Suggest a Boat For My Towing Capacity, Please

[WetBandit]

Hi All, great website here. Tons of good information. I will try to keep this short, but hopefully you can help with my quest... I have a limited budget, with the need to get my family a boat (don't we all, right?). Here is my challenge - my current vehicle towing capacity is 1,800lbs. My question as I search for an older boat for restoration is, what are some good options that would fall under this weight that would fit a family of four? This capacity would obviously include a trailer and outboard. Ideally I would like to find a 14-16ft tinny with a 40hp +/-. A runabout with a windshield would be ideal. Something small, but that the kids can tube/ski behind. Would a StarCraft in this size be way over my capacity? I have been checking out boats on Craigslist, but want to make sure I am in the right ballpark before finding my winter project. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

 

[Scott Danforth]

look up the boats here http://boatspecs.iboats.com/

the dry weight is listed. if its an outboard, you need to add the weight of the outboard motor, plus fuel and gear.

then you need to add the weight of a trailer.

the familys old Mirrocraft Ski-N-Troll was a small 14' run about that the whole family skied and tubed behind when we were not fishing. total rig was just under 1500# (boat 308#, trailer 500#, motor 175#, two 6 gallon tanks 90#, gear 200#, coolers 200#)

 

[jbcurt00]

Small tow vehicles, my Escape included, is a TOTAL weight including anything and everything loaded IN the tow vehicle,

 

[WetBandit]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I am definitely thinking something like a small tin Mirrocraft. I will be on the lookout for something small, but I think that will be good for a first time restoration.