How big a boat can I launch?

[nightstalker]

I have a Chrysler Town and Country Mini van with the towing package. It can tow up to 4000 pounds according to the owner's manual. I have towed a 21 foot walk around cuddy weighing 3800 pounds with no problem but I wouldn't launch it at a ramp because of the front wheel drive and all the weight that loads up the rear end when launching and retrailering. What size/weight rig do you think I could safely launch with this vehicle. I am thinking about an 18 foot CC. Any ideas?<br />Stalker

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

18 cc seems ok to me, there is a fello here locally that tows a 17 foot center console with is 2001 toyota carolla and has no problems at all.<br /><br />front wheel drive is actually pretty nice when other peoples back wheels are spinning on the seaweed at the ramp and you just pull right out with your front wheel drive! <br /><br />mike

 

[Dhadley]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Launching should be no problem at all. But pulling it out -- that may be a whole different story....

 

[rwidman]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

This could only be a wild a** guess because of differing ramp conditions and the type of boat and trailer. The point of the front wheels being on dry pavement is well taken. Another thought (although pretty inconvenient) is to install an additional hitch on the front of the vehicle for recovery.<br /><br />Another thing to be concerned about is the possibility of the heavy boat and trailer actually pulling your tow vehicle into the water when you try to launch or recover.<br /><br />I have a tow strap in my vehicle in case I ever need help but I haven't needed it yet. I believe my BoatUS towing insurance (with trailer add on) would also cover being pulled out (once!).

 

[KM2]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

I have seen minivans struggle at the ramp. With that said, I would think that a good ramp that's not steep, or covered in sand and seaweed and you would be fine. <br /><br />I have never done this but... Have one person drive the boat and another in the car. Using the boat (straped on the trailer) to push at the same time the driver of the car/van starts out. Gets some momentum going and the tires on solid ground and then shut off the boat before the motor leaves the water and raise it up so you don't hit the ramp with the skeg. Could be risky and I wouldn't want to do it everytime.<br /><br />FYI: you don't need to give the boat very much power, I just had a vision of someone gunning it breaking the trailer and rearending their tow vehicle with the boat. <br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[nightstalker]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Thanks for the info. I think I'll stick with an 18 footer on a single axle trailer to avoid weight problems with a bigger boat and trailer.<br />Stalker

 

[Solittle]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

KM2 - Using the boat to assist in powering up a ramp is frowned on in many places as the prop wash digs holes in ramps.

 

[roscoe]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Not to mention the chances of running the waterpump dry are pretty high. Along with smashing up the outdrive.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Front wheel drive is the norm here, and pulling up a dry ramp with a reasonably weighty boat is a real pain!<br /><br />With the vehicle angled upward, gear in the back, noseweight on the tailhitch and a loaded boat behind, there is no grip. Wheels spin easily and the front crabs sideways and wallops the quayside if the driver's not quick-witted.<br /><br />The cure is to put a towhitch on the front of the vehicle as well as the rear, and pull the trailer and boat out that way, sometimes pulling with a rope between boat and trailer, before hitching up normally on the flat. Works well most times.

 

[Formula1974]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Heck the ramp I use at the lake is so flat I could pull my 16 Cuddy cabin out by hand if I wanted to. I feel sorry for you guys with the ramps that are so steep you can hardly walk on them when they are wet. If I am ever at the ramp and I see someone stuck I would do everything I could to help. I wouldnt even mind hitching thier trailer up and pulling it out with my blazer but im sure there are alot of people out there that would laugh at you and drive off. Good luck.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Originally posted by Dhadley:<br /> Launching should be no problem at all. But pulling it out -- that may be a whole different story....

I towed a 21' runabout with a Pontiac Montana. 3.8 auto. Traveled and launched great. Pull out was another issue. 2 guys stood on the bumper to give enough weight to get her out. The ramp was gradual, and paved. Finally bought a Mountaineer AWD. Porblem is gone.

 

[gewf631]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Ditto that about standing on the front bumper (we used to sit on the hood - much safer since we faced the side of the vehicle).<br /><br />Solve your problem by purchasing an aluminum boat!

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

FWD is a pain in the butt at a ramp. We used our 1990 Plymouth Voyager to launch our 19ft bowrider. Depending on the ramp and the tide, sometimes it was fine, sometimes you needed people jumping on the front bumper, and sometimes you put the boat back in the water and fished some more until the tide came back in.

 

[DJ]

Re: How big a boat can I launch?

Nightstalker,<br /><br />The size of the boat doesn't matter, it's the weight of the boat that gets you in trouble. Especially tongue weight, with a fwd vehicle. Tandem trailers help reduce tongue weight.<br /><br />18' CC boats can be a variety of different weights. Choose very carefully.