do that. It's set up different than the base Explorer but your explorer should be fine for most tows. It would be advisable to check with your Ford dealer to make sure yours is equipped right to handle the weight. They come in many configurations and the stock towing spec's may not apply. As to the comments about using a front mounted ball. We have done that for years on various power craft. It gives you better visibility and maneuverability while putting the boat on the ramp and can even help with taking it out. Reverse is usually even lower geared than low/1st. Just be sure you don't dunk the front wheels below the axle/hub. They are not set up for immersion, nor are other components in the engine compartment. Any good hitch shop can install a Hide Away reciever on a vehicle like yours if you are interested.
Hey there, I am in the process of purchasing a H260 to tow around FL. I just bought a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac to do that. It's set up different than the base Explorer but your explorer should be fine for most tows. It would be advisable to check with your Ford dealer to make sure yours is equipped right to handle the weight. They come in many configurations and the stock towing spec's may not apply. As to the comments about using a front mounted ball. We have done that for years on various power craft. It gives you better visibility and maneuverability while putting the boat on the ramp and can even help with taking it out. Reverse is usually even lower geared than low/1st. Just be sure you don't dunk the front wheels below the axle/hub. They are not set up for immersion, nor are other components in the engine compartment. Any good hitch shop can install a Hide Away reciever on a vehicle like yours if you are interested.
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Michael Bell
Off center
If you have the opportunity, mount the front hitch somewhat to the passenger side of the vehicle. That gives you a clear path for vision straight ahead.
If you have the opportunity, mount the front hitch somewhat to the passenger side of the vehicle. That gives you a clear path for vision straight ahead.
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