Need info on buying a boat

[Default_User]

Hey guys

I'm thinking about buying a boat but need some input.

Truthfully - I'm looking for a fishing boat that will double as a family fun boat for 2-4 people

My issue is - I need something lightweight as my vehicle has a low towing capacity. So I'm thinking 1,000-1,200 lbs MAX

I'm okay with a tin boat but prefer a higher HP motor to use for some tubing, etc. ideally I'd like a nice bass boat or something with the steering wheel controls.

This would be my first motor boat - and don't know much on the actual weights of some boat-trailer-motor combos.

does anybody have such a boat that they tow with a 4-cyl vehicle?

What type of boat? And how much does it weigh?

Any input is much appreciated.

 

[tuhlapsss]

Hey guys

I'm thinking about buying a boat but need some input.

Truthfully - I'm looking for a fishing boat that will double as a family fun boat for 2-4 people

My issue is - I need something lightweight as my vehicle has a low towing capacity. So I'm thinking 1,000-1,200 lbs MAX

I'm okay with a tin boat but prefer a higher HP motor to use for some tubing, etc. ideally I'd like a nice bass boat or something with the steering wheel controls.

This would be my first motor boat - and don't know much on the actual weights of some boat-trailer-motor combos.

does anybody have such a boat that they tow with a 4-cyl vehicle?

What type of boat? And how much does it weigh?

Any input is much appreciated.

I can't help you out with a boat but I do tow my dads bowrider every once in a while with my turbo 4 cylinder and handles it no problem. The boat with the trailer weighs in at around 2000-2200 pounds. But if your going to be taking on that much weight it would be better to have a 4 wheel drive car like mines,

 

[tuhlapsss]

Hey guys

I'm thinking about buying a boat but need some input.

Truthfully - I'm looking for a fishing boat that will double as a family fun boat for 2-4 people

My issue is - I need something lightweight as my vehicle has a low towing capacity. So I'm thinking 1,000-1,200 lbs MAX

I'm okay with a tin boat but prefer a higher HP motor to use for some tubing, etc. ideally I'd like a nice bass boat or something with the steering wheel controls.

This would be my first motor boat - and don't know much on the actual weights of some boat-trailer-motor combos.

does anybody have such a boat that they tow with a 4-cyl vehicle?

What type of boat? And how much does it weigh?

Any input is much appreciated.

What kind of a car do you have?

 

[Default_User]

I can't help you out with a boat but I do tow my dads bowrider every once in a while with my turbo 4 cylinder and handles it no problem. The boat with the trailer weighs in at around 2000-2200 pounds. But if your going to be taking on that much weight it would be better to have a 4 wheel drive car like mines,

Yeah - I should've gotten the STI instead of my current family hauler

What kind of a car do you have?

GMC Terrain and Mitsubishi Lancer
Both are 4cyl - 2wd vehicles

 

[tuhlapsss]

Yeah - I should've gotten the STI instead of my current family hauler


GMC Terrain and Mitsubishi Lancer
Both are 4cyl - 2wd vehicles

both of them would be able to get the job done. I was also planning on getting a lancer but decided on the subaru legacy because of the 4 wheel drive.

 

[Captain Barty]

A fishing boat that you can tow with a 4 cylinder is more than doeable. Towing a boat capable of taking the family out for fun tubing etc behind a 4 cylinder is going to be pushing it...

I tow a 14ft with my 4 banger grocery getter, but wouldn't want to tow more than that.

 

[fisgfreek]

You will tow, but getting your boat up a steep ramp could be a problem.

 

[Default_User]

A fishing boat that you can tow with a 4 cylinder is more than doeable. Towing a boat capable of taking the family out for fun tubing etc behind a 4 cylinder is going to be pushing it...

I tow a 14ft with my 4 banger grocery getter, but wouldn't want to tow more than that.

I was thinking a 14'-16' tinner with a 25-30hp tiller could get fast enough to have some fun...

 

[Default_User]

You will tow, but getting your boat up a steep ramp could be a problem.

That's what I was thinking too.

But I did recently see a Mazda3 haul a 14' tinner out of McCrackens Lnding with no problems. And I know for a fact that the Mazda specified NO Towing with that vehicle.

So I figure my Terrain wouldn't have much trouble with the 1,000 lb manufacturer rating.

 

[fisgfreek]

14'-16' tinner and 25-30 HP, I think you will be up to 1300 - 1450 lbs.

 

[Default_User]

14'-16' tinner and 25-30 HP, I think you will be up to 1300 - 1450 lbs.

Found a 14'er with 25/30hp motor and trailer that weighs just over 1,000lbs.

Even if I generously add 200lbs of gear, I'm still around the OEM recommendations.

 

[Captain Barty]

You'd be okay if you're super careful. It will be hard on the tow vehicle though.


Mine tow vehicle is rated for 1650lbs. My 14' with 25hp weighs in around 8-900lbs.

 

[fisgfreek]

Good luck Bud.

 

[fishingbimmer]

I've been having the same issue but looking for a larger boat with windshield and side console. Trouble is that you can blow the transmission and / or too much weight and length could result in excessive sway,,,, so I have been holding off. One I found would be a few hundred pounds over capacity but I won't chance it.

 

[miles]

Keep in mind your towing capacity includes the gas in your vehicle, the passengers ext.

A transmission cooler in almost a must if you are pulling any distance with such a small vehicle. Also stay far away from any ramp that isn't perfect. I have towed smaller tin boats with small vehicle and will no longer do it i just keep it on the safe side and pull with a full sized pickup. Its easy enough to end up in an accident, blow a trani or roll down a ramp with a little 2wd car if you are not experienced.

I would suggest getting a 12' tinny with a 15hp for the vehicles you have listed and even then keep track of all the stuff you have with you because with all your gear, people, and gas you could be over your tow rating. If you want a bigger boat get something designed for towing.

 

[Joel52]

Some of the smaller fishing boats 12-14' have max 15-20 hp. Putting too much hp on the transom could prove to be an adventure. Also, actual weight and tongue weight are different considerations. How far you're going with it in what kind of weather, ect.

 

[Default_User]

Thanks guys - I'm still on the fence on the purchase

The Terrain is capable of 1,500 lbs w/ trailer brakes (1,000 lbs without) and a GCWR of 5,787 lbs

The Lund fury ranges between 1000lbs (1400) up to 1180lbs (1600 SS) boat/trailer/motor

http://lundboats.com/boats/aluminum/fury

I figure adding about 200 lbs worth of fuel, gear and accessories isn't too far off - and still within manufacturer spec.

Also, I would add a transmission cooler

 

[Default_User]

It's really going to be a weekend day-tripper - most likely driven out 1-2 hours around GTA borders

 

[miles]

Thanks guys - I'm still on the fence on the purchase

The Terrain is capable of 1,500 lbs w/ trailer brakes (1,000 lbs without) and a GCWR of 5,787 lbs

The Lund fury ranges between 1000lbs (1400) up to 1180lbs (1600 SS) boat/trailer/motor

http://lundboats.com/boats/aluminum/fury

I figure adding about 200 lbs worth of fuel, gear and accessories isn't too far off - and still within manufacturer spec.

Also, I would add a transmission cooler

sounds like you are on the right track, what I and possibly others were trying to get at was just to use caution.

2 passengers, gas in your car, boat gas, fishing tackle and rods and food I would guess would be more than 200 pounds, probably 400+ depending.

I have a car that's rated to two 1500 pounds but pulling that would be questionable in my mind, launching in particular.

 

[Kleiner]

Thanks guys - I'm still on the fence on the purchase

The Terrain is capable of 1,500 lbs w/ trailer brakes (1,000 lbs without) and a GCWR of 5,787 lbs

The Lund fury ranges between 1000lbs (1400) up to 1180lbs (1600 SS) boat/trailer/motor

http://lundboats.com/boats/aluminum/fury

I figure adding about 200 lbs worth of fuel, gear and accessories isn't too far off - and still within manufacturer spec.

Also, I would add a transmission cooler

Nowyour talkin', can't go wrong with a Lund