Livingston

[xd2005]

So I'm looking to get a Livingston. I've been focused on something in the 12-14ft range, hoping that's big enough to get me out on the Hood Canal on relatively calm days.

There are a couple available. One a 13' for $1,500 and one a 14' for $1,750. Both have trailers (located in OR and have not confirmed if trailers are titled yet), center console steering, and 40hp motors.

Thoughts? 

As bad as this is going to sound, I have never towed a trailer. I'm not exactly excited about my first experience being with a boat from the Oregon coast. The guy selling the 15' will be in town soon, so might be able to convince him to bring it by.

[MIKEXRAY]

Sounds like good deals to me. Towing will be easy as they will be small & just follow the car or truck.  Don't be afraid of it, hook it up and drive a little slower / safer. Maybe take corners a little wide. Good luck.

[lostbackpacker]

Livingstons are great boats??? I have a 14' one.  It says it is rated for a 40hp.  but i'm not sure how that would go.  we use our boat primarily for crabbing and getting to the bigger boat.

they do tow very well.  I would buy some "bearing buddies" to keep the hubs greased.  take along a spare if going to OR.

[Houndhunter]

Towing a trailer is no problem, backing one up is a whole different situation lol

[jrebel]

I have a 12 foot with a 15 hp motor and we took it out in the straignt last week (Sekiu).  I have the 12T model which has the taller sides and is a little wider.  It did surprisingly well.....I would not hesitate to take it out again.  Towing these boats is extremely easy.  They are really light and tow very well.  Hands down one of the most stable boats you will find In that shorter lengths. 

[Gamehunter034]

I have a 13ft Livingston with a '69 25hp Johnson and so far have ran it up in Anacortes for crabbing and snohomish river the other day for pinks and it has been amazing! Very stable and easy to tow too. Cant go wrong with them!


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[lokidog]

The motor would be what made my decision between those two boats, personally I hate Mercurys.  I just rebuilt a 12' and have had my Mercury 9.9 on it.  At 121 pounds, it was way heavier than most "portable" engines but the boat handled it well.  I am getting a lighter Honda (and short shaft) next week and look forward to getting it out.

They are VERY stable boats but steer quite differently than a V-hull, so be careful to begin with if you have used a V-hull much.  As far as trailering, as mentioned, just take those corners wider.  A short trailer is much harder to back up than a longer one.