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 Towing the right way.		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/09/2013 :  12:52:19  Show Profile  Visit Prospector's Homepage
Its been a while, but I thought I'd post a quick message.


I towed Iris home from the marina today. Its the first time I've to we her since getting a proper trailer and truck for the job, and what a difference it made.


The tow vehicle is 2500 series suburban 2wd, and the trailer is a refit powerboat trailer, bought here.

Iris was behind a bank of rotten snow, so I was a little concerned that the first 20 feet of the journey would be as far as we got, but the truck powered through that no trouble. The rest of the trip was like nothing was back there.


Braking was not much of an issue but it definitely took longer to come to a stop. The trailer brakes will be touched up before any serious trips take place.


Since the truck/trailer combo works son well, and our club has a private crane, I am thinking a couple weekend trips could be fun this summer.

This opens up a lot of possibilities!
"Iris"
1984 FK/SR #4040
http://frosthaus.blogspot.com/

Take a minute to register your boat with the association!!
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/owner_questionnaire.htm
Edited by - Prospector on 03/11/2013 10:22:39

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 03/09/2013 :  14:01:49  Show Profile
As I always say, "Wheelbase, wheelbase, wheelbase!" You've got that!
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 03/10/2013 :  11:06:16  Show Profile
Hi Chris, we used to tow our C25 with the same vehicle. The 3/4t seems to really "hunker down" when towing a load. We had trailer brakes installed on the second axle (required by law here in PA) which made a significant difference in stopping distance. Even with our steep launch ramp, the vehicle had enough weight that the rear wheels didn't loose traction. Enjoy your new found freedom!
Edited by - OJ on 03/10/2013 11:08:01
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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts
Response Posted - 03/11/2013 :  10:27:37  Show Profile  Visit Prospector's Homepage
Yeah OJ, my only previous attempt at towing was with an older Astrovan and the boat loaded on a flatbed trailer. This was so different from that it was amazing. But the investment really doesn't make sense for towing - the truck cost about $4,000 including safty, licensing, etc. and its a pig on gas (160 litre tank means well over $200 to fill it). The trailer was $1200, plus $500 in new tires, and it needs brakework and wiring to be done on it this summer.

Basically, the priviledge of pulling the boat has cost me as much as what the boat is worth on its own. If I had left it on its cradle, the boat would cost me about $1,000 per year to move between the marina and the house at the old place, or nothing at all at our new club. The ability to travel with it opens up new horizons though, which is an exciting prospect.
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rrick
Captain

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USA
261 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2013 :  09:43:13  Show Profile
I'm with you on that first snow berm to tug out of; at least that was my thought. Turned out not snow, but the dually trailer chock I forgot (the ones that expand between the tires). My similar truck trailer combo didn't flinch as I gassed it over that "snow berm". Luckily the chock bent rather than my axles, because I had 1200 miles ahead of me.

We're glad you're contributing to the comfort of other drivers, too. I equate a light, short wheelbase, unibody crossover SUV towing a huge boat to the guy with one arm out the window holding down the mattress.
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2013 :  11:58:33  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by rrick</i>
<br />I equate a light, short wheelbase, unibody crossover SUV towing a huge boat to the guy with one arm out the window holding down the mattress.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...and having watched a Cherokee & boat go into oscillation, jackknife, and end up in a field, I stay the hell away from them!
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 03/14/2013 12:01:28
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2013 :  13:49:34  Show Profile
I met a guy who towed his C25 with a commercial tractor (as in semi-tractor-trailer rig). It looked like it had a short wheelbase, but I think it was actually longer than it appeared without a big, commercial trailer attached to it. It certainly didn't lack power. The tractor was one of the kind that you see occasionally that has custom paint and pinstripes, and was really a beauty, but the combination of the sailboat and commercial tractor seemed incongruous!
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AtEase
Deckhand

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23 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2013 :  15:44:16  Show Profile
The actually tow capacity of ANY vehicle is the GCWR minus the weight of the tow vehicle when ready to tow. That is providing the hitch capacity and the stated tow rating of the tow vehicle are met.
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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2013 :  16:36:19  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Steve Milby</i>
<br />I met a guy who towed his C25 with a commercial tractor (as in semi-tractor-trailer rig). It looked like it had a short wheelbase, but I think it was actually longer than it appeared without a big, commercial trailer attached to it. It certainly didn't lack power. The tractor was one of the kind that you see occasionally that has custom paint and pinstripes, and was really a beauty, but the combination of the sailboat and commercial tractor seemed incongruous!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

...think vehicle weight as compared to the towed component AND attachement location in relation to the front/rear wheels.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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