306 Bimini and 283 Release Advice

[2002]

Hello and Thanks in advance for any advice:

I am considering a late model 306 Bimini or possibly 283 Release. I would like the opportunity to tow the boat a few times a year. I have looked at the weight and dimensions and recognize the additional challenges of pulling the 306 as opposed to the 283. As far as the Bimini goes; I have seen both 250's and 350's on several boats for sale. I did a test run on a 306 Canyon with T300's and that seemed to be a great set up. Do the 250's give the Bimini adequate performance and are the 350's possibly too heavy?
Also, I am trying to determine if the additional cost and the amenities of the 306 (including weight and towing challenges) are worth it?, compared to a boat with 1 ft less on beam and length but easier to tow.

 

[Fishtales]

Hi,
Nice prob to have...
The 306 beam is larger than most states legal limit, so you likely need a special permit to tow. Check into it.
I had a 282 and now a 300 - same hulls but WA vs CC. I think the 250s are more than enough on that boat based on the performance I have on the 300. My 282 had F225s.
I will say that the 300 feels much bigger in the water than the specs say vs the 282 and believe the same would be of the two boats you are looking at. The larger hull really feels like a yacht versus a boat. I couldn't beleive the difference in ride and big sea handling. Either one is nice, but if you can swing the bigger one, I'd get it.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Had a 2006 306 with 250's and in my opinion the boat was perfect with that power, fast enough and economical at the same time, very good combination.
As far as towing a 306, well, that boat is beast, so special permits needed.

 

[Bob Coco]

I have a 283 and have no problems towing it anywhere. According to N.Y.S. law, The 283 is not legal to tow so the 306 would be really pushing things. I do dock my boat but I haul it a few times a year for 100 hour service, hurricanes, mid season wax and detailing etc... You would need a huge trailer to haul the 306, I have a triple axle trailer for my 283. I have no problems launching and retrieving the 283 by myself as well. The 306 really becomes a marina haulout and launch.

Regards, Bob

 

[marsimi]

I have a 306 with 225s - speed is fine and ok on fuel. Gofish has 250s I think - he fishes much more than I do and could give you a good read on them

 

[LUNDINROOF]

I tow my 283 with 250's from my marina to my office and back again each year. It is just about all interstate and I pull it about 60 mph. No permit needed in Louisiana/Mississippi and have had no problem for the past few years. I did have to replace the rear end in my 1/2 ton Suburban but cannot pin it on the boat as my tractor that I pull more often weighs as much as the boat.

Anyway, a $2,500 rear end is cheaper than a 3/4 ton suburban or truck.

The 250's are a great match for the 283. I can trim it to 2 MPG with 3 people in calm seas at about 28 MPH and can also get 50+ if someone else if paying for the gas.