Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

[mik1947]

As I approach retirement, I am considering a small utility vehicle similar to a Kawasaki Mule for towing and launching my 12' jon boat w/ 15HP Evinrude. I will be towing only in our lakefront neighborhood to a community ramp. I can also use the vehicle for yard work and just getting around the community. Has anyone had any experience with using these kinds of utility ATV's for this purpose? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

Very capable.
Have towed and launched with a Honda 350 atv, in the wilds of Canada, with no improved ramps (beach or shore launch).

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

They work well.

A friend of mine was going to buy a similar vehicle for the exact same purpose, after looking for a long time he eventually bought a small used japanese 4X4. It cost about half as much and he could drive it on the road if needed, plus the heat and air were a big bonus.

 

[livin4real]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

Our Kubota diesel 4x4 RTV is a beast. I would have no problem launching a boat after what I've seen that thing drag around. Drawback is it costs as much as decent truck

 

[mik1947]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

Thanks for the responses! Another reason I am looking at this option is because my driveway is uphill, curvy and narrow. As I get older, it gets harder to turn around and back my rig up to the house. I think I can use an ATV to drive it into the carport (level concrete pad), unhitch and drive the ATV out the other side. I can then turn the boat and trailer around by hand for the next trip!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

Since you said RAMP you just simplified the answer. If you wanted to beach launch then fat tires would be in the requirements list.

Biggest problem is being able to stop the tow vehicle on the ramp for launching, and then have enough traction to remove the rig from the water upon retrieval.

With what you said sounds to me like a piece of cake.

Mark

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

where you may have problems is with traction on a concrete ramp.... as for backing the trailer..... put a hitch on the front of a pickup.....

better yet watch the Red Green show where he cut off the front of a fwd minivan and duct taped a boat trailer to the rear...... I've seen it done in real life and it actually works pretty well...... ya know if you have way too much time on your hands that is

Red Green on you tube

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

where you may have problems is with traction on a concrete ramp.... as for backing the trailer..... put a hitch on the front of a pickup.....

better yet watch the Red Green show where he cut off the front of a fwd minivan and duct taped a boat trailer to the rear...... I've seen it done in real life and it actually works pretty well...... ya know if you have way too much time on your hands that is

Red Green on you tube

Pardon my indignation sir, but we aren't talking about a 26' cruiser with all the amenities.

Geez, is this the full moon or what?

Mark

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

To the OP, all I have to say is congrats on approaching retirement! Enjoy.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

I think the plan will work fine.

We use a Polaris Ranger to tow all sorts of things around the farm. Your little jon boat shoud br no problem at all.

Congrats on retirement!!!!!!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

Pardon my indignation sir, but we aren't talking about a 26' cruiser with all the amenities.

Geez, is this the full moon or what?

Mark

why be indignant???? I didn't say anything negative.... just offering an idea.... heck I didn't even discourage the use of the atv.... I mean C'MON I mentioned Red Green.... If that isn't playfull I don't know what is

 

[northernmerc]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

Wow! That's a great video; without a doubt, that's one of Red's better ideas!

 

[199q]

Re: Neighborhood towing/launching a lightweight rig

where you may have problems is with traction on a concrete ramp.... as for backing the trailer..... put a hitch on the front of a pickup.....

better yet watch the Red Green show where he cut off the front of a fwd minivan and duct taped a boat trailer to the rear...... I've seen it done in real life and it actually works pretty well...... ya know if you have way too much time on your hands that is

Red Green on you tube

That video is fantastic!!! good lord that guy is funny! I almost peed my pants!! bookmarked that for sure.

to the OP:

UTV or ATV will work great. Seen it a bunch, done it a bunch. if you upgrade the boat you might not be able to do it anymore though.


the Side by sides are awesome, but as many have said do cost a small fortune. you might be able to find a good ATV for around 3-4k though with 4x4.