Towing and launching you boat with a FWD car.

[Adam B.]

I was wondering how safe it would be to tow with a FWD car. From looking a some of the other posts, it looks like I would be able to pull 1500 lbs. safely, but when looking at boats they only list the dry weight of just the boat. What are the weights of the trailer, outboard, ect. that come with the boats? For example looking at the Smokercraft web site it shows 1020 lbs. dry weight. I am just using that as an example but looking more at a used boats like this one on Craigslist. Are the older ones lighter do to not having as many options on the boat adding weight? Any help would be great.

My second concern would be launching the boat with the FWD car. I know some saltwater ramps are better then others but how safe would it be to be launching 1500 lbs. of boat and trailer and be able to make it up the ramp? I know I could go to the Edmonds ramp and just have then lift it off for me every time but that kind of limits where I can go. Again any information would be helpful.

[G-Man]

I think your going to find it depends a great deal on the vehicle your are thinking of using. I wouldn't try and launch that boat on a very slippery or steep launch with a light weight vehicle as you will get no traction. A heavier vehicle puts more weight on the tires which equates to more traction. FWD will work fine for towing and launching you just need to make sure your car's brakes, suspension, transmission and tires can handle the load. Remember, if your boat is properly mounted on your trailer approximately 10% of the weight will be transferred to the ball or tow car but your car's brakes, suspension and transmission will still need to handle the full weight of the rig. IMO, a Subaru wagon could handle that boat and trailer combo but I don't think would go much smaller.

[G-Man]

Sorry, I totally forgot to address the weight guesitmation process. Hit the EZ loader web site for approximate trailer weights and the appropriate outboard manufacture's site to get the outboard's weight. From there you just add up the weight of the "stuff" inside the boat to come up with your total and don't forget the gas at about 6.5lbs per gallon. However, the only sure way to get the total weight is to weigh the rig together, this also helps you to determine and set up the proper tongue weight. Boat weights can vary a great deal among manufactures for a similar style boat so I wouldn't use the age of the boat more so than who made it. Also, check to see if any wood is used in the boat and if there is check it for being waterlogged. Waterlogged wood really packs on the weight but can easily be remedied by replacement. One last tip/trick, you can also use the following method to weight the boat but it requires exact measurements: Boat weight using a bathroom scale

[Rollin with Rolland]

I would think that particular boat would be right around the limit of most FWD cars (as far as towing capacity and breaking). FWD is ok if your boat is not to heavy. (keeps the tires out of the water).

I'm sure you could do it, but I don't think I would go on the interstate. With a 1500lb towing capacity, I would stick to around 1000lbs to be safe. Like many have said before, it's not just towing. It's breaking and pulling that water soaked rig up the wet boat launch. (FWD only, no 4x4 like a suby, then I would go a little higher)

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I was wondering how safe it would be to tow with a FWD car. From looking a some of the other posts, it looks like I would be able to pull 1500 lbs. safely, but when looking at boats they only list the dry weight of just the boat. What are the weights of the trailer, outboard, ect. that come with the boats? For example looking at the Smokercraft web site it shows 1020 lbs. dry weight. I am just using that as an example but looking more at a used boats like this one on Craigslist. Are the older ones lighter do to not having as many options on the boat adding weight? Any help would be great.

My second concern would be launching the boat with the FWD car. I know some saltwater ramps are better then others but how safe would it be to be launching 1500 lbs. of boat and trailer and be able to make it up the ramp? I know I could go to the Edmonds ramp and just have then lift it off for me every time but that kind of limits where I can go. Again any information would be helpful.

Hi Adam,

I suggest you call your dealer to get the exact weight of boat, motor, and trailer. I own a 2005 smokercraft (Lodge Series) with a 40 horse Yamaha and the combined weight is close to 1200 lbs total. I normally pull it with my Dodge Ram but I have used my Dodge Caravan on numerous occasions with no problems. Good luck on finding a good smokercraft on Craigslist. If any show up they are gone in a heartbeat.

Sorry Roland, I think I just sent you a PM by mistake.

[Rollin with Rolland]

Yes, you did stampie. Great info though....way to help a fellow boater.

BTW...that boat must fly with the 40hp!!! :bounce: Was that a tiller??

[The Quadfather]

Yes, you did stampie. Great info though....way to help a fellow boater.

BTW...that boat must fly with the 40hp!!! :bounce: Was that a tiller??

It does:cheers: I can vouch for that.

[fishing collector]

Don't know if it is possible but you might put a slide in hitch on the front of the car? It will definately change the weight ratio and give you more traction. Good Luck, Steve