Towing 5m Boats...

chris_lemess · #1 14-10-2003, 06:48 AM

Wondering who's had experience towing 5m, 400kg boats with smallish cars, or anything similar to that ratio. I've got a Vitara 4wd with a pissy 1.6L engine, and I don't think I could even say it HAS acceleration towing my boat which all up must weigh 150-200kg on trailer.

If I was to get a 5m boat, it'd be on a braked Dunbier trailer, and the car is rated to tow a tonne... not sure if I'd be able to do 100 on the fwy though...??
Anyone had any similar experiences?

cheers

FisherMatt · #2 14-10-2003, 06:55 AM

Chris,

Id be a bit worried about the other side of things.......braking!!!

My boats 4.5, dunno exactly how much it weighs, but it adds a fair amount of force to the back of your car when u wanna stop!!!

The brakes on your vitara might not be up to the job, although, i aint no mechanic!!!!

Just my opinion.....

Cheers

PS: Congrats on second place!!!!

chris_lemess · #3 14-10-2003, 07:04 AM

Well yeah the trailer would be braked... that should make the difference much less and take a bit of pressure off the car. Is your trailer braked?

cheers

#4 14-10-2003, 07:17 AM

Hi Chris, mines just on 5m and tips the scales at 550k add at least another 100k when I take it north for work, it's a sixteen hour trip. My trailer does not have brakes, and I tow it with a ST Pathfinder 4x4 never had any problems.

A mate of mine has a heavier barra boat and his trailer has no brakes, he tows it with a Honda 4x4, he has no problems towing it with the Honda.

Hope this helps

Cheers Samurai

FisherMatt · #5 14-10-2003, 07:19 AM

Nah Chris, my trailer aint braked.

I tow it behind either my commodore (auto) or a landcruiser (manual) and i prefer the 'cruiser for its added braking power, as well as being able to slow the rig down using compression.

Will ur trailer have the type of brakes that engage when u hit the brake pedal on the car????

I havent seen too many trailers like that under 5m boats. But thats not to say urs wont have it.

What would be more likely is that the trailer will have the type of brakes that engage when (if) the trailer becomes un-hitched from the tow vehicle during travel.
This would mean that all braking pressure would need to come from the car.

Just my opinion.......again!!!!

Cheers

#6 14-10-2003, 07:43 AM

Chris,

I would think that your Vitara would struggle with a 1.6L engine, particularly the transmission. Some of the comps, as you know, are a fair distance away.

Looking at the Boar boat and it's specs I would think that it's total weight would be close to mine (probably 100kg less). Don't forget to add the total weight you'll be towing, not just the hull. My boat would weigh about 800kg (including trailer) without myself and my non-boater.

It may be worthwhile trading in the Vitara and get an older, bigger 4wd like Matt that can handle easily the weight. I would hate to see you spend money on getting your transmission sorted when it packs it in, when that money could be spent on more tackle......

Just my thoughts mate............

Cheers

dantheman · #7 14-10-2003, 07:43 AM

We have a 475 quintrex, and tow it normaly behind our discovery, but we also can tow it behind a honda crv, and thats ok , you can get away with it . go to your dealer and try a 5 m boat.
cheers Dan

#8 14-10-2003, 07:51 AM

Timsy, yours is just over 600k including trailer

Samurai

chris_lemess · #9 14-10-2003, 07:53 AM

Thanks guys - as I thought, it'd be pushing it for sure. Matt; yes the trailer would be braked in the sense that your brakes in the car control those on the trailer.

My dad has a 3.5L auto Pajero which will handle it just fine - chances are I'll be able to do some car-swapping with him and on the longer distances should be able to use his car. That should take some pressure off mine and as it is the boat ramp I'd use is only 5 mins away. I mean hell; who needs to launch upstream when you can go 100kph all the way upriver?

cheers guys

#10 14-10-2003, 08:00 AM

Does that include full load of fuel, batteries etc etc, or without?

PS Are you and Mark coming over for the Mega Bucks Tourny next year (I've heard a whisper on the grapevine)?

cheers.

Mitch · #11 14-10-2003, 08:01 AM

"I mean hell; who needs to launch upstream when you can go 100kph all the way upriver? "

...and knowing you Chris, you'll end up head on into the nearest bridge pylon or nav marker that happens to get in your way. ;-)

chris_lemess · #12 14-10-2003, 08:06 AM

Hey just cause I drive my soup tin boat like a lunatic doesn't mean I wouldn't respect a new boat! Although I reckon I could take on the Narrows with this sucker. Mwahaha...

Haha I'll get you on the bow... going full pace towards the pylons... "Mitch.... push off, push off!" SQUELCH... "Miiiitch I said push off you retard!"

#13 14-10-2003, 08:08 AM

ahahahaahah...now that would hurt!...lol i can see it now!
At least you'll look like a country hick when your driving like one in our new team shirts! lol

Dave

Mitch · #14 14-10-2003, 08:15 AM

Hey Chris, wasn't there some discussion about renaming your team, TEAM CWA - Country Women’s Association. I've got some RM Williams boots if you need them to accompany the shirts ;-)

#15 14-10-2003, 08:27 AM

yeah...last i heard Team Minn Kota was changing to team SBF
"Sea Bird Fu....s"
Bgerk!!!

Dave