G23 Actual Tow Weights

[mulde35d]

Just took delivery of the 2020 G23 last week and thought I would post some actual towing weights that I got today on a scale. Of note, I weighed it with a 2012 Ram 3500 Diesel w/full fuel and a new Boatmate G23 XL trailer (10K capacity) on a 2-5/16" ball. The boat had a full tank of fuel, 200 lbs lead ballast, empty water ballast, 2 tower speakers, wavefront stereo, battery tender, power tower, and the normal boating supplies spread throughout the boat (1 wakeboard, 2 surf boards, 1 tube, 1 anchor, a few prop tools, 7 life jackets, required safety equipment, and 3 ski ropes). I first leveled the trailer by adjusting the tow ball so that the height of the trailer main beam base when fully supported by the truck measured 18" off the ground at the tongue, 19.5" between the axles, and 20" at the back of the trailer. So just slightly tilted forward.

7,900 lbs: Ram 3500 Truck w/full fuel (no trailer)
8,600 lbs: Truck w/boat tongue weight (truck w/trailer, but only truck axles on the scale)
700 lbs: Tongue weight (math 8,600-7,900=700)
16,640 lbs: Total truck and Boat w/trailer weight
8,740 lbs: Boat and Trailer weight. (math 16,640-7,900=8,740)
1,600 lbs: Boatmate trailer alone (advertised weight)
7,140 lbs: G23 with full fuel and "normal" equipment load (math 8,740-1,600=7,140)

I am really happy I got the XL trailer with 10K capacity. I know the normal Boatmate G23 trailer would weigh about 100 lbs less since they have a 5" main beam vs the 6" beam, but in my case that wouldn't have brought me below the 8,400 lbs advertised GVWR for that trailer. Also, 2" tow balls are only rated to 8,000 lbs, so easily exceeded with a G23 in what I would consider a pretty normal load out. Just thought I would share some actual numbers, feel free to take it or leave it for what its worth.

[mulde35d]

Also forgot to mention, I originally had the tow ball on a 5” drop as that is where most my other trailers would ride level. On this trailer I had to bring it up to only a 2” drop and, as mentioned, that is still about 1.5” low from true level on the trailer. Just something to consider if you are also towing around this boat / trailer combination.

[hal2814]

Awesome. Thanks for getting some real life numbers.

[mulde35d]

Just got an update from Boatmate that the 1,600 lbs advertised trailer weight is without any options and my specific trailer with steps on the front, transom steps, and an under hull spare tire actually weighs 1,882 lbs. The updated numbers are below, but the shift in weight from the boat to the trailer doesn't really change anything about the max loads.

7,900 lbs: Ram 3500 Truck w/full fuel (no trailer)
8,600 lbs: Truck w/boat tongue weight (truck w/trailer, but only truck axles on the scale)
700 lbs: Tongue weight (math 8,600-7,900=700)
16,640 lbs: Total truck and Boat w/trailer weight
8,740 lbs: Boat and Trailer weight. (math 16,640-7,900=8,740)
1,882 lbs: Boatmate trailer alone (advertised weight)
6,858 lbs: G23 with full fuel and "normal" equipment load (math 8,740-1,882=6,858)

[shag]

Great information! So the boat and trailer weight would now be just a hair over 9000# now if I added the extra right? You can easily see how a lot of vehicles would be under rated to tow this boat 'legally'. Throw in a big cooler with Ice and drinks, a few other small items and I sure many people have more than just 200# of lead and if can quickly approach 10,000#.. Again, great info, thank you!

[mulde35d]

The total weight of the boat with trailer didn’t change. I simply found out more of the total weight was in the trailer meaning less was part of the boat. The boat with trailer and “stuff” still weighs 8,740. But you are right that the G23 with a “normal” equipment load can quickly exceed the rated capacities of the normal Boatmate G23 trailer (8,400 lbs) and the 2” ball (8,000 lbs) not to even mention some of the lesser sized tow vehicles out there.

[paticus]

Interesting numbers and a great reference for the next thread of “Can my vehicle x pull a G?”. Especially with the typical gear in the boat like jackets, gas, etc.

[Gtsum2]

Great info and much like a camper, the only way to truly know is to run it across the scales and take three weight readings like you did. Glad I have a ram 3500 as I’m going for a water test on a new g23 next week. I’m shocked so many of these trailers only have a 2” ball...sure seems like 2 5/16 is the right way to go.


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[shag]

I feel like a lot of people have just been real lucky not to have to experience a panic/sudden movement while towing these behemoths. A substantial platform is what is needed. Trailer brakes are nice but I always plan on not having them at some point.

[nyryan2001]

I wish there was an easy to install and high quality DIY EOH conversion kit.