pulling a boat with a car

[crappieseeker]

I really am not sure I can afford a truck and a boat at this point. My current vehicle happens to be a car. It is only a 4 cylinder but a very good one. I was wondering if I put a hitch on it if it would be sufficient enough to tow a 17 foot aluminum boat with like a 60 to 75 HP motor on it. Granted I would be using it a lot, the two main ramps i would be using are only 5 miles from my house. Only the occasional 15 mile haul to another area. Would this be a bad idea in your opinion? Just considering all options

[CrappiePappy]

I wouldn't be as concerned about "pulling" it to & from the lake, as I would be about being able to launch & pull the boat out Doh That would depend on the ramp angle.

... cp

["G"]

If the ramp is very steep.....you might be strained with the 4 cyl. Slab pulls his deep V with a BMW car and it does good but he does have the big motor in it. I would also be concerned with how well it would stop....if the vehicle is a small one.

[majflyboy]

Back in the 70's I pulled a fiberglass Ouchata with a 100hp with a 4 cy Ford Pinto wagon. Pulled the ramps ok but had to be very careful stopping.

[crappieseeker]

pappy, I had also thought of the ramp issue, one of the ramps is fine, but one is a little bit steep, not too awful bad, my bigger concern of the ramp was during the winter when it freezes because I am the first one to the ramp on mornings when the temps are in the teens at times lol

[CatFan]

It's really going to depend on the car. Manufacturers provide towing guidance.

First launch isn't so bad when it's freezing. It's all the rest until it warms up after you've dripped water all over the cold concrete.

[crappieseeker]

I thought about that but was also thinking about the night fishers from the night before and their frozen drip.

It's really going to depend on the car. Manufacturers provide towing guidance.

First launch isn't so bad when it's freezing. It's all the rest until it warms up after you've dripped water all over the cold concrete.

[ausable riverboat]

I have a 175 Tracker Pro Crappie that I tried to pull with my Ford Escape ( 4 wheel drive) did not pull it good on the road and even worse at the boat ramp.So it was back to the fuel eating diesel truck.

[Wannabe...]

Need to know the actual make and model to really know...rear wheel drive? Might be a problem on any ramp much less a steep one that's frozen. Also, hitch height and spring sag is likely to be an issue. Emegercy stops are going to be....thrilling at least.

Wannabe...

[Cane Pole]

I usta pull mine with my '69 Chevelle SS396 convertible. No problem. Had a Dodge Ramcharger at that time, but preferred the Chevelle. I was a cool cat.