Tandem axles and Hotfoot question

[XMAN]

I know where i can get a super deal on a ranger 520vx --the problem i have is that it i have never driven a boat with a hotfoot throttle, and it is on a tandem axle trailer which i may want to save my back from some of the turning i might have to do by hand pushing it into place--question, is the tandem axle really that hard to move with the 520 on it and your thoughts about the hotfoot vs hand throttle-----xman

[Skeeterman]

The tandem axle will be harder to move. The hotfoot is a good safety item,you have both hands on the sterring wheel at all times for rough water and quik moveability.

[beckty]

my second skeeter was a tandem and yeah it was a little bit harder but i could still push it in the garage by hand. my new boat has the hot foot and i will never have a boat without one again. for me it makes driving the boat in rough water so much easier

[Jeff Jewell]

no experiance with a tandem axle
But highly recomend the hotfoot, after driving with one you will never want to drive without one....

[Bassinlee]

Go for it. You can get a couple of GoJacks for the tandem axle trailer which'll make it easy to maneuver by hand. About 300 for a pair.
Hotfoot? Imagine what it'd be like driving your car with one hand on the wheel, and the other on a hand throttle while on a racetrack. Which would stick open if you take your hand off of it.
That's pretty much the situation you're in with a boat. Go with the Hotfoot dude. You'll never regret it.

-Bassinlee

[BFerris]

I have the exact same boat with the dual axle. I have to kick it to the side in my garage and can do it without too much hastle. Definately easier with two people but it can be done with one. As for the hot foot...Id never own another boat without one.

[Fishingnut]

I have both 520vx with tandem axles with hotfoot . It took a little time to get use to the hotfoot but love it now. For the trailer in tight places I had to purchase 2 gojaks which one goes under each rear tire of the trailer, now I can spin the trailer on a dime. But I made a power dolly (12volt) which I use to push the trailer up a slight hill and 90% turn under car port. I would not been able to get the boat parked where it is without the gojaks and power dolly.

Just my .02 cents.

[Fishingnut]

I have both 520vx with tandem axles with hotfoot . It took a little time to get use to the hotfoot but love it now. For the trailer in tight places I had to purchase 2 gojaks which one goes under each rear tire of the trailer, now I can spin the trailer on a dime. But I made a power dolly (12volt) which I use to push the trailer up a slight hill and 90% turn under car port. I would not been able to get the boat parked where it is without the gojaks and power dolly.

Just my .02 cents.

[snapitoff2002]

If you have a tiny garage, maybe you can place a couple pieces of cardboard under two of the wheels to help you shift the boat...

[Dave Wilson]

I own 3 boats without a hot foot, and 1 with it- it is easy to adapt back and forth. Dual axle is nicer going down the road straight, and I don't think I'd put a 520 on a single axle.

[Hollywood]

I have both 520vx with tandem axles with hotfoot . It took a little time to get use to the hotfoot but love it now. For the trailer in tight places I had to purchase 2 gojaks which one goes under each rear tire of the trailer, now I can spin the trailer on a dime. But I made a power dolly (12volt) which I use to push the trailer up a slight hill and 90% turn under car port. I would not been able to get the boat parked where it is without the gojaks and power dolly.

Just my .02 cents.

Can you post a picture of the power dolly you made?

[Fishingnut]

Hollywood go to Ebay item# 230337847970 There is a picture of the power dolly and you can purchase a set of plans to build one. It cost me about $375.00 to buy all of the materials. PM me your email and will discuss more about it.

[Zedonis]

Xman,

You have some good advice in the string. The torque that these 225 to 250s will excert at near WOT is impressive and this is transfered to the steering wheel to a certain degree meaning you will want both hands on the wheel. I will become second nature in no time. Best of luck.

Paul
Legend Boats

[BassManDan]

yo XMAN,
My new boat is a hotfoot (new to me) and I absolutely love it. You have alot more "instant" control and having both hands on the wheels at high speeds does make ya feel safer!

[rangerz20]

I bought a pair of go-Jacks for my Z20 dual axel. I can move it around to fit in the garage easier than my old 461 with a single axel trailer. With Go-Jacks the tandem trailer is absolutely no problem whatsoever angling your boat into a small garage. Just put one on each of the front trailer tires and you can swing it with ease.

[StockOption]

I was wondering if any of you could post a picture or two of how you angle and park your rigs in your garages? I'd like to see how some of you do this. Thanks.