Major Mistake?

[Graham Kalbli]

I have a 1984 Hunter 20 which I love. Recently I bought a brand new Ford Explorer to tow it with. Being fixated on towing capacity, I bought the 2 wheel drive version, -the towing capacity is 5200 lbs. and the boat+ trailer weighs less than 3500 lbs. What I totally neglected to account for was the 2wd model is rear wheel drive, and I am wondering if this is a problem for launching/retreiving...it seems I always end up with the rear wheels in the water to some extent on the ramp. Any thoughts?

 

[Frank Ladd]

Just be careful

Some ramps are steep and slimey and if you get the back tires in the water the whole vehicle could slide right done the ramp into the slime.inspect any ramp before you launch and if it is too slippery brush it with a stiff broom and spead a bag of sand over the remaining slick stuff.south florida ramps are the worst for this and north of there I've never met anyone who carried sand with them to the ramp. I have met a few who carry a broom though. Many many folks carry blocks that they place behind the tires when they stop on the ramp. I've done most of my towing and launching with a 2wd car or van and i think you'll be fine.

 

[Jeff Bacon]

A Hitch on the front ......

of your Explorer might solve the problem, Graham. I have seen many vehicles with this arrangement, mostly for ease of manuverability, but also for operation in slippery places. It probably dosen't have to be as strong as the actual towing hitch, but close because you will be towing up hill when yoy back out.Good luck ......... Jeff

 

[Ken Koons]

No problem

Graham,You should be fine. I used to tow my Hunter 240 (about the same weight as your boat due to 240's water ballast) with a 3.0 liter Ford Ranger 2wd. I always had blocks with me that the wife could put behind the tires if things got out of control. I also carry a tow strap in case I can't get out and need to put a strap around the front end of the truck and rely on a good old boy that's got a big 4x4 to pull his 1000 lb aluminum fishin boat to give me a boost.There are plenty of fishermen at every launch ramp you'll find in Indiana.I've never had a problem with the slimy launch ramps, the tongue weight of the trailer holds the back tires tight to the pavement.Have fun with the boat! I highly recommend the Lake Erie Islands as a great destination for Indiana sailors.

 

[john withrow]

islands

would be interested in more info on lake islands

 

[Ken Koons]

Reply to John -Lake Erie Islands

Hi John,The Lake Erie Islands are about mid way between Toledo in the West and Cleveland to the east. They are on the south edge of Lake Erie near the towns of Part Clinton and Sandusky. Sandusky is also the home to Cedar Point amusement park. We actually rented a cottage on Kelley's Island and kept our boat slipped in a marina and did mostly day sailing. The weather when we were there in early June was rainy and cool so we were happy to have somewhere dry to hole up. We had another couple along so 4 in a 240 for a week was out of the realm of possibility.We took the truck/trailer across to Kelley's island on a ferry. We set up and launched from the state park on the north side of the island. The ramps/parking area was very tight for stepping and unstepping the mast.