Buzzy--Bee

Hi

If I'm going to plan ahead and buy a car capable of towing a boat, what would be the capability of the car I would need?

Can anyone advise me about the actual weight of different types of boat?

The three cars I am currently considering are -

Mitsubishi Outlander - 1500kg trailer with brakes
Hyundai Santa Fe - 2000kg trailer with brakes
Nissan Pathfinder - 3000kg trailer with brakes

But - how big a boat do these weights actually represent?

Can anyone help?

Thanks

Buzzy

Rabc

We have a Honda CRV (2.4Lt) and a Prado and a 5.1m Coastrunner and both drag it along effortlessly in fact the CRV tows it most of the time. (Boat, tailer and engine are at shade over 800kg) Unless you are buying something 5.50m plus or fibreglass such as a big Haines all your choice vehicles will handle it easily. Anything greater than 2000 Kg you should be seriously looking at a mooring as getting it on and off the trailer will be akin to pyramid construction

232Bar

Bear in mind the Pathfinder is the only one with 'real' 4wd and lockable transfer case if you do get into any dificulty pulling it out of somewhere. Also, (and I know I'm a bit biased) you might find the actual weight and stability of the Nissan a bit better if you're going to stick a big lump on the back of it. The Outlander and Santa Fe might get a bit too much sway if you go towards the top end of your towing weight range.

Buzzy--Bee

Thanks mate, I am pretty sold on the Pathfinder but I have to take Mrs Buzzy's opinions into account too as she'll be the one mainly driving it!

I think she mentioned something about the wrong colour...... (takes cover behind winch mounting).



Buzzy

marco121068

How about adding a Patrol to the mix?

rodandhayley

we pulled a 21 foot bayliner (2050 capri)with a vauxhal cavalier for a while only had a problem when on sandy slipways
we will buy a mitshibusi triton shortly after we arrive on the sunshine coast
they seem to tick all the boxes for us

Buzzy--Bee

Not as good for us as the Pathfinder - I have test driven both. Prefer the Pathfinder as this will be used a lot for a family car.



Buzzy

marco121068

One thing to think about (or not) is service intervals. I was very p****d off when I found out our X Trail's service interval is 10,000km! It's not even a diesel!

Buzzy--Bee

Yes I agree. The Pathfinders service interval in the UK is every 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever is first.

I have heard that this is due to the Ozzie fuel not being such good quality. Can anyone confirm/deny this or suggest another reason?

Thanks

Buzzy

Gjn200

Yep same here. total con, yes it is cheap to service , but you have to do it twice as often. The same engine is 20000k service in the UK.

robert cowan

hi buzzy how you going, my boss has a walkaround its fiberglass and about 7 or 8 meters long (we had a dive in the bay off it last wedensday) he pulls the thing around with a holdon frontara 4x4 long wheel base. he had to have electric braking fitted to the trailer the boat weighs 2.5 ton with trailer.

hope this helps.

rob & marie.

Buzzy--Bee

Thanks Rob, thanks very helpful. I can sort of visualise the weight of a boat now! I'm going to buy a Pathfinder which will tow 3000kg on a braked trailer (although whether I will be able to afford a boat after buying that will be a moot point...), anyway, no harm in forward planning!

See you guys soon

Buzzy

renth

I would still change the oil every 5000k though.

themerlin

Thanks for that post buzzy, was was thinking the same thing.

I have just got the boat bug, but OH says we have to wait a few years for the kids to get over the jumping over the side stage

Seem to be some nice sail boats on the trading post, but I'm not sure If I want a sail or power. I guess a tinny will be nice and light, easy to get out the water and tow.

youngy73

any trailer which is heavier than 750kgs needs brakes.