Marlin vs Express trailering

[NikM820]

I have settled on either of these two boats as my next purchase, final decision will probably come down to which I can find the best bang for my buck. However after talking to a couple Express owners about trailering issues, I have began leaning more towards the Marlin. Now, I don't know anyone with a Marlin and for all I know the issues could be about the same. Has anyone owned both? I know enough about the hassle of towing itself and plan on keeping it on a lift most of the time, but really don't want to lose the ability to take the boat to the keys (from Daytona Beach). In my research of various web sites I found issues on permits needed, police in the keys issues and other cons of attempting to trailer these wide loads around the city, but on the other hand I see people doing it. Just assume I am highly motivated, I have all the necessary permits, the trailer is in top shape ,I have mapped out my route, I avoid any areas with clearance issues and have lady luck on my side. Is there a considerable difference between the two? Keep in mind the Express is the boat I want, and you're spending my money.
Thanks everyone,
Nick

 

[ocnslr]

I don't trailer a boat, but are you asking about the Marlin 300 vs the Express 305? If so, the dimensions are about the same with the Express weighing a bit more.

Or are you asking about the Marlin 300 vs the Express 330? If so, then there are big differences in size and weight.

In either case, best wishes on your purchase.

Brian

 

[NikM820]

Brian, yes I guess I should have clarified I was speaking about the 33 express.

 

[Grog]

The 33 Express is a lot of boat to tow. The Boat alone will be at least 15K pounds plus it's almost 12' wide. It's been a few years since I've been to the keys and I can't recall height restrictions but the roads didn't give you a whole lot of room. There is an agency that will go over the route and get the permit(s) but that's the easy part. You will need a stout truck and experience towing something that size. If you have the coin, get the 33. If you have any doubts you can hire someone to drive your rig and give you pointers for next time.

 

[ahill]

Somewhere on this site there is a post from a guy that tows a 33 Express.
I think he is in Orlando or nearby.
Do a site search for towing a 33

 

[bc282]

10.5 beam vs 12 feet plus weight difference IMO makes the 33 express not a regular towable boat. You'll need a bad azz special trailer (something like a super duty 20k (twin 10k axles) trailer likely with gooseneck or a triaxle trailer HD trailer and all the maintenance that goes with it (i know, i have a triaxle for my 282). The custom trailer alone would easily be over $10k and you'll need a stout tow vehicle. I don't even like a 3500 (1-ton) for that load but would think about a med-duty diesel truck for towing that rig. As speed is not a big issue while towing this rig, perhaps a used converted Unimog would be a cheap option. Not luxurious by any means but will tow anything. High on cool factor too!
At 10.5' beam the Marlin is not exactly towable as well but much more so than the 33.
Both are over width and require permits, but at 12' in most areas you'll need pilot cars too for the express. All the PITA extras to make the 33 express towable, permits and pilot cars would stop me in my track in towing that boat. All that PITA may too contribute to reservations on using the boat more frequently. I love the 33 but leave it in the water, jump in, turn the key and enjoy your day.

 

[Coconut330]

I tow my 33 It is 11'10" wide over 14,000lbs and 14'10" tall (top of Radar) (Semis are 13'6"). I have towed it across Florida from Sarasota to Port Orange and regular trips to West Palm Beach from Port Orange. The hardest part is around town. Low lights and lines. I have to pre run my route ahead of time to make sure I can fit under everything. The tow vehicle is an F250. Trailer is Triple axle with electric hydraluc brakes. I usually tow full of fuel except on the Bahamas return trip. Not much difference with less weight. I get a lot of looks and questions from people at the ramp. It is set up so good that I can launch and load by myself faster that most people can with boat half the size. The 30 would be a lot easier to get around with but not have the ride of the 33. I had a 28 before and there is a big difference in maitance cost with everything from to boat to trailer

 

[Whitetail64]

I tow my 33 It is 11'10" wide over 14,000lbs and 14'10" tall (top of Radar) (Semis are 13'6"). I have towed it across Florida from Sarasota to Port Orange and regular trips to West Palm Beach from Port Orange. The hardest part is around town. Low lights and lines. I have to pre run my route ahead of time to make sure I can fit under everything. The tow vehicle is an F250. Trailer is Triple axle with electric hydraluc brakes. I usually tow full of fuel except on the Bahamas return trip. Not much difference with less weight. I get a lot of looks and questions from people at the ramp. It is set up so good that I can launch and load by myself faster that most people can with boat half the size. The 30 would be a lot easier to get around with but not have the ride of the 33. I had a 28 before and there is a big difference in maitance cost with everything from to boat to trailer

Do you still have your 330 coconut??