Looking to become a Trailer Trawler

Ahoy,
We are life long sailors looking to move to the "dark side" as sailors call the move to power. We have been looking at Nimble Nomad and the Great Loop. The boat is described as weighing 2450 lbs. but I noted someone commenting that boat and trailer, etc weigh in on the truck scales at 5,000 lbs. Does this sound accurate? Also we currently have an '09 Ford Explorer 2WD. Wondering what is needed to tow this boat. Many Thanks.
Cheers,
Mike Robinson
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/eleanormay/

The dry boat with nothing onboard and no fluids is 2450lbs, the trailer would be around 1800lbs depending on how it's set up and what additions have been made. Loaded and on the trailer, I wouldn't be surprised to see 6000 to 6500lbs. I have a Ranger that is built on the same chassis as an Exploder. I wouldn't pull it. I wouldn't want to pull a nimble with anything less than a half-ton pickup, full-size van, or full-size SUV.

Your Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,000 or 7,000 lbs depending on whether it is a V6 or V8.


I wouldn't be surprised if the Nomad's all up towing weight is 5,000 lbs, maybe more. Virtually all builders fudge and show the lowest weight possible often not including an engine or any options like head, stove, etc. For comparison sake a C Dory 25, a similar if not lighter boat has close to an 7,000 lbs all up trailering weight.


I believe it takes a real 1/2 ton pickup or a full size SUV like a Ford Expedition to tow those boats.



David

Welcome aboard. What ever you do don’t go over the towing limits of your vehicle. You don’t want the tail wagging the dog...