Re: will my car pull my boat?
The weight ratings from manufacturers of the boats vary more than a politicians promises, and are about as acccurate
20' boat. Heres my educated guess:
Boat hull alone: 2000
motor: a V6 mercruiser is about 850 itself, so far 2850.
guestamating 50 gal gas: @ 6.5#/gal: 325 3175
Batteries, gear, tools, spares: 300 3475
Aluminum trailer: 700
Steel trailer 1200
So, what I say is closer to 4500 trailering weight.
now, add the 6 people in the vehicle to the trailer, being very politically correct at 150# per person, now its 900# more. The cars innards are internally hemoraging.....
Next, brakes. The trailer brakes are most likely surge brakes. Simply, when the vehicle stops (or attempts to), the trailer weight presses on the master cylinder, and applies fluid pressure to the brake wheel cylinders. Now, IF the trailer outweighs the tow rating, which we think, or if the pavement is wet, the force of the trailer weight will cause the car to lockup brakes adn skid. The trailer brakes are NOT activated. A strong possibility is a jack knife or rollover. Not pretty.
Your 77 pickup may be a better tow vehicle. trucks have bigger brakes than a car, and probably a heabier tow rating.
Insurance may be voided by overweight towing, and you could be charged in case of an accident, even if someone else caused it. thats what shysters do.
my $.02....