www.iFourWinns.com

My only advice outside of the great mechanical stuff already stated....take your time and get use to the heavy trailer load/size. Drive like a Gma for a bit.

I think a lot of people(myself included) underestimate how a larger boat will tow compared to a previously owned smaller one. Take it slow until you feel comfortable with how the trailer feels.

The only lesson on mechanics I'd pass on is if the trailer hookup is any different have the previous owner demonstrate and even try it yourself. I spent 30 mins trying to figure out how to back up my surge brake trailer into my slightly inclined driveway. Then I spent another 60 mins trying to get the ball release to release. Who know that bolt head on top of the latch slid to the side to allow it to release?!?! In my defense it was dark and I was use to the old traditional large lever release.

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2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo

I don't have my owners manual yet, what is the combined weight of the trailer and boat??

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GI/DP 280-HP
2005 Suburban "The Battlewagon"

Depending on the engine the boat has. A totally dry (no water or gas) boat and trailer will be about 5,500 - 5,700 pounds.

Well I guess my drawbar is not big enough as it is only rated for 5K lbs. The dealer did tell me that it is only a 2" ball though. I havn't seen it for myself.

Are dropped drawbars designed to be used either up or down position? meaning can I use a 2" dropped drawbar to drop 2" or flip it over to raise 2"? Are they designed to allow this??

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GI/DP 280-HP
2005 Suburban "The Battlewagon"

Yes, draw bars can be used as a drop or as a raise. You will run into the same issue I have now. My boat wet and loaded with gear is 6,500 - 6,700 pounds. The run of the mill bar is only rated for 5,000 like you said.

An '05 230 with full tanks and toys will be right at 6,500#. I use an Alumastinger bar with a class IV hitch and stainless convert a ball.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

To make things even more complicated for you Bluesman check the sticker on the side of your truck hitch. Bet you it says only good for 5K/500lb tounge unless you use a weight distribution hitch. I did not replace mine but I might yet.

I know the tounge weight is OK and I can't understand why a disti would effect the pulling amount.

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition

I am getting the following weights:
Trailer: 1,500 lbs
Boat dry: 4,300 lbs
Fuel: 50 gals 310 (@6.2 lbs per gallon)

Total 6100

So I guess 6500 full of stuff would be pretty much max.

It's funny the factory switched the trailer to a 2" ball. The highest rating 2" ball I could find was 6,000 lbs

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GI/DP 280-HP
2005 Suburban "The Battlewagon"

Your fuel tank is 58 gallons.

The 1" shank on the Convert-A-Ball is rated at 10K lbs.

http://www.convert-a-ball.com/

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Mike;
As always you are an encyclopedia of boating knowledge!!

I have to say though , I don't like the ball in pin thing.... Do you use one??

Do any of you use weight distributing hitches??

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2005 Horizon 230 5.7 GI/DP 280-HP
2005 Suburban "The Battlewagon"

I do use it, exclusively. I spoke with the inventor of the ConvertABall who described the test protocol that pin was subjected to. No trailerable boat is going to be any match for it. Besides, that pin sees very little stress - all the tongue weight is on the ball which is sitting on the post. The pin does very little other than to keep the ball from coming off.

Since it's stainless, it's important to use a thin coat of ball grease to keep it from galling.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic