Is an R7 to big for a first boat?

[FLCErik]

I have a 2020 Raptor and pull my R7 with it. I had to install Timbren bumpers for the rear.
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspen ... 150RB.html

With the stock set up the rear bottoms out on the spacers as it does with the Timbren system but at least your truck stays fairly level. The Raptor is not the best for towing the R7 but it is ok for short distances. I tow mine from Reno to Tahoe in the spring and back to Reno in the fall. The Timbren system does not change the way the truck rides in normal conditions.

Out of curiosity, what does the the yellow payload sticker inside your door jamb say and what is your tongue weight? Unfortunately, add ons don't change the payload. At least you aren't travelling far.

Where in Tahoe are you? We are in Tahoe Keys.

I took a look at the stickers inside the door and it does not show any specs for towing. I assume it is in the manual.

We live in Reno and have a weekend house in the Keys on Garmish Ct. We are there pretty much every weekend in the summer. Red R7.

[bruceb58]

I took a look at the stickers inside the door and it does not show any specs for towing. I assume it is in the manual.

We live in Reno and have a weekend house in the Keys on Garmish Ct. We are there pretty much every weekend in the summer. Red R7.

We are on Venice Drive

This is what the sticker looks like:

That 1505#(in this example) is the weight you are not to exceed when you add occupants of the truck, cargo in the truck and the tongue weight. Every truck is different and depends on what options the truck came with.

[BobRae99]

I agree with Aslan's post above. You don't say whether you'll be towing the boat up and back to the lake every weekend or it will get towed and put in the water for the season. I think that makes a difference to some.

Sharing my experience; I operated Sea Doos for 14 years and bought a 21' Cobalt in 2018. I had never driven a boat before. I was intimidated for the first bit around the dock with it but the next year (2019) I bought an R3 (23'10"). I didn't tow or haul either boat though - they we're wet slipped for the season.

I remember going to the dealer's yard to have a look at the R3 when it arrived. It looked huge and had an R5 parked beside it that looked even bigger. I remember thinking I'd never want to handle a boat that big. After 2 years with the R3, I'd be comfortable moving up.

So would I have wanted to start with an R7? Definitely not, but knowing what I know now, I think it would be OK if you have some boating experience, patience and are a cautious person. As Aslan wrote, find a time of day when you have the ramp to yourself so you aren't pressured. I think that is when mistakes (and accidents) occur. I'd also add that weather conditions can impact your early experiences. Its more difficult to get a 27' boat into a slip with a strong cross wind, so perhaps choose your day carefully.

I white knuckled my way in and out of my wet slip in my first boat (21') for almost the whole first season. Much better with the 23' from the start in the second season. Take it easy and I think you'll be fine.

[jeffpr]

My first boat was a new 2019 CS23 and we just took delivery of a 2021 R5 Surf - both in wet slip. It felt like a big difference going from the smaller/lighter CS23 to the R5 in terms of momentum. The thing I'm trying to get used to (2 short voyages in) is how much smoother and quieter the R5 is. That's good in general, but near the dock when you're going slow and bumping in/out of neutral to fwd/reverse, the CS23 made it obvious with a clunk you could feel and hear. In the R5, I can't tell at all until I feel/see the movement of the boat, so I have over-corrected the thrust a bit. Practice will make progress, I'm sure.

[FLCErik]

I took a look at the stickers inside the door and it does not show any specs for towing. I assume it is in the manual.

We live in Reno and have a weekend house in the Keys on Garmish Ct. We are there pretty much every weekend in the summer. Red R7.

We are on Venice Drive

This is what the sticker looks like:

That 1505#(in this example) is the weight you are not to exceed when you add occupants of the truck, cargo in the truck and the tongue weight. Every truck is different and depends on what options the truck came with.

Mine says 1035lbs

[kbloom72]

I went from a 21' Cobalt to a 26' Cobalt last year and personally found it much easier to handle. My 262 is not nearly as squirrely at slow speeds as my 206 was. That could be size and the dual prop as well. Just take it slow and you'll be fine.

[bruceb58]

Mine says 1035lbs

The tongue weight on my boat is 600#. Yours is likely another 100# more that mine at least. You are on the edge with two adults, the boat and no cargo.

My F-150 is 1650# in a Lariat trim.

[dustinm]

In the process of buying a used R7 and am just a touch intimidated and the boats not even here yet. Lol..... I’ve spent a lot of time of the lake and have driven many other peoples boats and have rented pontoons. Bought my first seadoo a Rxtx a couple years ago and now jumped into an R7. Mainly docking is what I’m slightly intimidated by but it’s prob just natural and a good thing. lol... I just plan on getting out there and practicing on a slow day. I can drive anything with a motor pretty well. Opinions are appreciated!! Even if it’s not what I want to hear. Lol

Here is nice instructional docking vid.

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I wouldnt worry so much about the pickup right now. Put a set of airbags(if it dont have them already), make sure the trailer brakes work and enjoy this summer.

[dustinm]

Why didnt that embed?

[Big Block Power]

Why didnt that embed?

[ourlee]

Raptor towing specs
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/ford ... generation

[bruceb58]

Raptor towing specs
http://www.trucktrend.com/features/ford ... generation

Problem with these "specs" is that it assumes a truck with no options. Every option you add reduces payload. Just the spray in bedliner reduces payload 80#.

That's why you go by the sticker that comes with the truck since every truck is different.

[cmattj]

Opinions are appreciated!! Even if it’s not what I want to hear. Lol

Welcome Khash,

Yes the natural progression is small to large as boats always look huge in a trailer.. But they shrink in the water.

Seat time makes them smaller . What seems like a forever long nose your first time out will shorten with every hour of driving.

Great advise given here so read and visualize!

Your tow vehicle lacks in any Hill driving gvw as Bruce is sharing.
Be careful as any grade of 3% or higher takes that 7000 lbs and turns it into 10,000. ( double that for a 6% grade).
Then you need to stop it.
Go practice locally your towing skills and bring some help your first outing.

It’s very exciting and we get forgetful so make a written list of what the members have shared.
Most importantly!
Pics!!

[AsLan7]

Why didnt that embed?

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I fixed it for ya’.

You only need the letter-number combo leeUsk9zwtI of the copied YouTube link inserted between the [youtube][/youtube] brackets.

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[dustinm]

Why didnt that embed?

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I fixed it for ya’.

You only need the letter-number combo leeUsk9zwtI of the copied YouTube link inserted between the [youtube][/youtube] brackets.

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Thanks I will see if I can remember this for next time.