I'm getting ready to purchase a 1976 Catalina 22 with a trailer (with brakes) and motor. My concern is with my vehicle and it's ability to tow this boat. I own a 1995 Ford Explorer Sport with 2WD, manual transmission and a 3500 lb (max) class II frame hitch. I was hoping to trailer the boat 45 miles to the lake and then launch, but have heard horror stories about transmissions, axles, etc. and am especially concerned because my vehicle's specs. seem weak compared to what I need. I've all but given up on this. If I store my boat at the lake in "dry dock", will my Explorer be able to handle trailing the boat for 1/2 a mile and launching? I have visions of my 2WD tires spinning continuously while my tranny goes Cheech and Chong as I get pulled back into the lake. Per my owners manual, the vehicle has a maximum Gross Combined Weight Ratio of 6000 lb. The car weighs 3600 lb, the boat weighs 2200 lb so I'm already at 5800 lb without the trailer, my fat a** and some beer. What problems do you foresee? Thank you!
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Past experience
I have pulled a Venture 222 (2200 pounds trailer and boat) 300 miles with a 1975 Ford Granada. I also pulled a 27 foot Sun Yacht (9500 pounds boat and trailer) out of lake Rathbun with the same car. The ramps at lake Rathbun were very good traction and were six degrees. A lot depends on the ramp. If you take it easy on your 45 mile trip and it isn't very hot and if the ramp has good traction and isn't excessively steep you should have no difficulty. If you were going to tow long distances in hilly terrain and high temperatures I would get a bigger tow vehicle. If you are still concerned, have a friend stand by with another vehicle and a tow strap the first time you pull the boat out. Jack
I have pulled a Venture 222 (2200 pounds trailer and boat) 300 miles with a 1975 Ford Granada. I also pulled a 27 foot Sun Yacht (9500 pounds boat and trailer) out of lake Rathbun with the same car. The ramps at lake Rathbun were very good traction and were six degrees. A lot depends on the ramp. If you take it easy on your 45 mile trip and it isn't very hot and if the ramp has good traction and isn't excessively steep you should have no difficulty. If you were going to tow long distances in hilly terrain and high temperatures I would get a bigger tow vehicle. If you are still concerned, have a friend stand by with another vehicle and a tow strap the first time you pull the boat out. Jack
F150
I had an Oday 222 about 8 yrs ago and pulled that boat with a Ford F150 and I thought the F150 was borderline with regard to the brakes. Although your vehicle is fine I would perfer a level of safety especially in the braking ability. That to me is the most important even with brakes on the trailer. If you have the means to purchase a "bigger" tow vehicle or a 4 wheel disc brake tow vehicle by all means do so. IF not just take it slow...... and enjoy the sailing. Scott
I had an Oday 222 about 8 yrs ago and pulled that boat with a Ford F150 and I thought the F150 was borderline with regard to the brakes. Although your vehicle is fine I would perfer a level of safety especially in the braking ability. That to me is the most important even with brakes on the trailer. If you have the means to purchase a "bigger" tow vehicle or a 4 wheel disc brake tow vehicle by all means do so. IF not just take it slow...... and enjoy the sailing. Scott
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