new to forum, a question

[reelbeliever]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum. Working on a deal to purchase a GW 258. The owner has accepted my offer, just pending sea trial now. I had the motor checked so the deal is getting pretty close to closing.

I am pretty excited, this looks like it will be a great boat for my family and I.

It's being offered without a trailer. I was wondering if anyone else on the forum has a trailer weight for the 2006 Journey 258. This one has a single Yammie 250 4s, soft top. I have a slip but I do use a trailer occasioanlly and don't want to get one that is under spec.

Thanks!

-rb

 

[wahoo33417]

RB: Other than your boat being an '06 and mine an '05, sounds like we have the same boat. I hope you get as much use and enjoyment from your 'new' boat as I do from mine.

My quick estimate on towing weight is about 6,050 lbs:

boat 4150
engine 600
full fuel 1000
batteries 100
'stuff' 200

If you want to be more conservative, add another 500 lbs.

Pasted below are some numbers from yamahas recent test of a 258 with an F350 on it. they came up with a test weight of 6782 lbs, but the new hull is a bit heavier, the f350 is heavier and they had 3 people and half tank of fuel.

Yamaha Performance Bulletin
YPB#: PB_GRW_Journey258_F350TUR_4-24-07_OWA
Performance Data
RPM MPH GPH MPG
1000 5.6 1.5 3.73
1500 7.4 2.6 2.85
2000 8.5 4.6 1.85
2500 12.6 6.4 1.97
3000 21.4 8.7 2.46
3500 27.6 11.1 2.51
4000 32.5 13.5 2.41
4500 37.3 18.0 2.07
5000 41.6 22.6 1.84
5500 46.4 29.8 1.56
6000 50.8 35.0 1.45
Seconds to Plane 3.60
Grady-White Journey 258
Length 24' 9"
Beam 8' 6"
Dry Weight (Boat Mfr. Published) 4,320 lbs.
Maximum HP 350 hp
Fuel Capacity 165 gals.
Weight as Tested (Approximate) 6,782 lbs.

Hope this helps.

Rob

 

[reelbeliever]

Thanks for the quick reply. Apprieciate it. My truck is rated to tow 6,400 and I don't usually tow with the tank full. I should be OK with the trailer I'm looking at.

-rb

 

[enfish]

Thanks for the quick reply. Apprieciate it. My truck is rated to tow 6,400 and I don't usually tow with the tank full. I should be OK with the trailer I'm looking at.

-rb

Don't forget to add the weight of the trailer of about 1500 pounds. Your full towing weight will be around 7500-8000 pounds.

 

[Frank]

Check with your local Grady dealer. They can tell you the trailer they usually use for that boat. I imagine you will want a trailer rated for 7-7,500 lbs or so as your all-in weight may be more (e.g., the hull weight may not include accessories, you will have water in the water tank, etc.).

From a weight towing standpoint, don't forget to add the weight of the trailer (probably 1,200 lbs, give or take a few). You can minimize this weight some with an aluminum trailer.

Even if the boat is just 6,000 lbs, you are over your towing capacity when you add the weight of the trailer in.

Also, determine whether you need a trailer with a weight-distributing hitch. Many trucks are rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs with a regular hitch and 6,500-7,500 with a weight-distributing hitch.

 

[Parthery]

You need an 8600 GVW trailer...this will give you a capacity in the neighborhood of 7000 lbs.

A 6400 lb capacity tow vehicle is going to be overloaded trying to pull this boat. Wahoo's estimates are good, but you need to add the weight of the trailer itself (1500 or so).

 

[no problem]

I think you can never have too much trailer. I also think a model with torsion axles would better in the long run if it's not going to be used much. Good luck!

 

[moklodge]

Actually, you CAN have too much trailer. It's important that the suspension is "flexed" and not too stiff. Some trailer capacities are higher just from tires or number of rollers so no problem there but if the torsion axles or leaf springs are oversized, it could give the boat a very rough ride.

 

[grady23]

Actually, you CAN have too much trailer. It's important that the suspension is "flexed" and not too stiff. Some trailer capacities are higher just from tires or number of rollers so no problem there but if the torsion axles or leaf springs are oversized, it could give the boat a very rough ride.

This would have to be a minimum trailer capacity of 10K or more to produce that much stiffness. That would mean he'd be into a Tri-axle trailer.

The standard is usually 80% load-to-capacity for a given trailer. Get the 8600lb trailer and you'll be fine. I won't comment on the truck. You need to have your vehicle evaluated by someone that knows what your particular vehicle will handle with or without a adding a stabilizer set-up. Many things come in to play with a heavy trailer. Have you ever trailer a large weight with surge brakes? Do you know the drawbacks to surge brakes and the hidden dangers? If you don't have any experience in towing heavy loads, PLEASE PLEASE get some background. An improperly balanced trailer can be DEADLY. When a big load like a boat starts swaying wildly back and forth, you can end up a highway stat REAL QUICK!
The Boat US website has a trailer boat section. Lots of good info in it!