Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

[dannieboiz]

Is it ok to launch and retrieve a boat out of the water that's say 1k lbs heaver than the specified towing capacity of the tow vehicle?

My tow vehicle has a 3500lb towing capacity. The boat dry weight is about 3550lb based on NADA, I don't know if this includes the engine or not. Does anyone know?

Plus the trailer? Maybe 500lbs? So I'm probably pulling 800lbs over?

Not towing anywhere, just using it to launch and etc... and the storage is right there.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

You may run the risk of being dragged in with the boat or wrecking the tranny. Where are you going once you are out of the water ???
What vehicle are we talking ????

 

[dannieboiz]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

my storage has a boat launch and it's just probably 100 yard away from where my boat is parked.

I have friends with bigger trucks. I'm going to pick up the boat in a couple hours and don't want to have to buy another vehicle or change it just for the boat.

So I'm going to take my friend's Tundra to tow it there but I don't want to rely on him for my trips so if he doesn't go, I was hoping to be able to use my 02 highlander v6 AWD to get the boat in and out.

The boat is a 1995 Striper 2150wa. I'm currently using the highlander to tow my 19ft bayliner open bow w/o even feeling it behind me it's close to 3k lbs with all the equipments and trailer.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

We used a 4x4 4cyl Suzuki samurai to beach launch a 26' Tri-Toon for years.

No trailer hitch, just the 1200? pound bumper hitch. Never a problem, and never got stuck.

Never drove it more than a 1/4 mile at a time though.

The Suzuki's was finally retired when the starter went out. It was replaced with a 1989 S-10 Blazer, small 6 cyl, also 4x4. Cant pull like the Suzuki could, but it works. also, its bumper hitch is 2200 pounds.

Personally I think you'll be fine.

 

[dannieboiz]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

We used a 4x4 4cyl Suzuki samurai to beach launch a 26' Tri-Toon for years.

No trailer hitch, just the 1200? pound bumper hitch. Never a problem, and never got stuck.

Never drove it more than a 1/4 mile at a time though.

The Suzuki's was finally retired when the starter went out. It was replaced with a 1989 S-10 Blazer, small 6 cyl, also 4x4. Cant pull like the Suzuki could, but it works. also, its bumper hitch is 2200 pounds.

Personally I think you'll be fine.

Holly crap, I thought I was brave for even asking the question. That Suzuki has a tow capacity of maybe 1500lbs at the most doesn't it?

Well that's good to know at least I can go fishing alone.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

Keep in mind its soul purpose was to beach launch toys at the familys river property. If it broke, oh well. It was a $300 toy/people mover really.

And, it was a 4x4 with lockers. A standard posi-traction 'towing package' might not be the same

Jet boats, fishing boats, jetskis, you name it, its launched it.
Even when peoples boats would beak down in for of our place, we would offer to go pick up there trailer and retrieve the boat for them (rather than towing the boat somewhere) Big boats, small boats. didn't matter.

During the 300 mile drive to the river, that thing could almost do 55. It has NO speed to it. but in 4-Low, and 1st gear, it was a torque monster!

Sometimes when we got the trailer & pontoon boat stuck in the mud, you would see the bumper starting to bend a little, then the trailer would break free. Never actually broke, we were all waiting for it.

The S10 moves the same loads, but struggles a little more. (maybe its the automatic vs the manual?)

I have even towed some pretty big loads with my caprice
(I don't know why it keeps eating transmissions!)

 

[security6]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I'd do it, depending on the ramp. If it is like the ramps we have here in the midwest (flat with a 5 foot drop at the end) then I wouldn't worry about it. If the ramp is steep and/or not paved, I'd be a little more concerned.

Automatic transmissions usually die due to overheating; you aren't going to overheat it in 100 yards. I'm not sure about how robust the AWD part of your vehicle is.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I have even towed some pretty big loads with my caprice
(I don't know why it keeps eating transmissions!)

wow! I have pulled all kinds of loads with my car, but my record is a little over 3000 pounds of dirt+500 pounds of trailer.


To the OP... you are find, I've seen people unload far more with far less vehicle.

 

[steve6]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I would do it, as long as you are not towing it on main roads shouldn't be an issue, just take it easy and be careful.

 

[The Hammer]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

No problem, don't forget to use a low gear if automatic.
PS. Those Suzuki Sidekick 4x4 are great, they can take a beating. Friend of mine has big mudders and lift kit on his and he buiries it in mud alot and just climbs out of the hole.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

Is it ok to launch and retrieve a boat out of the water that's say 1k lbs heaver than the specified towing capacity of the tow vehicle?

My tow vehicle has a 3500lb towing capacity. The boat dry weight is about 3550lb based on NADA, I don't know if this includes the engine or not. Does anyone know?

Plus the trailer? Maybe 500lbs? So I'm probably pulling 800lbs over?

Not towing anywhere, just using it to launch and etc... and the storage is right there.

You are a fool if you're relying on NADA for the weight of the boat. And you "don't know if this includes the engine or not." Published boat weights can be very misleading. And you're guessing the weight of the trailer.

If you really want to know the weight of the rig, borrow a truck and take it to a public scale. My guess is you'll be surprised how much more it weighs than your estimate.

So can you tow it from the storage lot to the ramp and launch and retrieve it? You can try. Certainly you can launch it, no problem. Can you get it back up the ramp? Buy yourself a nylon tow strap and keep it around just in case you need help. I've seen vehicles "helped" up the ramp with another vehicle before.

The risk here is the boat pulling the tow vehicle into the water. Get everyone out except you. unbuckle your seat belt, and have the windows down when launching/retrieving the boat. Good luck.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I'm going to pick up the boat in a couple hours and don't want to have to buy another vehicle or change it just for the boat.

So ... Did you drown or what?

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

For what you described you should be OK. AWD on your V6 should do well to move it up the ramp and 100 yards into the barn, provided the ramp isn't like climbing Mt. Everest and slick as snot. Just put it in drive, the computer knows what to do from there, no need to shift into low.

The local RV dealer moves his 3000+ pups and tt's with a 20 hp lawn tractor around his flat paved lot.

I'm not certain I understand how an unpowered boat that is going to float off your trailer is going to pull your TV into the lake. That would be a neat trick!

 

[dannieboiz]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

After much thoughts, I think I'm going to go spend a few grand to buy a cheap old Truck or SUV for this. For around 3 to 4 grand I can probably get an old Silverado 1500 or Tahoe to tow the boat. This would give me the option to tow it anywhere needed in case I need repairs and not have to rely on anyone else.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

....................

I'm not certain I understand how an unpowered boat that is going to float off your trailer is going to pull your TV into the lake. That would be a neat trick!

I've seen videos on youtube where this has happened. It's not unknown.

It's not a "trick".

 

[The Hammer]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

After much thoughts, I think I'm going to go spend a few grand to buy a cheap old Truck or SUV for this. For around 3 to 4 grand I can probably get an old Silverado 1500 or Tahoe to tow the boat. This would give me the option to tow it anywhere needed in case I need repairs and not have to rely on anyone else.

Well if your goin to do that you should get the Denali pick up with the 6litre. May as well be in comfort while your moving the boat around the yard.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I've seen videos on youtube where this has happened. It's not unknown.

It's not a "trick".

sure there is!

Fist, make sure your tires are bald (Steel-belts poking through bald)
Step one: don't put it in park
Step two: don't use the breaks
The further you back into the water, the better.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I had to sell the gas guzzling Z-71 I drove for years and go to a 2wd Chevy Tracker. For about 2 trips before I got the old $1500 Dodge I used the Tracker to launch the pontoon. I didn't go far and I was as careful as a man can be, but it worked without any problem. If you look at my sig picture you can see the Tracker with the pontoon hooked to it. Use the awd v-6 until you get the beater truck, you'll be fine.

 

[dannieboiz]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

I had to sell the gas guzzling Z-71 I drove for years and go to a 2wd Chevy Tracker. For about 2 trips before I got the old $1500 Dodge I used the Tracker to launch the pontoon. I didn't go far and I was as careful as a man can be, but it worked without any problem. If you look at my sig picture you can see the Tracker with the pontoon hooked to it. Use the awd v-6 until you get the beater truck, you'll be fine.

the problem is I don't wantto dump 10k on a truck that will only get driven a handfull oftome year and sit the rest of the time depreciating

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Is it ok just to launch with a boat more than the GTW specified?

buy a beater chevy!