Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Towing weight Sakonnet
Posted by heimtun on 12/08/17 - 4:20 PM
#1
I'm looking for another tow vehicle for my 1963 Sakonnet - it will also be a snow vehicle.
We've been using my wife's Ford Explorer with a V8 - it can tow 6,000 pounds so you don't even know the Whaler is back there... we're looking for an old Jeep Wrangler to tow the boat around town - no highway - no long distance.
Two questions:
a) what is the tow weight of the Sakonnet with motor, gas (two 6 gal tanks) and some gear?
b) any thoughts about a Jeep for around town - 4 cyl or do we need a 6 cyl - again, we looking for an older Jeep.
Many thanks in advance.
Wayne
Posted by Weatherly on 12/08/17 - 6:03 PM
#2
The factory spec weight of a Sakonnet 16 model boat was 770 lbs. Figure a combined approximate weight of between 1600-1800 lbs if you are using the same Highlander trailer shown in your personal page photograph and the Mercury outboard motor with gear. Jeep vehicles make excellent around town tow vehicles; yes, even the 4 cylinder powered vehicles. Leave the Sakonnet at home when it snows, though.
Posted by heimtun on 12/09/17 - 8:59 AM
#3
Great! Thanks for this info.
Happy Holidays
Wayne
Posted by mtown on 12/11/17 - 1:11 PM
#4
I tow my 1964 Currituck with an old Toyota Camry 4 cylinder. Not very far or often but it works fine. I took it 150 miles once and never felt unsafe.
Posted by heimtun on 12/12/17 - 7:05 AM
#5
Wow! Thanks mtown.
Posted by EJO on 12/12/17 - 10:10 AM
#6
It is not the towing that you have to worry about as most 4 cylinder automobiles can handle that. It is the stopping you must worry about. i.e. make sure that older Jeep has new good brakes and you will be OK. I pulled my modern 150 with a 4 cylinder Nissan Rogue AWD for several years, could feel it but it was OK.
Posted by heimtun on 12/12/17 - 11:48 AM
#7
Thanks EJO! Will definitely make sure brakes and tires are in fine order!
Posted by Royboy on 12/19/17 - 12:52 PM
#8
As EJ rightly pointed out, it's not the size of the tow vehicle's engine that determines tow capacity. It's vehicle weight and the running gear; suspension and specifically the brakes, that make a tow vehicle worthy or not. As long as the boat and tow vehicle do not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (weight of tow vehicle plus anything towed), not to be confused with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which excludes any trailers. However, the trailer's tongue weight is to be included in the GVWR, just like any cargo.