A good boat vehicle combo?

Question

So I'm in the market for a new vehicle and I also would like to get a nice speed boat. I also commute about twenty miles onw-way daily. What I'm trying to figure out is a good fuel efficient vehicle to tow the boat and also a decent boat that isn't going to bankrupt me. Let the advice fly! : )

Answer 1

here's the thing, to pull a boat up a slick ramp, you want a vehicle with a higher than average rear axle ratio, which means your drive shaft on your pickup is turning more RPMs for any given speed than your Honda Civic - means lower gas mileage.

So, to compensate, try to find a boat/motor/trailer with a gross towing weight of under 3000 lbs or so.  

Add a minimum 20% to any manufacturer's stated weight, as a margin, for stuff like fuel, batteries, toys, coolers full of beverages, etc.

That let's you use something with better mileage than a Suburban or Expedition.

I tow about 2500 lbs of boat with my Explorer, but on my daily commute I get nearly 20MPG.  Not bad eh?

As far as boats go, here's my own personal

Top ten reasons why outboards are better than inboards:

10. Engine doesn't take up valuable space better utilized for livewell/baitwell/fishing gear/beer.

9. Doesn't require a contortionist to work on the engine.

8. High power-to-weight ratio.

7. Repower? Easy.

6. Winterize? No need.

5. Trim gauge inoperative? Who cares!

4. Park on the beach? Spur of the moment prop change? Shallow water or stumpfield? No problem - engine tilts completely out of the water.

3. No bellows.

2. Dead battery? You did save that little rope with the handle that comes with all outboards, right?

And the number one reason why outboards are better:

1. Everyone can see how big it is.

Answer 2

Ummmmm, pretty nebulous question, but I will give you quick brush strokes.

The boat: how do you intend to use it will help us narrow it down. Fishing, skiing, wakeboard, cruising, all of the above? None of the above.

The truck depends on the weight of the boat. If you have a small fishing boat, sailboat, or a couple PWC's it will be a different truck than if you want to buy a 27 foot cabin cruiser with twin I/O's.

Address the boat first, and then the truck. Many of the people in my neck of the woods even just have an old beat up pick-up truck that hauls the boat, and that's it.

Have fun. Let us know on the boat criteria.