Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

[s_bamman]

Im planning on buying a Seaboss 180CC with a 90hp Johnson. Total weight should be about 1800Lbs. I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima rated to tow 1000Lbs. I would only dive 2 miles to launch. What problems will I have if any? What should I do?

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

Pulling it out, is it Rear wheel drive or Front?<br />May need weight in front if FWD.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

The only thing I would worry about is getting the rig back up the ramp. Do you have a hitch on the car yet? I've never seen a Maxima that had one. I had a'97 but never towed with it. It didn't really like a full trunk, let alone a tow. The car has a lot of power but if your ramp is steep, it might be a problem. A short easy tow shouldn't hurt the car. Enjoy your new boat.

 

[s_bamman]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

Yes it is FWD

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

If the ramp is paved, you should not have a problem. If it is unpaved or slipery, traction will be an issue.<br /><br />When you install the hitch onto the car, make sure it is bolted to something good. My '95 Altima had four bolts from the hitch to the frame, and one 1/2" bolt from the hitch to the body. The frame bolts were only about 5/16" thick, and although I worried about them, I didn't have any issue with them breaking. I launched and retrieved my boat at a sand/gravel ramp with the Altima many times, and the boat and trailer was about 1500 pounds. The Maxima has more power and is heaver that the ALtima. You should be fine.

 

[tfjrc2]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

s_bamman:<br />Any chance for you to borrow a car/truck with something closer to the capacity you plan?<br />By the time you get fuel & gear into your new boat, you will be at twice the capacity of the Maxima.<br />I see it is only 2 miles, and you would "probably" make it, but a six-pack left in the borrowed vehicle would be good insurance the first time of two....<br />Just a thought.<br />Good Luck & Welcome!!

 

[JB]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

Don't even try it. You would be lucky if all you destroy is the car.<br /><br />If you only have a couple of miles to go, get yourself a beater full size pickup. <br /><br />Good luck.

 

[BillP]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

For only 2 miles and 35 mph in the right gear I'd personally take the chance. Like mentioned already, fwd slips way more than rwd. Angle the car at approx 45 degrees to the ramp and it helps traction. Carry all the extra gear in the car and load the boat at the dock.<br /><br />Which ramp are you lauching at in Miami?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

You'll Only be about Twice the Max . Capacity.......... <br /><br /> Go For It ............. <br /><br />Hopefully,............. You'll be the Only Fatality................. <br /><br /><br />That doesn't even sound Safe, moving from 1 end of the Driveway to the other....................

 

[chuckz]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

Vehicle tow capacity 1000lbs. Estimated tow weight 1800 pounds. What's the question?<br /><br />If you get in an accident I believe that is called negligence. You don't have enough insurance.<br /><br />Shouldn't this post be in stupid human tricks or is it premature?

 

[s_bamman]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

I live closest to pelican Harbor on 79th causeway or Hallover, any reccomendations?

 

[BrettNC]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

It depends on the ramp and its steepness. If it is concrete and ribbed then you should be ok. <br /><br />I towed my first boat, 2000 lbs. total, with a 1987 Honda Accord. I only had a distance of 4 miles to the ramp and I had no problems towing it there or getting up the ramp. I repeated this countless times. <br /><br />Personally I don't think it is irresponsible for you to do this, but you are responsible for your driving habits. Your braking will be the biggest factor if the trailer does not have brakes. Consider a safe following distance and then triple it. Do not exceed the speed limit under any circumstance. That goes for ANY towing combination. Not just for cars, but for trucks too. <br /><br />As Jimbo said, be sure you have another vehicle ready just in case.

 

[JB]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

IN MIAMI!!??<br /><br />That wouldn't just be irresponsible, it would be suicide!!<br /><br />Those streets are loaded with drivers even older than JB, who are half blind, often drunk, alsheimers patients and deadly dangerous even if you happen to be in a HUMMER!.<br /><br />DON'T DO IT, BAMMAN!

 

[BrettNC]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

So what you're saying is he shouldn't be driving at all.

 

[wajajaja]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

i think he wants to pay a fine or two, anyway, it's sounds bad, find a new vehical to tow with,

 

[BrettNC]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

A fine or two? What are you talking about? No laws are being broken.

 

[wajajaja]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

might want to buy a electric winch at walyworld to pull the package up the ramp if the car fails to make it.,or mount a ball on the front too to back up the ramp for more traction. if u must

 

[wajajaja]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

isnt there laws about ratio of load to the draft vehical and a relationship to brakes/systems.

 

[wajajaja]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

checked boatus trailer law guide, i stand corrected, no legal requirements on draft to load ratio

 

[DJ]

Re: Will I be able to tow/launch/and pull up my boat

banman,<br /><br />You have three issues.<br /><br />1. I'll bet your boat/trailer combo weighs more than 1800#.<br /><br />2. Backing down a ramp "unloads" the front wheels. In your case, not only traction, but braking.<br /><br />3. The chassis/body, cannot handle the addition of a load bearing hitch. It may pull out of the sheet metal at just the wrong time.