buying my first boat...questions??

[littleb]

Wondering if anyone has any knowledge of weight. I would like to know if my Grand Caravan 3.8 will be able to tow an aluminum 1997 20' Sylvan with outboard and how much it might weigh? Would it weigh more or less than an average 18' Bayliner? Any other advice or recommendations would be welcome.

 

[zach103]

Re: buying my first boat...questions??

what size ob.. it sounds like it will. i think the aluminums are alot lighter than the fiberglass. im not positive tho.

 

[littleb]

Re: buying my first boat...questions??

it has a 1999 optimax 150..guessing about 400-450lbs?? Anyone know if the dry weight of a boat includes a motor?

 

[roscoe]

Re: buying my first boat...questions??

20' Sylvan - what model?

They made several in the 20' length, ranging from 1800 - 3100 pounds, dry weight.
Plus the trailer, engine, fuel, and all gear.

So you are looking at 3000-4500 pounds.
Anything this heavy requires brakes on the trailer.


What year is the mini van?
Does it have a tow package, trans cooler, oil cooler, HD radiator, HD transmission?


A 2009 with the 3.8 is only rated to tow 1800#.
http://www.autoweb.com/content/rese...ge/model_vch/Grand Caravan/virsection/summary

Some maniacs on the web say you can tow 3000# if properly set up, but I wouldn't do it.

Most experts will tell you to stay 20% below the rated tow capacity.

Also, the towing weight is calculated to include any cargo, fuel, or passengers INSIDE the tow vehicle. That is often 700-1200# that must be deducted from the weight of the towed rig.

 

[ken_23434]

Re: buying my first boat...questions??

I tow my 18 foot fiberglass bowrider with 3 liter mercruiser behind my wife's '02 caravan with the 3.8 liter motor. I would assume it weighs less than an aluminum boat. Off hand, I do not know the weight of the boat and trailer. The caravan does not seem to have any problems pulling my boat out of the water.

 

[haskindm]

Re: buying my first boat...questions??

I am sure I will catch some grief for this, but the short answer is NO WAY. Front-drive vehicles make poor tow vehicles at best, and I believe this rig will weigh in at 3,000 to 4,000 pounds which will be above the manufacturer's tow ratings. The weight of the trailer on the rear will actually remove weight from the front drive wheels resulting in lowered traction. You will see many front-drive vehicles spinning their tires in a futile attempt to pull a boat up the launch ramp. All front-drive vehicles used to be limited to a 1000 pound trailer weight, but manufacturers have upped the tow ratings in more recent years. You should never exceed the manufacturers rating and remember that any weight (in addition to the driver in most cases) in the tow vehicle must be deducted from the tow rating.