Is an R7 to big for a first boat?

[Khash]

The problem most people have with bigger boats is that they actually don't have a big enough vehicle to tow it.

As far as docking...you just need to do everything slower with a bigger vs smaller boat since you just have more mass and can do more damage.

If you want that size boat...buy it.

I really wanted an R5 or A25 but this one was exactly what I wanted spec and color wise. I just couldn't resist.

[Khash]

in addition to what A7 said above, I'd also purchase at least four 8" fenders to keep it all padded up as you come into the dock. That's my plan anyway for the R6! lol!

Definitely!!! What type and brand are the best?

[Khash]

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.

If I decide to tow it will only be about a 15 mile drive. Reno to Tahoe is a pretty dood distance especially up the mountains.

[Khash]

Dustin I already subscribed!
Obviously you can afford it and afford to hit stuff. Get a good gel repair guy you will need it.
I know People that have purchased a 30ft boat for their first one. Crazy yep but they did it. One is my buddy. We left the slip to practice docking in the marina and that scared the crap out of me. His is much older with twins and now thruster but the shifter was so stiff it sucked to get in and out of gear. He had dock partners drive his boat to gas up. He never left his slip after that. This year he plans to.
Glad yours is new.

Also
Tell everyone in your boat to keep their arms and hands and legs in the boat at all times and don't touch anything at the dock till you are stopped. Gel coat is easier to fix then a broken arm!

You will hit forward instead of reverse more than once just a FYI! Be careful and go slow! Neutral is your best friend. Get a long hook that your dock hand can reach a dock with. Because most of the time you won't get close enough. The oh crap pole is your buddy! My son loves it.

That’s funny you say that. My dad was trying to get me to get an R30. I laughed and said hail no. This one is enough foe now, maybe next time.

I’ve been watching docking videos! Great idea on the pole! Is there a specific one you like? I’ll have to get one.

[Khash]

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

All numbers confuse me and I’m not 100% sure I’m doing the math right but the conclusion I’ve came to is the truck can do it but won’t like it.

[Khash]

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

Khash you should bring this R7 up to the Cobalt Regatta this July and we can give you some personal lessons. It will be my first year at the Regatta too.

What lake are they having it on? If it’s on Beaver Lake in Arkansas I’ll be there! Lol

[Khash]

Towing is the only issue. I agree that it’s more about the road handling, than water handling..

In the water.
IMO, the last thing the R7 is, is a big boat. It’s a size that’s obviously bigger than a 19’ boat, but in reality, it’s only a 25’ boat, with a standard beam, and a swim platform figuring into the size.

We trailer/launch/load every time we boat. Piece of cake.

Are you able to launch the boat on your own?

[Khash]

Again, just because you can hitch up 8k and tow down the road in an 89’Ranger doesn’t mean all is good..
Speed limits are usually speed minimums, and without the proper set up, one relinquishes control and safety in all situations.

Most important are brakes. It’s about controlling your vehicle when others can not control their own, if the shit hits the fan in front of you, do you have the equipment that can save a life, or just add to the crash?

I tow my boat and car trailer around the yard(and down the street) with my 425 John Deere garden tractor all the time winter summer it doesnt matter. You know why I can do this? Because I take it slow. That garden tractor probably has a max tow rating of 750 lbs, The same applies to the OPs half ton pickup, if he would travel maybe 10-15mph slower than normal, take into consideration that he will need to start slowing down earlier for stops, and follow people with a little more gap, it will do ok. If the trailer didnt have brakes it would be more of an issue, but even then a person can plan for that also. I remember when I was a kid my family towed our boat to the lake with a 68 Coronet every weekend and that trailer didnt have brakes at all. That boat was also packed full of all our camping gear and food. It did just fine towing because my dad wasn't driving like a mad man trying to get there.

Since when are speed limits minimums? Every street, road, highway I have been on they have been the maximum speed you can travel. Or maybe I am not understanding that statement correctly.

ALL Interstate highways have minimums.

We can debate this, but I simply don't want to. I'm just trying to offer friendly advice.
Some have a lot to lose, while others have nothing to lose, unless you call a life long judgement "nothing".
Personally, I take protecting my assets as serious as dick cancer.

I speak from some unique experiences, rather than blind assumptions of how our insurance policies are written to protect the insurance companies, and how our legal system that includes hungry noon time advertising, ambulance chasing lawyers work.
Hell, I've been sued by an admitted intoxicated drunk falling on our business property at 2 AM in the middle of a January snow storm because it was icy.

When the remote, but possible scenario happens where an injury accident occurs, that will be the moment you will fully understand ...right when your insurance company leaves you hanging and says "best of luck", you should have read our policy closer.
Have you read and fully understand your vehicle policy?
A judge will never take ignorance of factory towing weights as a defense.
So, maybe the chances are 1 in 100,000 and you think I'm a little paranoid.
So yes, I can move my boat with a Toyota Yaris.. but I think not..

I agree with this ! Safety first!

[Big Block Power]

Dustin I already subscribed!
Obviously you can afford it and afford to hit stuff. Get a good gel repair guy you will need it.
I know People that have purchased a 30ft boat for their first one. Crazy yep but they did it. One is my buddy. We left the slip to practice docking in the marina and that scared the crap out of me. His is much older with twins and now thruster but the shifter was so stiff it sucked to get in and out of gear. He had dock partners drive his boat to gas up. He never left his slip after that. This year he plans to.
Glad yours is new.

Also
Tell everyone in your boat to keep their arms and hands and legs in the boat at all times and don't touch anything at the dock till you are stopped. Gel coat is easier to fix then a broken arm!

You will hit forward instead of reverse more than once just a FYI! Be careful and go slow! Neutral is your best friend. Get a long hook that your dock hand can reach a dock with. Because most of the time you won't get close enough. The oh crap pole is your buddy! My son loves it.

That’s funny you say that. My dad was trying to get me to get an R30. I laughed and said hail no. This one is enough foe now, maybe next time.

I’ve been watching docking videos! Great idea on the pole! Is there a specific one you like? I’ll have to get one.

Wow props on answering everthing. Lol
Here is the pole I have.
https://www.overtons.com/overtons-float ... lsrc=aw.ds

[Big Block Power]

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

Khash you should bring this R7 up to the Cobalt Regatta this July and we can give you some personal lessons. It will be my first year at the Regatta too.

What lake are they having it on? If it’s on Beaver Lake in Arkansas I’ll be there! Lol

Table Rock lake end of July.

[Tuscany]

Towing is the only issue. I agree that it’s more about the road handling, than water handling..

In the water.
IMO, the last thing the R7 is, is a big boat. It’s a size that’s obviously bigger than a 19’ boat, but in reality, it’s only a 25’ boat, with a standard beam, and a swim platform figuring into the size.

We trailer/launch/load every time we boat. Piece of cake.

Are you able to launch the boat on your own?

Well, it’s not a small boat. It’s also not a big boat. It’s all about the trailer set up....with pole guides..LOL BB.
I never have because I never boat alone, but if I had to, it would be simple and easy.
Just tie a rope to the trailer with a little slack, tap the brakes and float it. Get out, and tie it up.. park, boat.

Loading on the other hand....Would take a little more effort.

[Big Block Power]

Towing is the only issue. I agree that it’s more about the road handling, than water handling..

In the water.
IMO, the last thing the R7 is, is a big boat. It’s a size that’s obviously bigger than a 19’ boat, but in reality, it’s only a 25’ boat, with a standard beam, and a swim platform figuring into the size.

We trailer/launch/load every time we boat. Piece of cake.

Are you able to launch the boat on your own?

Well, it’s not a small boat. It’s also not a big boat. It’s all about the trailer set up....with pole guides..LOL BB.
I never have because I never boat alone, but if I had to, it would be simple and easy.
Just tie a rope to the trailer with a little slack, tap the brakes and float it. Get out, and tie it up.. park, boat.

Loading on the other hand....Would take a little more effort.

Is just like kicking a extra point! Just put it between the 2 cheater poles! Game over

[dustinm]

First thing on to do list: buy a gopro. Film your launch, dockings, and preferably loadings. The money you make off of these will pay for the next boat.

That is the best idea I’ve heard all month!! Lol

Hey were always looking for a good time!!

The regatta is on table rock. Hope to see you

[MikeBo]

Well I had driven our families bass boat, and a few other small boats and went right to the 292. I went to the marina early in the morning first day and practiced for several hours, and have never messed my boat up. I just take it slow, a few times I have had to back up several times...but whatever. May the force be with you!