Will a car topper work?

[san dimas]

Hello everyone.
​I just bought a 3hp 1968 Evinrude with a folding lower unit and it runs great. I was wondering if an aluminum boat of 12 or 14 feet would be OK for this motor. Do you think I could put the boat on top of a Ford Escape or would I need to trailer it? The lakes I boat on are small lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Two adults will be in the boat. Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

I don't see an issue with that idea, have seen them with that size many times

 

[fhhuber]

3 hp... basically a large gasoline power trolling motor.

 

[southkogs]

I've used almost that exact rig - mid 50s Evinrude 3HP (doesn't fold) on a 12' fiberglass rowboat type boat. Great setup. Find an aluminum tub, and it should go on the car nicely. Perhaps even canoe with an outboard transom.

 

[roffey]

I think a 12-14 foot boat on a car top is asking for trouble. You can purchase car top boats and a 3hp motor would be perfect. Just Google "car top boats" for your area.

 

[Chris1956]

I also agree, that your plan to car top the boat is just fine. Those aluminum semi-vee or Jon style boats are easy to load onto the roof rack and tie down.

One note on the semi-Vee aluminum boats. They are susceptible to the wind on larger lakes, such that the bow of the boat is pushed in directions you do not want. Hopefully a quick steering hand will keep them on course. The backup plan is to go in reverse.....

 

[san dimas]

Thanks guys for the good information. I currently tow a 17' aluminum Monark that weighs 2300#s boat, motor, and trailer. It' working my 2008 Ford Escape pretty hard on the long climbs. Looking for something a little less hard on the car.

 

[JimS123]

In my youth that's what we did. In my old age I wouldn't want to be bothered lifting the boat any more......LOL.

I have pics of my Dad and Uncle lifting a 14' wood boat on top of their Model A Ford.

Go for it and have fun doing it....

 

[ellis090]

I am not quite sure about it.

 

[62cruiserinc]

Check the max roof weight for your Escape. My Suburban list 200lbs as the max weight to put on the roof. Most roof racks are held on with expanding rubber wellnuts which can pull out if there is too much pulling stress on them, as would be if airflow over the boat caused it to lift.

Steve