Towing a boat with a car... Nissan Altima

Post by **Spezza_Fan** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:35 am

Hey guys,
I've always wanted to buy a boat but the fact of a matter is I own a car. However, latelly I've been seeing many cars pull small aluminum boats on a trailer. I've seen a beaten old station wagon and a Sunfire pull a boat all in the same week. My question is, is this really safe and can it be done without ruining either the boat or the car? I've been checking a boat out online and it's nothing crazy it's just a 12 footer but thought maybe I could just give it a try. Worst case I could just resale it if it doesn't work out. What are your thoughts?

Derek

Post by **Wallyboss** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:49 am

You shouldn't have any problems with a 12' even a 14'. Just check what the towing capacity is for your vehicle. A hitch and hook up for trailer lights and you are all good.

Post by **Andy_L** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:56 am

the rated towing capacity of the Altima is 1000 lbs. so for a 12 or 14 foot tinny you should be ok

Post by **Spezza_Fan** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:38 am

Thanks guys! This was exactly the news I was looking for. What about clearance now? How much weight would one of those boats but on the hitch? I could always add that weight before I buy the boat to check the clearance.

Post by **Andy_L** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:46 am

small aluminium boat shouldn't have too much tongue weight

Post by **KayakMike** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:27 am

When I am not using my kayak

I am towing a 15 ft boat with a 1000 lb towing capacity car:
-Smokercraft alaskan 15 dlx (boat comes with a nice plastic floor) just 270 lbs
-Yamaha 40 hp - 200+ lbs
-Trailer under 200 lbs
-Battery + trolling motor, under 100 lbs.
-I am under 800 lbs alltogether with a decent (rather small, but deep) rig, I can launch almost anywhere, and I am not afraid to go on a bigger lake.

With the big motor, my problem was not having enough tongue weight. Fixed it after installing the trolling motor and battery in the front, then I moved the boat forward on the trailer a bit.

I know a guy with a Lund Alaskan 1600 Tiller, with a Honda 50 and he still manags to stay barely under 1000 lbs, trolling motor and everything and that is a serious boat...

Post by **CNs** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:30 am

Remember that towing capacity or GVWR includes passengers, driver and anything in your car as well.

Gas in the boat weighs in at 8 lbs per gallon

Post by **KayakMike** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:49 am

CN wrote:Remember that towing capacity or GVWR includes passengers, driver and anything in your car as well.

Gas in the boat weighs in at 8 lbs per gallon

Right... however they allow a 150lb driver

and a full tank of gas...

Post by **Spezza_Fan** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:53 am

Just got off the phone with my dad and he's shooting down the idea saying I should go with a 14' instead of a 12'. Thing is, there's like a 400$ difference between the sizes out there right now. Basically I want to pay under 1000$ for a boat and a trailer. Right now the one I'm looking at is a 12" with a trailer for just under 600$. What's the weight restriction difference between both sizes? I'm a big dude and I know a 12' will be tight with another person in the boat but that's what fits my budget. What are your thoughts?

Post by **CNs** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:56 am

bigger is better

Post by **Spezza_Fan** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:58 am

I'll look into a 14' then.

Post by **mblaney** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 12:38 pm

Spezza_Fan wrote:Just got off the phone with my dad and he's shooting down the idea saying I should go with a 14' instead of a 12'. Thing is, there's like a 400$ difference between the sizes out there right now. Basically I want to pay under 1000$ for a boat and a trailer. Right now the one I'm looking at is a 12" with a trailer for just under 600$. What's the weight restriction difference between both sizes? I'm a big dude and I know a 12' will be tight with another person in the boat but that's what fits my budget. What are your thoughts?

That depends on the boat. I used to have a springbok 12' that would handle a lot of weight. If you are considering an old Sears 12' then forget it - loaded you one have a few inches of freeboard.

I used to tow my 12' with 9.5 and all the gear behind my Chevette (1.6L)and it never had a problem. The only way your car would develop problems is if you were rough with it.

I would also recommend a 14', it's not much heavier than a 12. There are more 14' around so you should be able to find one in your price range.

Post by **bl8ant** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:00 pm

only thing to worry about is uneven, slick or loose launches when launching in anything FWD. Lots of place you can launch with not a problem in the world.

Post by **moonshine** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:08 pm

if you want a 12ft then go for it. its not like you will be stuck with it, if its not enough boat for you. its easier to start small and get bigger as you go. bottom line is money for most. i started out with a 12 ft'er and look back at those days with some fond memories. given you are a big guy, you will have to put some weight in the front, ie net man

just do whats comfortable for you right now...

enjoy

Post by **Out4trout** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 5:25 pm

A 12ft is quite limiting, you have to consider what the weather might be for the trip back to the ramp.
I recommend going with a WIDE beam 14ft BT. Throw a 25hp on it and you'll be set and safe.