Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 10029046)

And cold smoked product is what I'm familiar with. The hot smoked salmon you do, how do you store it? Frozen? Does it need cooking before eating? Can you send me some samples?;)

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 10029046)

And cold smoked product is what I'm familiar with. The hot smoked salmon you do, how do you store it? Frozen? Does it need cooking before eating? Can you send me some samples?;)

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 10028364)

A diesel Defender will tow upto 3500kg so approx 7000lb and will have no problem towing and launching an 18-20ft boat. I used to tow and launch a 25ft boat on a dual axle "built like a brick outhouse" trailer with a Discovery and then a Trooper. Of course, in North America, they'd say you need to have a truck and not just a F150 but a fullsize F250 or more to do this. But they are foolish.

The convenience factor of having a boat in a marina ready to go should not be underestimated. Popping out for a couple of hours boating when you have at least an hour or two of towing, launching etc is much more of a chore than simply going to the marina and turning the key. $6k for a Van mooring doesn't seem outrageous. You should look at the price of mooring a boat in the Solent in the UK. Makes Oinks costs seem cheap in comparison.

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 10028364)

Of course, in North America, they'd say you need to have a truck and not just a F150 but a fullsize F250 or more to do this. But they are foolish.

Originally Posted by R I C H (Post 10029682)

I agree, an F150's all you need to tow a boat - if you need the capacity of a 3/4 tonne truck it's likely the beam of your boat's too big to tow on the road without a permit, which makes spontaneous towing and suitable launch spots more hassle than it's worth.

Suitably equipped F150's can tow 11,000 lbs+, which is plenty for a dual axle trailer and a 25ft boat.

Originally Posted by Oink (Post 10029712)

F150's is for up-hill-gardeners.

Originally Posted by R I C H (Post 10029682)

I agree, an F150's all you need to tow a boat - if you need the capacity of a 3/4 tonne truck it's likely the beam of your boat's too big to tow on the road without a permit, which makes spontaneous towing and suitable launch spots more hassle than it's worth.

Suitably equipped F150's can tow 11,000 lbs+, which is plenty for a dual axle trailer and a 25ft boat.

Originally Posted by fletcher m (Post 10030575)

Just as a matter of interest, do you know how heavy one of the trailers (double wheel) and a 20 ft boat is? Is it likely to be below 3.5 tonne? Thanks.fletch

Originally Posted by R I C H (Post 10030708)

Going to depend on the boat, isn't it? Inboard/outboard/cuddy/pontoon/bowrider etc.

As a vague point of reference, my Searay 220 has a dry weight of 4,500lbs (Mercruiser 5.7L 350 MAG MPI inboard/outboard), it's trailer (twin axle) is c1,200lbs. By the time the boat's filled with gear/fuel I know I'm a little over 6,000lbs total towing weight.

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 10030753)

What R I C H said. Weight will depend upon the boat. I imagine the good ship OINK would be considerably more than RICH's boat. My boat in the UK was a 25ft Rigid Inflatable on a twin axle trailer. It was 2250kg with 60 gallons of petrol and kit on board. Measured it at a local weighbridge. I towed with a Disco (3500kg towing capacity) and an Isuzu Trooper (3000kg towing capacity).

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat (Post 10028365)

Excuse my ignorance but what is the difference between hot and cold smoking?

Originally Posted by MillieF (Post 10031271)

AX - that's the question I wanted to ask.....but thought 'everybody' but me knew! Thanks! A couple of weeks ago we came across a smoked pork filet in the supermarket (I think it was an Easter special) it was lovely - I'd never seen it before, or since, and I'd love to have a go myself.