Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by dc3869 on 10/04/08 - 3:32 PM

Does anyone know what the tongue weight on 130 Sport on a 17 foot trailer is approximately? I am picking up my boat this week and just wanted to make sure the ball I have in my bumper is sufficient. I haven't had a chance to speak to the dealer yet regarding the weight.

Thanks

Posted by Binkie on 10/04/08 - 4:59 PM

The tongue weight should be about 10% of the total weight of the boat and trailer and motor and fuel etc. On a 17` trailer it would seem that you can move the boat back and forth a couple of feet, which would drastically change the tongue weight. I think you need to look for a smaller trailer.

rich

Posted by Binkie on 10/04/08 - 5:04 PM

As far as the hitch ball, a 1 7/8" ball is sufficient for a 13 foot Whaler regardless of the size of the trailer, but I would guess, that a 17 ft. trailer will have a coupler that will need a 2" ball, so bring a 2" and a 1 7/8" ball with you when you pick up the boat and trailer, or have the dealer put the boat on a proper trailer.

rich

Posted by dc3869 on 10/04/08 - 5:37 PM

Thanks for the advice, the trailer is the one that comes from Whaler with the 130 new, I guess the overall length of the trailer is 17', not that it is set up for a 17' boat. The 10% rule is a big help, I ordered it new 3 weeks ago and I am picking it up this week. Hoping to get a few weeks of use before it gets too cold.

Edited by dc3869 on 10/04/08 - 5:39 PM

Posted by kamie on 10/04/08 - 5:42 PM

Assuming the total length of the trailer is 17 feet and it is the standard galvanized trailer that comes with the 130, your hitch weight is around 100#. Assuming 10% of total weight. Ball should be 1 7/8ths. Call your dealer to confirm.

Posted by Binkie on 10/04/08 - 7:25 PM

The hitch weight on my 13 footer is approx 60lbs, which is less than ten percent, I have no handling issues even at highway speeds, but I feel that becuase my tow car, a Pontiac Vibe is front wheel drive, I don`t want to load down the rear of the vehicle with too much weight when pulling up the ramp. I haven`t encountered any drive wheel slippage.

rich

Posted by CES on 10/05/08 - 4:32 AM

You should be able to pull that 130 behind a Geo Metro if needed......not much out there that WON'T pull it. My tongue weight on my 13 is about 60lbs too.

Posted by HarleyFXDL on 10/05/08 - 3:55 PM

A 13'? Hell, you could hook that thing to the back of a dog!

Posted by Troy on 10/05/08 - 4:54 PM

Come on now...he needs more specifics than that....What breed of dog? ;)

Posted by Binkie on 10/06/08 - 4:00 AM

#11

Some small vehicles have no tow ratings at all. I bought a Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix, becuase it had a tow rating of 1500 lbs. Plenty for a 13' Whaler. and has enough braking power to stop it too.
rich

Posted by CES on 10/06/08 - 6:38 AM

#12

Oscar, my miniature Schnauzer, can pull that Whaler!

Edited by CES on 10/06/08 - 6:45 AM

Posted by Blue_Northern on 10/06/08 - 9:00 AM

#13

I am guessing that your concern may be that you have a bumper mounted ball not a draw tight type of hitch. I had a ford explorer at one point in my life and pulled with the factory bumper hitch all the time. A 13 footer should have a tongue weight you can easily life. I would guess anywhere from 60-80lbs -- unless you are pulling it with a motorcycle you shouldn't even know it is back there.