Trailering GW 300 Marlin, 305 Express of 330 Express

[knightgang]

Hi guys. Wanted to drop in and say hey... Some forums that I visit new people get scolded for not doing an intro thread. So, this is kinda it...

On to the question at hand. I am not new to boating as I grew up with boats and driving and docking, etc. However, never been offshore and along with that I have been out of the boating scene for about 15 years. Soon to start getting my little 18'CC back in shape for the water.

Also, by season of life has changed, those little boys that sat on the casting deck of my CC are now grown, and bringing girlfriends that will soon become my Daughter in Laws along with them everywhere they go. We borrowed a 20' DC to take on a lake vacation this past summer and I realized 2 things - 1. How much I missed the water. and 2. I need a bigger boat.

While I am extremely in favor of a center console boat (in the 28 to 30' range) and I would have no issue picking a brand, colors and decking that out, my wife probably would not be in favor and would not accompany me very often. She likes shorter stints on the water than I do and buns easily in the sun. She has stated that if I buy a boat with a bed, TV and air conditioning, she would go more often so that when she gets tired or hot, she can cool off and take a nap. I really love my wife and like sharing life with her, so I have seriously been thinking about WA Cabin boats. I still want the size, due to the fact that I want to make Gulfstream runs and that is 90 miles off our coast and I personally do not feel like you can have too big of a boat for that. Also, with the growing family I wan tot be able to put about 10-12 people on board for entertaining.

So, I have been looking at used models that are listed above. However, I am concerned about the weight of these hulls. I know Grady's are heavy in general. I live about 50 miles straight line distance to the coast and will be trailering. I own a F250 (actually several) and having a towing load of about 12-13K is not an issue for the hour that it will take to get to the ramp. I am concerned about this kind of load for a 10-12 hour trip down I-95 to vacation in the keys which I would like to start doing in a few years.

So, for those of you that have these models, do you tow them, if so with what rig and what is the total towing load as I am guessing based on the hull weights that I can find and estimating engines, rigging, fuel and trailer (Aluminum). I have a 35' travlel trailer that is right about 10K and have towed that from Savannah to Chattanooga and back. I am not concerned with towing in general and do it all the time, but I more curious about the load on the truck at almost 13K for that long and the wear on myself as the driver on a crazy interstate like I-95 with that load.

I may be over thinking this, but let me know what you guys experience. I don't want to purchase a boat this big and then not want to tow it out of town because it is to big, when that is the purpose for buying it.

Thanks, and nice to meet all of you.

 

[Macrophylla]

Trailering the 330 express you’d need a bigger truck. My marina neighbor has one and he tips the scales around 15k with half a tank of gas and whatever his wife has stowed away in the cabin.

Not sure about FL but in the Carolinas you’d need to get a wide load permit anytime you wanted to haul any of these, 8’6” is our width limit and all three models are 10’6 or more.

Any chance you can find a marina or dry stack somewhere that makes sense geographically speaking? Big truck, big trailer, and the costs and hassle would push me in that direction.

 

[knightgang]

I had a feeling that would be the case on the 330 for sure. the 305 and the Marlin 300 might still be options. I don't live close enough to the water to pay for a slip or dry stack. If I were 15, 20 minutes away, that would make sense, could be out all the time. Like I mentioned, I have no problem trailering, just want to make sure I don't get something too big. I could easily go 33' on a center console, but the WA Cabins are heavier. Max 30' might be an option, hopefully someone that has one can chime in about the weights.

 

[magicalbill]

I towed my 2018 Marlin to Michigan from Fla and back. Stats below:

Tow vehicle: 2007 Dodge Cummins dually.

Boat/Aluminum tri-axle & 3/4 fuel= 14,600 lbs.

Height w/ Garmin Radar Dome removed; 13' 2".

Beam 10' 7".

LOA from bumper of truck to props; 48 feet.

Hassles?

1.) Acquiring the frickin' paper work & permits. They are different in every state and my girlfriend really had to work at getting it all together. This may not be an issue for you if your trailering is limited to one state, but I would have the proper permits that your particular state requires; that's just me.

2.)Stopping at exits. Since you're familiar with trailering you realize you can't just jump off an exit ramp and go to the Chick-Filet for a sandwich. You need a Wal Mart parking lot to turn the Beast around. Pack your lunch and stop at Rest Areas.

3.)Be hyper-aware of your height. Watch for low-hanging tree branches; low bridge clearances; roofs & overhangs in gas stations, etc.

Take it easy. I ran 50-55 and let the World Go By. Don't hit the throttle hard going up hills and heat up your transmission.

I'll skip the usual advice about having your bearings greased, tires inflated etc since you trailer anyway.

I would recommend a diesel dually for mainly stability in crosswinds thru mountain passes. It's just a safer towing rig with the boat you're wanting to jerk around, even if you don't venture too far. (Notice how easy it is for me to spend your money.)

Lastly, don't skimp on the blasted trailer!! My trailer for the Marlin had three 7K axles and Electric Over Hydraulic brakes. Don't let some salesman or previous owner tell you otherwise. Overbuild the trailer!!

This will be a Pain to do. I wager you'll get weary of it in time and look for another alternative, but you're asking about it and it certainly can be done; Plus with your skillsets you're a Leg Up on others who've never pulled large loads around.

Finally, if Dennis chimes in here, listen to him. He's the real deal when it comes to All Things Trailering.

 

[knightgang]

magicalbill, this really helps. I kinda figured the 30'+ WA would be out due to weight. I hold a commercial CDL and have been towing something ever since I started driving at 10 years old (36 years ago). Imagine my F250 with a 9000lb gooseneck trailer that is 35' long and a 15K backhoe on top. That is towing 24K with a 7500 lb truck a grand total of 31.5K. That was a load, and I have had to do that a couple of times. However, I don't want to try that for 10-12 hours on an interstate.

I figure a GW 282 Sailfish is the largest that I will be able to fit out and comfortably tow with my truck. Hull weight about 5500 and should totally rig out around 10K, maybe 11K with trailer.

Sure don't plan on skimping on trailer. I once rebuilt and extended a 16' light equipment trailer to 24', upgraded 3500lb non brake axles to 5200lb brake axles and swapped out the coupler from 2" to 2 5/15". Tows like a dream and big enough for anything I have needed, except the backhoe, That Gooseneck belongs to a buddy.

 

[magicalbill]

I think you're on the right track; You have all the important factors covered.

This just occurred to me as I type this; if your weather canvas (isenglass) is easily removable, I would recommend removing it and storing it in the cabin prior to towing. The beating it would take from wind and the draft from passing semis (if you're on a two-lane some of the trip) would put premature wear-and-tear on it over time. And then there's the bugs....

There are two schools of thought on this-many tow with it up and are fine with it. If it is a royal @#$$ to remove, that bolsters the argument for leaving it up underway. Captain's call here.

 

[Goose]

I have a trailered 06 Marlin and tow it with an 04 F-250 Super Duty with the 6.0. Yes we had it bulletproofed. She’s wide enough to need a permit to tow but no flags or signage. Florida’s pretty easy to get the permit. I have yet to be asked for it but the furthest ramp I go to is 15 miles from the house.
It does sit a little tongue low and I wouldn’t recommend long trips the way it is. I do try to only put gas in right before I put her in the water because of the weight. There are only 2 or 3 ramps I can use because if it’s too steep or too much gravel on the ramp I can’t pull her out. No grip. Also, the ramp can’t be too shallow or I’d have to get my rear axle underwater to float the boat.
I do love having her at the house though. I get bored or want to tinker with something I go right outside. Definitely look at hitches and trailer height. The Marlin is at the upper end of the max towing weight for my truck.

 

[knightgang]

My F250 is an '04 as well. Like I mentioned, I have towed 24K with it on multiple occasions. Of course, would not do that for 10-12 hours, but an occasional local tow, sure. Mine has been bulletproofed. I still fight oil temp issues now and again due to the fact the previous owner ran water for a long time and the block has been really rusty, clogging the oil cooler. I have a backflush technique and will backflush it about once a year and I keep treating the block with different chemicals trying to mitigate the rust and stop this issue. I may have finally gotten it about 2-3 months ago with a new chemical I ran through the cooling system.

I pretty well know the limitations of my truck, been driving 6.0 trucks for 16 years and work on them myself. Love them. I really appreciate the input on the Marlin 300. I would love to have this boat, but pretty sure the wife would croak if I wanted to upgrade to a F450 so we could tow it to the Keys once a year.

 

[Meanwhile]

I tow a Marlin with 2005 Dodge 3500. I use a weight distribution setup that helps even out the truck. I tow in Oregon and Washington. Oregon is easy to get an oversize permit, $8 for a year. Washington is nice as it can be managed online. I gave up moorage so now tow 90 miles each way.

The electric/hydraulic brakes make my tow go easy. I tow over our coast range with ever present slides and dips in the highway from shifting ancient landslides. I have to be on my toes to slow for those dips, and they are always uphill so I lose my RPMs.

It is time to replace my tires due to age. That will give me piece of mind. I carry one spare. I have an extra handle for my jack and I'll turn that into a fitting for my drill. I'm spoiled from my travel trailer electric jack.

Good luck on your decisions.

 

[Fishtales]

The marlin is a big boat out of the water. I'd plan on 12-13K lbs with the trailer and boat loaded. Permit is required and also for the 9'3" Sailfish. I'd be looking at the Gulfstream if I were trailering a lot. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[magicalbill]

The marlin is a big boat out of the water. I'd plan on 12-13K lbs with the trailer and boat loaded. Permit is required and also for the 9'3" Sailfish. I'd be looking at the Gulfstream if I were trailering a lot. Just my 2 pennies.

14,600 loaded-3/4 fuel w/trailer, as I mentioned in my reply earlier.

 

[knightgang]

I know that in y state (Georgia) I can purchase a $150 annual permit and tow anywhere in the state on that (I think up to 12' beam) and No flags or escort. FL is pretty good about this as well, not sure the fee, but it would be 2 tows, one in , one out and a week a part is what I am thinking. So a seven day permit once year is all that I would need.

Nobail - your Dodge 3500 would have the same drive train as the 2500 with the difference being a stiffer suspension and the rear end gear. The F-Series Superduties are the same idea, same drive train (Engine/Transmission) and only a difference with the suspension and the rear gear.

I will admit, that many times the tuning is different, but that I am not concerned with as I have a tuner and have have a custom tune written to account for the load and the gearing with consideration for the tire size.

I am also familiar with Load Distribution so can do that if needed. Overall, how would you rate the power production and ease of putting that load with your Cummings? This may be the final deciding factor for me on a Marlin...

 

[magicalbill]

Jumping back in for a minute..

6.7 Cummins 10-11 MPG at 50-55 MPH. Plenty of power for hills and the mountainous terrain in East TN and N GA.

Now I'll get out of No Bail's way.

 

[knightgang]

Thanks Magic... no worries for jumping back in, much appreciated.

 

[Done-it-again]

I’m looking at doing the same with a 30 Marlin (when I find one) My father had a 282 sailfish and was great, but sold it 5-6 yrs ago. I’ll be following this thread.

 

[seasick]

Although the 232 is a lot lighter (maybe 6500+ lbs loaded) than the 305, it still has a 9-3 beam. Many states would also require permits to trailer it.

 

[knightgang]

In Georgia, a $150 annual permit would allow me to tow anywhere in GA, no escort required. $5 buys a 10 day permit for FL. Similar applies for SC, I mist likely will not tow outside of those states.

 

[magicalbill]

Although the 232 is a lot lighter (maybe 6500+ lbs loaded) than the 305, it still has a 9-3 beam. Many states would also require permits to trailer it.

My 232 was 10,100 lbs loaded with full fuel, twin 200's and livewell full of ice. This included trailer.

I think every state requires permits over 8' 6".

 

[TopsulTime]

x2 on the don't skimp at all on the trailer. I just sold my old boat and was planning on keeping my tandem 10,160 gross trailer for the '05 282 SF I just bought. I've had trailer tire blowouts before and my anxiety level was increasing by the hr in the days leading up to me going to get my SF and towing it 450 miles home. I decided to buy a new tri axle 9500# carrying capacity and picked it up on the way.

My GMC 2500 with 6.0 gasser did extremely well but burned A LOT of gas. The trailer towed like a dream and I didn't push it (ran 65mph max) but felt like I could have increased the speed a little and still be safe...but I wasn't in a hurry. My typical tow now that I'm home is 1 mile to the ramp and 35mph.

 

[knightgang]

x2 on the don't skimp at all on the trailer. I just sold my old boat and was planning on keeping my tandem 10,160 gross trailer for the '05 282 SF I just bought. I've had trailer tire blowouts before and my anxiety level was increasing by the hr in the days leading up to me going to get my SF and towing it 450 miles home. I decided to buy a new tri axle 9500# carrying capacity and picked it up on the way.

My GMC 2500 with 6.0 gasser did extremely well but burned A LOT of gas. The trailer towed like a dream and I didn't push it (ran 65mph max) but felt like I could have increased the speed a little and still be safe...but I wasn't in a hurry. My typical tow now that I'm home is 1 mile to the ramp and 35mph.

You must go by another screen name on another board...