Boat ramp experiences

[bobsim]

Hi Folks,

New member checking in, contemplating a Maverick but worried about pulling a boat out of the water with it.

I'm a retired carpenter with a 1996 F250 w/ 7.3 powerstroke and as much as I love that truck I just don't need the power and weight anymore. Man, talk about guilt. I've really gotten attached to that rascal! Well, back to the topic... I'm looking at the Maverick and wondering how it performs at the boat ramp. My boat and trailer weigh in just under 2000 lbs and I see that without the towing package the Maverick is rated for up to 2000. My thinking is the all wheel drive would be good but there's the 3k cost involved so here I am.

Some ramps I've been to have had sand/slime and I've needed to use the 4wd to get up them but then I'm thinking that with a front wheel drive vehicle it may be different. Any insights will be appreciated, I've never had a front wheel drive vehicle.

Thanks and nice to meet y'all!

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[Darksider]

Unfortunately the front wheel drive will be a weak point since most of the weight with the trailer and angle of ramp with be on the rears. I have done 3500lbs boat/trailer with just rear wheel drive in the sand due to the weight on the rear.

I would personally go with awd or just keep what you have.. The 7.3 are legends. If you go awd you might as well add the 4k towing.

 

[Oakland]

I bet that 7.3 power stroke stays thirsty for fuel. Several years ago, I drove a late 1980s model F250 on the job. Trying to turn that thing around was like changing directions with an aircraft carrier.

 

[Transplant]

I haven’t ordered my Maverick yet but pulling a boat is the exact reason I’m getting a maverick. I’m currently using a Mazda 3 to pull a 12 foot aluminum that probably weighs 600 pounds, but I’m getting the Maverick specifically so I can get a larger boat. So coming from someone currently launching a smaller boat with front wheel drive, I’m getting The 4WD Maverick and wouldn’t even consider the FWD with any boat larger than my little aluminum. Even on a decent launch the FWD is barely adequate and I’m lucky I’ve never got stuck on a launch because I’ve come awfully close on multiple occasions. I’m sure you could make do if you really wanted to, but what’s it worth to you to not have to worry if you’re getting your boat back out of the water without worrying about the conditions at the launch?

 

[ShadowChas]

In my opinion since your boat is so light that even the hybrid would do fine, i used to see front drive cars (focus/jetta, etc) putting in small sailboats and jet ski's quite often and i'm sorry your big diesel had to use 4 wheel drive

 

[NoMavyYet]

How much for the 7.3? I see your from Florida from your profile, so it’s gotta be nice and rust free.Would gladly take that obs back up north with me

I don’t think I would ever even think of launching my 18’ aluminum boat with a FWD even on the nicest concrete ramp just and angle seams to mess to much with them ( seen a couple small fwdbased ) suvs stuck or close to stuck on a half concrete rest gravel lunch

 

[bradFORD]

Well, when I had my 1976 FORD Courier 2WD rear drive and 4 speed standard transmission that would pull a 14' jon boat loaded with 20 hp johnson motor out of the water then I would not have a problem using a FWD Maverick for the same boat. My wife has had FWD cars and they did awesome on slick roads which surprised me.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Years ago, I had to use my FWD Taurus to tow a similar-sized boat, the ramp experiences were miserable, with a LOT of front wheel spin. Maybe you're OK with people sitting on the hood?

Spend the $$$ to get AWD and the 4K tow package.

HRG

 

[CLH917]

I operate a marina. I’ve used my Maverick to launch and pull several boats probably over 100 times. No problems. One that I’ve dropped and picked up regularly weighs 3700#’s. I would spend the money and get the AWD.

 

[bobsim]

Just what I was hoping for, some good first hand knowledge. Thanks very much!

Sorry Zach but my nephew called dibbs on the 250.

 

[Champ]

Obviously, some responders that say they have no problem with a FWD only ramp pull out, haven't seen the many different ramp angles, different water levels and varying slippery conditions. Try some odd steep, slimy ramps in Florida where even if you have a powerful RWD, but with slightly balding tires, plan on calling a tow truck to get your submerged vehicle out. AWD is your safety net. Best of luck!

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