Thank you all for your input. Sorry I took so long replying, but a free minute to enjoy some computer time is pretty hard for me to come by right now. I feel like the best option for me is to not try and make a tow truck out of my '55. I've pulled many trailers over the years, from heavy farm loads to boats big and small. Been pushed by heavy loads when the truck and brakes weren't up to the load, and slid down more than one boat ramp until the boat floats and lightens the load ( my current boat will float the entire trailer if you leave the back tie down straps on, found that out a couple of times). With past heavy load experience that wasn't always the safest, I think I'm gonna go smarter this time. I just don't think Ole Blue will make a safe tow platform. I dive and spearfish frequently, and we're pulling boats over a hundred miles sometimes, at interstate speeds. I had a one ton ford with a powerstroke 7.3 when I had a farm years ago, and it was an awesome puller, but it would be a little too much truck, as would a 1/2 ton be a little too little. I think a 3/4 ton should be about right. Now, gotta find the $$ for a nice used truck and boat. Guess I'll be working some more overtime.........
