Boat size (safety related) question

[SLP]

Thanks again for everyone taking the time to answer my questions. You all have been very helpful. I didn't realize there were so decisions when buying a first boat.

[SLP]

While I am on a roll, I might as well ask what is probably a dumb question.

The dealer says that trailer brakes are not necessary and nobody gets then with that size boat, is that true? My only experience with towing is with RV's and they always had brakes.

Thanks again for the help (and putting up with what are probably basic questions)

[LJP]

Thanks for the tip. Would I have to order the boat specially wired for a 24 volt trolling motor? Would the batteries and chargers need to be different?

You will have heavier wireing, three batteries instead of two, and a three bank charger. Also a 24 volt trolling motor instead of a 12 volt.

[SLP]

Malone is a water shed lake. It does not go down to "winter pool." At Barren you can put in at the ****, Baileys, State, Narrows at winter pool. Nolin I have only put in a Moutidear at Winter Pool.

Thanks for the spots to launch.

[SLP]

depends on the size. its a little bit harder but make sure you keep your winch attached until your ready to unload- i have heard some horror stories about people backing their boat down and the runners be frozen over and loosing the boat on the ramp before hitting the water.

Thanks for the warning, I'll make sure of that.

[SLP]

You will have heavier wireing, three batteries instead of two, and a three bank charger. Also a 24 volt trolling motor instead of a 12 volt.

Thanks.

With that setup can I still just plug it into a normal household outlet to charge? I think my garage does have a 30 amp outlet in there in addition to the normal ones.

[HURRICANEBOB]

While I am on a roll, I might as well ask what is probably a dumb question.

The dealer says that trailer brakes are not necessary and nobody gets then with that size boat, is that true? My only experience with towing is with RV's and they always had brakes.

Thanks again for the help (and putting up with what are probably basic questions)

I towed a 3200 20 foot pontoon boat for 5 years with a Dodge mini van, then for 8 years with a Dodge 250 full sized van. I think its more important what you are towing it with. If its a full sized pickup or van, especially one with ABS you will have no trouble at all. Total up the weight of your rig, add in weight for gas, and each battery and trolling motor. Compare that to the towing capacity of your tow vehilce and its weight. If still uncertain. I'd say spend the extra money and get the brakes for piece of mind.

[SLP]

I will be towing it with a decent sized truck. I just wanted to make sure that it was normal for boat trailers to often not use brakes. Sounds like it is, thank you.

[HURRICANEBOB]

Thanks for the tip. Would I have to order the boat specially wired for a 24 volt trolling motor? Would the batteries and chargers need to be different?

Ask your dealer if that is dealer installed equipment, or factory installed equipment. Either way, don't fret it, just tell them whay you want, and it's up to them to install it so it works. Warranty....warranty.

Have the dealer tell you what chrger he plans to install. Even if its a 3 bank chrger, it might have different ameprages of output. could be 3 banks of 6, 8 or 10 amps. Could be 1 5 amp bank, and 2 other 8 amp banks. Depends on the charger. So, select the trolling motor you want, 12 or 24 volt, then the charger to go with it, then decide if you want that single chrage to serve the main engine battery and the trolling motore, or just the trolling motor batteries. With that decided, you can decide on the chrager and that in turn will tell you total amps you need at the garage.

Bob's easy cheap way. 24 volt trolling motor, 2 batteries for that, 12 amp trolling battery chrager mounted and wired on board (6 amps to charge each battery). Main engine has 2 batteries on a battery selector switch. I just bought a cheap car battery charger, and just chrage on battery at a time for maintenance in teh driveway, as while running, the main engine takes care of the battery in use.

[HURRICANEBOB]

Where you from, I'm in E-town KY, 2707357814 mobile. Close? Give a shout in advance to be sure I'm home and I'll show you around my boat to give you some ideas for yours.

[Duayne]

While I am on a roll, I might as well ask what is probably a dumb question.

The dealer says that trailer brakes are not necessary and nobody gets then with that size boat, is that true? My only experience with towing is with RV's and they always had brakes.

Thanks again for the help (and putting up with what are probably basic questions)

Brakes get close to being required with 20 ft boats and up. Under, I'd call it a luxury. It also depends on where you are towing. If you pull through the mountains all the time, have it added.

Which Lund are you going with? It appears a 12 volt harness is standard on the Rebel XL and a 12/24 is standard on the Pro Guide. The Rebel XL has some packages that include a Motor Guide FW46 FB50 trolling motor. The Impact has a harness listed as standard but doesn't say which one. I'd ask your dealer. I think you are right on the edge as to needing a 24 volt motor. If you plan to fish long days or may stay in places on the weekend where you can't charge, it would be something to consider. But with a 16 ft boat, you should also consider how much weight you put in the boat. A 16 ft Lund will probably come in between 1000-1200 pounds dry and your max motor will be in the 75-90 HP range. Moving this boat with a trolling motor will be a breeze and adding an extra batter may bog it down when your family is with you, especially if all the batteries are in the back. I'd go with the max motor regardless.

Have you been to Lund's site? You can really find out a great deal on your boat. Things the dealer tries to get away with not telling you and things you may not know that you need to know, if that makes sense.. LOL

lundboats.com

Tell us the model, and we'll be able to give more specific advise.

BTW, Lunds are the best as far as Aluminum boats. You are really smart picking a Lund. Everyone has a high regard for them and you will have excelent resale value when you are ready to move up.

[SLP]

Where you from, I'm in E-town KY, 2707357814 mobile. Close? Give a shout in advance to be sure I'm home and I'll show you around my boat to give you some ideas for yours.

That is very nice of you, thank you. I may take you up on it.