First time entering the boat world

[BuzzNectar]

I'd either keep the surge brakes, or upgrade to the electric over hydraulic disc brakes, if you plan on doing a lot of trailering. What are you pulling it with? 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup?

You are going to shake your head, but I'm towing with a cadillac escalade. Pulls good but really needs the additional braking power. Does great pulling our travel trailer (7xxxlbs) just gets thirsty doing it

 

[BuzzNectar]

Like Hack said, I'd go with electric over hydraulic. You get the control of electric, but you don't have to unplug them every time you back it into the water.

Oh yeah, very nice boat!!!! When you get the itch to go faster, call up Jason at Kunkel's marine and throw a couple of ProChargers on that thing!! Or, that would be the perfect boat for a pair of LS's!!!

Have fun learning and enjoying your new toy and one little token of wisdom that my dad taught me when I was learning how to drive the boat about 30 years ago "Only approach any dock as fast as you are willing to hit it", your gelcoat will appreciate it.....

Thanks for the advice. I took it out yesterday and got some black marks from the rub rail on the dock. Was windy as hell but everything worked out. I love superchargers particularly roots style blowers, but I may be a little while before im ready for some whine with my rumble

 

[BuzzNectar]

Congrats on the gorgeous 300! You will love it.

I hate surge brakes with a passion. The clunking, pushing, and lack of control in general sucks.

If your surge brakes are in good condition, I would convert to Electric over Hydraulic. Adding the appropriate actuator for the disk or drums on the trailer already.

If your wheel backing plate assemblies are rusty, corroded, and only halfway functional, I would then convert to straight electric. I am doing that to my 18,000 lb GVW Manning tri axle trailer this spring and I converted the Eagle trailer under my old 253 to straight electric as well. The backing plate assemblies are cheap, easy to bolt on, and use the same drums as the hydraulic brakes. Just use good quality wiring, heat shrink terminals, liquid electrical tape, etc. to wire everything up and they are just as waterproof as hydraulic brakes. No need to unplug them as the only electrical part is a fully pottted and sealed electro-magnet. Just let the drums cool for a few minutes while you load the beer cooler into the boat and they will be fine to dunk. The full adjust-ability of full electric brakes is wonderful.

Yeah I too dislike the clunking of the trailer articulating,especially when it's not even working. What you are describing with the electric is basically what the salesman was saying is becoming popular. Just need to decide what route to take as I definitely need it functional. I love the way looks pulling the boat behind...its like a billboard for fun!

 

[BuzzNectar]

I like to say, you don't get a second chance with with gel coat. My advice is get yourself at least 3 large, of good quality, color matching fenders and use them often! Oh and what water you plan on being on?

I bought some fenders but failed to have them lined up right the first time...freakin black marks, but magic eraser saved me...this time. Will mostly be at lake of the ozarks but have been taking it to a small lake (long branch) close to home to get comfortable.

 

[Hack]

You are going to shake your head, but I'm towing with a cadillac escalade.

Not going to shake my head at all. The Escalade is basically a 1/2 ton Suburban with a better engine. Plus it's got the wheelbase to ease the symptoms of pulling a long load with a short vehicle. If you aren't exceeding the GCWR, then I wouldn't worry. Although a Chevy/GMC 3500, Ram 3500, or F350 might do a better all round job, it really depends on how far, where, and how you tow.

My 2014 Grand Cherokee Summit, with the 5.7L Hemi, makes quick work of towing my Persuader 219 (BBC/Bravo outdrive):



I set the adaptive cruise control at 65-70 and boogie down the road.

I've even towed it short distances with my 2002 Chevy S10 Blazer, but I wouldn't go out on the interstate with it. Too short wheelbase, too under powered for those speeds.

If you've got to or are going to tow it any distance: Upgrade the trailer to electric over hydraulic disc brakes, and you'll be able to stop without a lot of anxiety.

If you're 'everyday' tow is short and predictable: Freshen up the surge brakes and drive sensibly.

You'll be fine.

 

[undecided]

Welcome!! Great Looking Boat.

 

[Saltybones 2016]

Brakes

I'd either keep the surge brakes, or upgrade to the electric over hydraulic disc brakes, if you plan on doing a lot of trailering. What are you pulling it with? 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup?

Just my .02 I have trailered all over the states, if you can afford it I would put electric over hydraulic disc brakes. There are a lot more moving parts in a drum setup than a disc setup. Plus I don't like the fact that a drum can seize a lot easier if you plan on towing a lot. Every time you put it in the water stuff can get easily lodged in them.
I sure there are a lot of people that will tell you differently. But just speaking from experience. If I fact some day you want to upfpgrade the whole trailer. One of the most highly recommended trailers is loadmasters out of Sandusky Ohio.
I have a quote from them right now for my convincor 270. They build a hell of a trailer. Good luck and nice boat