Right Trailer for a Grady Islander 265

[dthunell]

I am thinking on upgrading my boat to a GW 265 Islander (1998 w/ 300hp) and live on Cape Cod thus would need to trailer 20 miles daily with my F-150 truck. The broker I am discussing is a venture trailer dealer. What would anyone recommend for a trailer that would be easiest handling and correct for such boat?
Do you think this boat is a burden to trailer for dailey use?

 

[seasick]

Personally, the Venture trailer I originally bought new is 2007 had many quality issues. Things you wouldn't expect like blown out wheel cylinders. Brake flush plumbing fell apart but never really worked all that well. The warranty is useless since the company basically states that many of the mechanical parts are covered by the manufacturer of the specific parts.
Wiring was poor too. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I would be quite reluctant to purchase another Venture.
The experience did teach me a lot though and the lesson was for my next trailer get the opposite of what I had on my first. No more drum brakes, aluminum frame, torsion springs, submersible lights, stainless hardware, stainless brakes etc.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

My venture story is similar to Seasicks. They once installed Tie Down components. They should be called lie down , lol. The frame and such is fairly decent. I just took all the tie down crap off and installed all stainless Kodiak brakes and better hubs and bearings.

So, if you can order a venture with Kodiak components and get maybe a larger wheel put on it , say 16 inch rims instead of 15s and the highest load range tires, Good Year Endurance , then go for it.

 

[DennisG01]

The shop I'm at used to sell Venture - too many issues and problems. Even frame and axle issues. We no longer sell them but we do have a saying... "It's always an adventure with a Venture". They're a price-point trailer - that's the only reason people buy them.

That said, what is the trailer rating for your model year F150 with the axle ratio it has? Take 80% of that and figure that to be your max rating for regular use. Now, add the dry weight of your boat with the engine, trailer, full gas, water, gear, batteries, ice, etc. Where does that come out to?

Make sure you get brakes on all axles of whatever trailer you decide on. And at least give electric over hydraulic a thought.

 

[Parthery]

That’s a lot of boat for an F150. I’m thinking 3/4 ton would probably suit you better, particularly given the frequency of your tows.

 

[RussGW270]

The new F-150s can easily tow the Islander. My F-150 has a max towing of like 10600, and I think it has up to like 11,500-ish if they have the 1.73 gear ratio....so, while people may suggest a F-250 plus to tow a boat, the real key will be knowing exactly the model, engine, axle ratio, receiver you have etc and weights.

That being said, if you are going to get a new trailer, you are on the right track....has to be aluminum for you to tow it otherwise no way will your weight be right, but aluminum and spend the extra on stainless, disk, get a really good jack, winch, guards, led...all of it on a tandem or tri

GL!