Performance Boat Trailer

I own a 2002 Chev Tahoe with a 5.3 V8, and I'm considering buying a 2009 GMC Acadia with a 3.6 V6. My question is: will there be a big difference in the ability to tow a loaded down boat on highways in the mountains.
My tahoe has 285HP w/ 325Torq.@4000, and the Acadia has 288HP w 270Torq.@3400rpm; other details are the tahoe has 110,000 miles, weighes 5800lb, and has been extremely well maintained, and burns no oil. The Acadia has only 20,000 miles, weighes 4700lbs, and is nearly new. The elevation varies from 3800 feet to 7800 feet, and presently my tahoe pulls the 4800lb (boat, trailer & gear) fine with some slow down to 50mph over the passes at 7800 feet. Both towing capacities are the same at 5200lbs.
I know torque is what is important, but considering the tahoe probably is not at its peak anymore, the really question is" Will the Acadia with the high performance V6, be able to pull this load?

Torque is what gets you moving and horsepower is what keeps you moving.

Quite honestly, a loss of nearly 50 lb.ft. of torque is probably going to be noticed. The one thing that puzzles me is that you quote HP and torque at the same RPM. Generally speaking, peak torque is found at low RPM, so you may want to check on that. Finally, the elevation will probably play a part in how everything feels. You are mentioning HP/Torque ratings that are done at sea-level.

Have you driven the Acadia? I haven't really heard much about this vehicle and it may be just fine, but I always prefer a V-8 over a 6 (V-6 or I-6) when it comes to towing.

2010-08-10 17:55:11 by

Chas, a violent and psychotic East London gangster needs a place to lie low after a hit that should never have been carried out. He finds the ...

I'm purchasing a 1992 Ranger 330V and a 135 Mercury Black Max. My family is agreed to buying it and most likely getting it. I am a young bass fisherman and now getting my first bass boat. I am real excited. Is there anything I should worry about? Performance? Engine? The Fiberglass Hull it's Self? Trailer? The trolling motor is a brand new 2008 Motorguide. It's 17 feet long.

And we need a truck to tow it with. Any Models/Brands that my family should look for?
NEW? OR USED?
The boat is supposed to weigh under 2,000lbs (1700? 1800?)


THANKS FOR THE HELP! :)

congrats, that's one great boat! the dry hull weight is around 1000, then add 404 for the outboard, 200 for 30 gallons of gas, 150 for 3 batteries, 300 for seats, hardware, electronics, pumps, carpet, then another 100 or so for gear and tackle. Still not too heavy for a single-axle trailer, maybe 600 pounds.

around 2700 pounds towing weight. Look for something with a 5,000 towing weight rating (3500 is too close for comfort in my book). Any full size pickup will do the trick, I'm partial to Ford F150 and they all come equipped for towing. Nissan Titan. Ford Expedition, chevy suburban. They're all good.

Not a minivan -- those are all "cars" and you need a "truck".

With that much weight, you want a vehicle with a tow package which will include a heavy-duty external transmission cooler. It's the tranny that suffers most from towing. A V8 Explorer would do it no problem. Myself, I like to buy a truck with 80, maybe 85,000 miles on it...get it checked by a trusted mechanic and you're set for years.

The forums at bassboatcentral.com and iboats.com are chock full of guys that love to talk boats, a lot of whom know what they're talkin bout. And your local fishing forum, or if you don't have one, check out texasfishingforum.com

Learn to drive your boat...get some cockpit time before going full bore wide open. It's not overpowered by any means, but "chine walk" (google it) is not out of the question. This boat is capable of hurting you if you get too careless -- just take a reasonable amount of care.

Never run the outboard without supplying water to the lower unit -- only takes a couple minutes dry running to seriously damage the water pump impeller.

Change the impeller every couple years. Use merc's recommended spark plug at the correct gap. Treat the gasoline with something like stabil or seafoam (I use seafoam). Your outboard is more sensitive to fuel quality than a modern automotive engine.

Develop a methodical procedure for launching and *NEVER* vary from it. I have one very important rule...once a transom tie-down is in my hand, I can't set it down *FOR ANY REASON* until the drain plug is in. that way, if I launch without the plug, at least the boat can't leave the trailer.

Take whatever time you need on the ramp, no less, but no more...rushing leads to mistakes, so don't get rattled by us "pros" trying to hurry you up...just don't daudle.

2009-04-22 09:36:39 by JamO.G

Price: $26.68 $20.61

Keeps investment in like-new condition
12in. x 144in. marinegrade carpeting
Protects PWC or boat from scratches on the hull

2001 Tracker Targa 17ft 4inches Deep "V" Big water w/ 4 Stroke 75 hp Mercury. Comes with Trailer, ores, night lights, gages (fuel, speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, water pressure, and trim), walk through windshield, side storage, Dual Console, 30 gallon built-in tank(you won't have to fill up, it has plenty already-FULL), 2 bait wells, divided acrated 50" livewell w/ flow-rite aeration timers and remote drain controls, Tracker 12 volt 52 LB thrust 50" foot-controlled trolling motor, Radius tempered glass walk-thru windshield, AM/FM cassette stereo, extra-wide carpeted gunnels for large downriggers, aft aerated livewell, 2 large aerated baitwells w/ liftout stainer, in floor storage, storage shelf under console, all welded hull, bow storage, bow panel w/ trim recirculation and courtesy light switches, locking storage on console, wheel lug locks on trailer tires and spare tire, lock for swing away tongue, and lock so people can't drive away with it. Also comes with boat cover, battery charger, plus 4 seats that can be removed (can be moved to the front or back for easy fishing and to be able to get the anchor which there are two for different bottoms) plus all weather stand up Convertible top w/ side and aft curtains, side lockable storage for up to 7ft fishing rods, ship to shore radio with extra high atten.(Horizon-Standard VHF Marine Radio model #GX1265S Plus portanle ICOM Waterproof VHF Marine Radio model #IC-M2A) Garmin GPS Map 172C Color GPS Cahrt Plotter, Ritchie X-15 and Ritchie S53 surface mount lighted compasses, 3 Sospenders High Performance Inflatable Life Vests, tilt steering wheel, cup holders, ski storage, glove box, gas fill vent combo, hand rails, 2 60 watt speakers, and safety features. Has not been on water for 2 years. Has been shrink-wrapped and winterized each year. I have never been on a more stable boat. 37 mph top speed. It was designed for big water. Many extras that did not come with the boat. Cash or certified bank from local bank. (the picture of the deep V 18 is just like the 17ft but one foot longer both are Deep V)

Maybe you need to put an add in the local paper, or on EBay, or Craig's List.
Maybe place it along side a busy road with a 'For Sale' sign on it.

By the looks of the question you are trying to use the questions section to list your boat for free.

2008-07-21 12:54:19 by Rex K

Price: $132.53

All mounts fit up to a 3-Inch x 5-Inch trailer frame
Stable formed heavy-gauge steel construction
Strong proprietary bushing materials.