1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

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rcapriola
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1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

Postby rcapriola » Thu May 13, 2021 11:20 am

What is the total towed weight as measured by a scale of a 1998 23 CONQUEST, its trailer, with the boat having fuel and ice?

BACK STORY I'm considering the upgrade to a 1998 23 CONQUEST. My half-ton truck is rated for towing maximum of 7,500-lbs.
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jimh
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Re: 1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

Postby jimh » Thu May 13, 2021 12:16 pm

I have never weighed a 1998 23 CONQUEST and trailer and fuel and ice on a certified scale. For a rough estimate, take the factory hull weigh multiply by 2.15.Then add the weight of fuel and ice if they are in significant quantities.

For the truck rated towing weight subtract all the weight in the towing vehicle except the driver.

For example, a 1998 23 CONQUEST is listed at 2,900-lbs, so estimate 6,250-lbs. Add the fuel weight, let's say 100-gallons, so 625-lbs. Add the ice, lets say 75-lbs. Total estimated weight is 6,950-lbs. Now add any weight in the towing vehicle other than one person at 180-lbs. Another person, some luggage, anything other than a completely empty truck must be added. Typically that will be at least 250-lbs. Add that to the towed weight, and now the estimate is 7,200-lbs.

Can you tow 7,200-lbs with a half-ton truck rated for 7,500-lbs? Perhaps, but you are really getting very close to the limit. You should also calculate axle weights on the truck, tongue weight on the truck, and maximum combined GVWR on the truck to make sure you are not over the ratings.

How well this will tow depends on several factors:
  • distance to be towed
  • speed to be towed
  • terrain, particularly long grades
  • wheelbase of truck
If you just need to tow on level paved roads at 35-MPH for a few miles, then you may get away with the 7,500-lbs rated truck. If you want to tow long distances at interstate highway speeds of 65-MPH and ascend and descend long grades at high altitudes, and don't want the trailer wagging the truck, get a bigger truck.

Some background: My 24-foot long REVENGE 22 W-T Whaler Drive with single engine on a 1,300-lbs steel trailer with not much fuel weighed 5,600-lbs. The catalogue dry weight was 2,600-lbs. The ratio is thus 5600/2600 or about 2.15:1. I have been towing this rig for many years with a truck rated at 7,200-lbs, or 1,600-lbs below the maximum rating. I don't drive fast, perhaps 60-MPH maximum, and ascending long grades often means 30-MPH with the flashers on and downshifting to "2" from "3". Longest towed distance was about 2,300-miles one-way and then return. The truck has a very long wheelbase. The trailer has four-wheel brakes which are absolutely necessary. We never tow in D, always in "3" to keep engine revolutions higher and in the engine's real power band. The entire power train is original and now has 178,000-miles, with probably 100,000-miles towing boats.

In many trucks the real limiting factor is the transmission.

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Phil T
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Re: 1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

Postby Phil T » Thu May 13, 2021 12:21 pm

Weights:
Hull 2,900-lbs.
Engine 600 to 700-lbs
Fuel 725-lbs (125-gallons at 6-lbs-per-gallon)
Ice 50-lbs
Trailer 1,000-lbs if a tandem-axle aluminum frame
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Jefecinco
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Re: 1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

Postby Jefecinco » Fri May 14, 2021 9:59 am

If your truck is equipped with the optional trailer towing features you shouldn't have a problem. If not, consider adding oil coolers for the engine and transmission. Change the oil more often than recommended in the owner's manual. Also consider upgrading the tires to a higher load range rating. If the tires are over five years old replace them regardless of load range. If your truck does not have a level attitude when the boat and trailer are connected you should consider installing a pneumatic load leveling system. Trailer brakes are more important factor as load weight increases. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working order. Trailer wagging can be caused by insufficient weight on the hitch ball. The tongue weight can be adjusted by moving the boat forward or aft on the trailer.
Butch

jimh
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Re: 1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

Postby jimh » Fri May 14, 2021 10:34 am

Phil T wrote:Weights:
Hull 2,900-lbs.
Engine 600 to 700-lbs
Fuel 725-lbs (125-gallons at 6-lbs-per-gallon)
Ice 50-lbs
Trailer 1,000-lbs if a tandem-axle aluminum frame


Not mentioned:

Anchor, chain, rode
Coolers
Batteries
Safety gear
Electronics
Fenders
Lines
Spares
Tools
Canvas
Rigging

For trailers, include weight of spare tires, added guides, hold down straps.

You will find many hundreds of pounds of added weight on a boat on a trailer ready to be towed, then launched, and then gotten underway.

Also any gear in the truck that will be moved to the boat after launching must be included in the towing weight.

Boston Whaler boat specified dry weights do not include any accessories. Adding a hard top can easily add several hundred pounds to the boat weight.

ivansfo
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Re: 1998 23 CONQUEST Weight on Trailer Loaded

Postby ivansfo » Tue Jun 29, 2021 10:34 pm

I have a 23 Conquest with the factory hardtop and twin Engines. I can attest the total tow weight is around 7,500 to 8,000-lbs. An old poster by the name of bsmotril had the same boat and he actually weighed his on a scale.

https://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000692.html

I initially towed with a Ford F250 (Light Duty model) but the transmission soon gave out. Since then I upgraded to a 3/4 ton F250 Diesel and has been towing trouble-free for the past 15 years.