Re: Before shots
 

The Jeep is rated to tow 5,000 lbs and has the towing package. I'm not sure how much my trailer weighs, but it's probably somewhere in the 1,000-1,200 lb range so I think the Jeep is not too bad with the boat, motor, trailer and a full tank of gas coming in somewhere near 4,000 lbs. But I wouldn't want to do many hills with it and I don't have the brakes hooked up so stopping requires planning. Some of my friends tow their boats up the coast to launch and take across the sound to Montauk. If I ever do that I'll get the brakes squared away and I'd be comfortable since that trip is pretty flat. It definately feels like it's working when I'm towing and I think I have a little too much tongue weight (though that should change some with the increased set back from the Armstrong bracket), but it's definately safe. I keep the boat in the water so I really only use the trailer twice a year.

I'm leaving my teak platform on and not getting any additional platforms added. I do sometimes land a fish from the stern and the additional platforms add almost $1k. But I like the "full" bracket like MJ's looks. I do like the thought of someday adding a trolling motor to the stern.

Re: Before shots
 

I use to tow my boat with a S10 Blazer :o
Your right the Jeep is to small!!
But it is great for short trips, But drive slow and brake long!!
It will do till you can get something else!~!~

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e/0e21f81b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e/6b8fb4b3.jpg

Re: Before shots
 

I have a 1970 442 convertible in my garage with a 365 hp 455ci V8, 500 lb/ft of torque, a 3.42 Positrac rear and a Munice M21 4-spd. That could tow but I ain't putting no hitch on my monster! Plus it needs a resto anyway and I don't think the springs would work well for towing.

Re: Before shots
 

I had a big Chevy with a 400 4 barl, and it towed like $hit!! Lots of power but the gears are much different in a car thats made for the road and a truck that is made to tow!!
So far I am very imprerssed with my F150!! I have been away from ford along time!! And had my doubts coming back??
I have had to fix a few things and i have one more repair to go, But it was used when I got it.
But the thing is the best I ever had in the snow and the towing I did at the end of the season was great!!
This summer will tell if i stay with Ford or move on to something else?

Re: Before shots
 

I've towed a 24' Sportcraft w/ 147 gallons of fuel, 350 miles with my 95 Jeep and it towed great. No problems in Florida which is flat. They're a tough truck. The 4.0 liter 6 cylinder is a gutsy engine. Mine was 2 wheel drive. I did have trailer brakes. If I didn't, at a red light it would've been the tail wagging the dog. Never had any problems at the ramp. I also pulled my first Steplift with it and it was a perfect setup.

Re: Before shots
 

I had a Jeep Cherokee 4.0L a while back and it towed great (better than my Isuzu Rodeo . . . actually I think that it towed better than my dad's Dodge Ram too). Sold it after 220,000 miles . . .

Re: Before shots
 

Now that's what I like to hear because I've only got 124,000 on my Jeep.

Re: Before shots
 

My V8 cherokee tows great as well. I used to have a Suburban - that thing towed great too! Until a cop ran a red light in downtown and totalled it for me.

He was even nice enough to ticket me for failure to heed. I took it to trial, and the judge didn't really give a rat's butt about the fact that I had a green light. That little blue light on the top is their ticket to reckless driving. Sorry if any coppers are readin this, but I'm sure any cop that has a V20 is really really coool 8)

Re: Before shots w/naked transom
 

Here's some more pictures:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...oatpics023.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...oatpics027.jpg

Little dirty after uncovering
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...oatpics024.jpg

My favorite cockpit
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...oatpics026.jpg

Gooey goopy mess from old contact paper - even acetone wouldn't get the glue off!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...oatpics025.jpg

Should only be two or three more weeks before the bracket gets in.

Re: Before shots
 

Your Boat Is identical to mine, down to the boot stripe!

Nice Pics - Did you try laquer thinner on the adhesive glue? It took everything off of my boat that I used it on.

If not, wet sand it with 600 paper then compound it.