sneak_e_pete Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Within the next couple of years, I really want to get a new boat...18 foot aluminum. The package weight on one of these is 2,500 lbs, and my Caravan only tows 1,500. So, not only do I have to fork out 30k for a new boat, but also 40-50k for a truck? I am never gonna sell this one to my wife. What do you guys use for towing? Any cheaper options? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerritt Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Yup divorce. cost me the filing fees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Ford Ranger 2010 Sport. 6cylindre 4.0L with towing package, 18K Towing Capacty 5700 lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 In two years? I wouldn't start worrying about it just yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 In two years? I wouldn't start worrying about it just yet. Why not Two years of planning and anticipation. Two years of sleepless nights wondering how you are going to pay for it. Two years of deciding what size of motor, and how you are going to outfit it Two years of...........well, you get the idea Definately, start worrying about it now, and keep us in the loop too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerritt Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 If he put more then 2 hours of thought into it... it would be a Ford... but it would not be a Ranger.... Ugh... G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Pickup trucks are getting cheap... Dad just got a ram 1500 crew cab brand new for 20,000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeontroller Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 New boat & Used P/U Truck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigfisherman Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 (edited) Before buying a new $30k boat I would buy a smaller boat and learn the ropes. Then buy the bigger boat. As for a tow vehicle any used Jeep for $15-20k would tow 3500#s no problem(not the 4cylinder ones tho I'm talking Liberty, Cherokee, or a Commander). No need to spend $40k just so you can tow something. Edited December 21, 2011 by Bigfisherman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutdoorDan Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Pete, I was in exactly the same shoes as you this spring. I knew exactly what I wanted in a boat - big and capable of handling the Great Lakes, but the family vehicle was a Dodge Grand caravan, not capable of towing a boat that size. I ended up getting a 20 foot Fishmaster and just had it docked at one Marina for the year. If you are just starting out this isn't a bad option as at least you are always forced to be in the same place and can learn the area. There is also the convenience of not hauling a boat up the 400, launching it, etc. You just bring your fishing gear, jump in and off you go. If you get bored of the same Marina you can have it docked somewhere else next year. That way you can put off getting a car to tow it with until you are ready. I would not settle for a smaller boat if you know you want a bigger one. If you get a small boat now and want to replace it in a couple of years, you will have the headache of selling it and again need to search for a new one, which can take a while depending on how picky you are. Also you are overestimating how much a car capable of towing the boat would cost. Cars depreciate pretty quickly and you can get a used truck down the road to tow it with for well under 20k. I think the comfort of the boat and having it suit your exact needs is much more important than having a car that does the same. You are using the boar for pleasure, whereas the car is more of a tool for transportation (although I'm sure some car lovers would disagree). I would gladly put up with a slightly less than comfortable ride if I knew it meant spending the day in the perfect boat. On the other hand I wouldn't want a situation where I get a sweet ride to the boat but then I have to spend the day trying to enjoy myself in a boat I settled for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneak_e_pete Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the insight. I do have a nice little boat now (16 ft aluminum with 40hp), but I also have a 4 year old, 2 year old and 2 month old boys that I will want a bigger boat for in a few years. I want a very comfortable set-up for us to hang out in. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrystrs Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Most minivans are rated to tow 3500 lbs are you sure you need a new tow vehicle. My neighbour tows a 19' nitro fish and ski and a 150 with his mini van. I'm not sure I agree with this, but it depends how often and how far you tow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutdoorDan Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Getting the boat out of the water with front wheel drive is going to be the bigger issue than highway towing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 I agree a 16' boat will be too small for a family of five so your stuck between a rock and a hard place. Lota lota's advice is probably the best but I would look into a boat slip on a inland lake with those little guys....forget the Great Lakes for now and enjoy the precious moments you have with them little guys in a 18' boat or larger on some small lake...then down the line you may afford a larger SUV/Truck to move that boat to the Great Lake or wherever the fish may be biting. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeter Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Most minivans are rated to tow 3500 lbs are you sure you need a new tow vehicle. My neighbour tows a 19' nitro fish and ski and a 150 with his mini van. I'm not sure I agree with this, but it depends how often and how far you tow. Most mini vans are 2200LBS and less depending on the type and options. They are built on car frames. The only one's that were built on truck frames were the gm astro & safari's and the ford aerostar with a 5000LB rate, they stopped making those a few years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scugpg Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 (edited) Escape V6 4x4 might fit the bill and most say its not too bad on gas. It can tow 3500lbs. 2009's and later have the 6 speed so that will give you better mileage. Lots of them out there at reasonable prices. It may be too cozy for a family of 5 though. Edited December 21, 2011 by scugog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Farmer Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Gas keeps going up, wait, they'll be a lot of good buys out there. 2 years gas will be $10.00 a gallon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvette1 Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 i will sell you my pro-v and suburban for 40,000 then you can tell your wife look honey i just saved us money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Gas keeps going up, wait, they'll be a lot of good buys out there. 2 years gas will be $10.00 a gallon. That is NOT a "Farm" report I want to hear.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 i will sell you my pro-v and suburban for 40,000 then you can tell your wife look honey i just saved us money Is that one of those suburban's that get 20+ mpg or just a regular one that get's the 8 mpg....LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Farmer Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 That is NOT a "Farm" report I want to hear.... Sorry Bill, just sowing some seed and spreading some Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvette1 Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 billy bob i get 15.3 mpg at 75mph not to bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 billy bob i get 15.3 mpg at 75mph not to bad That's about the same as my f150 FX4 I get 14-15 mpg all around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch312 Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Ford Ranger 2010 Sport. 6cylindre 4.0L with towing package, 18K Towing Capacty 5700 lbs. pssssst...he said a TRUCK a used 06-08 full size truck with 80-100,000 kms can be had for $10-$14,000 if you shop around enough and will be far more family friendly. you'll definitely want a full size truck for hauling nearly 3,000 lbs on a regular basis and the extra room will be needed. 4x4 would be en excellent idea as well for ramps with little or no maintenance and if you're going to be boating in the winter months. a used boat and a used truck will save you tons of cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 billy bob i get 15.3 mpg at 75mph not to bad Towing your boat.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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