more weighty issues

[Jim]

Thanks Justin & Ben for the info - I've been told the trailor (Holsclaw 3020; 20 ft length, made to hold up to 2000 lb)) weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 500-600 lbs and as we have the centerboard version of the Mariner, we should just be within the limits of our car's (& hitch's) capabilities. Good thing there aren't any hills in Oshkosh. Jim

 

[Ben Allen - O'Day 26]

Towing

Jim,When you start towing a boat, you have to include everything. Like Justin said, your boat, trailer, outboard, and supplies, could easily reach 2500 lbs. When you look at your vehicle, check for the towing capicity, not the Gross Vehicle weight, this number also includes the weight of the car. It would also help if you have a transmission cooler or complete towing package for long distances. If your tow vehicle still falls within the range, you should not have any problem pulling the weight. When you get a receiver hitch, try to get the trailer as level as possible when hooked up, and also try to have between 6 - 10% tongue weight, (150 - 200 #'s). Don't forget to check the bearing grease in the hubs, or pump them up if they are equipped with bearing buddies, while you are there, check the air pressure in the tires and tire condition. This sounds like a lot at first, but once you have it all set up, it goes really quickly. Hope you have a blast with your boat.Ben AllenMontgomery, ALO'Day 26

 

[Justin - O'day Owner's Web]

And don't forget to check you cars brakes!!

Your brakes were made to stop your car, not the boat. Check them, and if necessary replace the pads with ones unlikely to fade from heat.Justin - O'day Owner's Web