Towing a Precision 23

[majorkong1]

I'm considering purchasing a trailerable sailboat and recently learned about the Precision 23. It seems to get strong reviews and checks many of the boxes that I'm looking for. One concern I have is the ability of my vehicle to tow it. I'm 2 hours from the coast so while I'd sail it often on a lake, I'd like the ability to tow it several hours to destinations like the Chesapeake and FL.

I have a 2023 Mazda CX9, max towing capacity listed at 3500 lbs. The 2006 Precision 23 is listed at 2450 displacement (is this the dry weight of the boat, totally empty?). I’m not sure what trailer weight is but based on some internet searches it's at least anywhere from 700-1000 lbs. Then of course you have the motor, gear, people in the car, etc. Seems like it's running up against or slightly over my towing capacity. But I'm not sure of these numbers and perhaps in practice there is some leeway with towing ratings, especially if I decide to tow shorter distances only.

Would appreciate any advice on whether I can tow a Precision 23, thanks!

 

[kappykaplan]

The 2006 Precision 23 is listed at 2450 displacement (is this the dry weight of the body, totally empty?).

Yes.
Welcome to the forum!

 

[dlochner]

The displacement weight is the dry weight, no gear, no extra stuff. You can tow it, however, it will be right at the max load for the car and I doubt it would pull it out of the water up a wet ramp. You've been wanting that nice new and shiny F150 haven't ya?

The Precision line of sailboats is well respected for construction and sailing ability. Jim Taylor was the designer and has some notable boats besides the Precisions, including several models of Sabre, the Colgate 26 and others.

 

[dmax]

Definitely not enough truck. The trailer could be more than 1000 lbs., they are very heavy. Manufacturers are notorious for understating the weight of their boats - could easily be another 1000 lbs there. I would size it to be a 5000 lb load. See if you can find someone who has actually weighed one on a trailer. Don't exceed 80% of the max. for the tow vehicle if going more than 10 miles. Best if tow vehicle outweighs the trailer, go for long wheelbase on the tow vehicle.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Towing isnt all about transmission and engine. My SUV has the same engine and trans as it's truck counterpart but with less towing capacity because the suspension is absolute crap. This results in dangerous emergency braking, uncomfortable and sometimes painful ride quality and swaying. Just something to keep in mind

 

[majorkong1]

Thanks all. It seems the consensus is that it’s definitely not doable for highway / long distances, and likely not doable even for the ramp.

if I were instead to target 80% of my towing limit, it seems the Precision 21 might be an option (1875 lbs displacement). Does that sound right?

 

[bzano]

A good rule of thumb in my opinion is to take the max towing rating of your vehicle (manufacturer recommendation) and divide by 2. This number should be what the boat’s dry weight (displacement) should be. For example if your towing limit is 3500 #, figure a boat of 1750#. This allows for trailer weight, motor, gear, etc.

 

[Benny17441]

The European Mazda CX8, version of the US CX9 powered by a 2.5L gas engine is rated for 4,409 lbs for braked trailers. The difference for the extra weight allowed in the European towing specs system is the lower speed restrictions(approx 50-55 MPH limits) and the trailer brake requirements. Your Mazda could likely handle the load safely while towing on side roads with a braked trailer, but should some unfortunate accident happen Insurance Company attorneys will likely point out the rig would not meet US specs and could invalidate your insurance coverage. In any instance I would consider a weight distribution hitch to be used with your vehicle. It prevents squatting of the rear suspension and maintains driving stability. With an all wheel drive it should have no problems pulling the boat out of the water in a ramp.

 

[Indysailor]

Thanks all. It seems the consensus is that it’s definitely not doable for highway / long distances, and likely not doable even for the ramp.

if I were instead to target 80% of my towing limit, it seems the Precision 21 might be an option (1875 lbs displacement). Does that sound right?

How far are you trailering? Highways, hills? I used to splash and haul my ODay 23 with a very heavy C channel trailer, probably about 6,000 lbs altogether with my 4runner and it was fine. 4 wheel low, it never got over 1500 rpm when pulling out of a steep ramp. But the total distance to the ramp was 1/4 mile, so I had no issue exceeding the tow rating for that little distance. Had I tried to trailer 100 miles I probably would have overheated the transmission.

As for ratings, they don't give you much of an idea about how it's going to feel to tow a trailer. I bought the 4runner specifically to tow our small camper because it's body on frame. I'm pretty sure that Mazda is unit body and from my experience, a good steel frame handles towing a lot better. Admittedly, I may be a little conservative about this, but I like a truck-like arrangement for over the road towing and I think your instinct to go lighter is smart, but I would probably go down further.

 

[JBP-PA]

If it's only a few times a year, you rent a truck from U-Haul.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Excellent advice through this thread was given to you. Did the boat new come from American Marine & Sail Supply which was located in Zebulon, NC?

 

[Rick Webb]

Just want to add a few points here that I did not see in the discussion

Weight is only one part to consider with your trailer tow vehicle though process. Length of both the towing vehicle and the trailer can set you up for disaster. A vehicle with a short wheelbase is going to get pushed around by a trailer load much easier than a longer one. Increasing the trailer length or the weight is like using a longer lever to put pressure on the back of your vehicle.

You must also consider the frontal area of your tow you may be within the recommended parameters for your tow vehicle but a boat sticking way up above the trailer is going to put a huge strain on your vehicle the faster you go the greater the effort the boat is going to put on your vehicle depending.

That being said I think you'd be OK in a parking area or a couple dozen miles at 35mph or so. Launching and retrieving is likely not a problem. Depending on the ramp you may swing it maybe. If larger vehicles have a difficult time you are going to have more of an issue and success is less likely.

Lastly, if your vehicle has a CVT transmission there is no maybe or depending about it. Don't even consider it.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The trailer should have brakes preferably surge brakes vs electric which must be maintained. Worked well for the Precision 23 that I sold as a dealer

 

[jfgy]

Greetings,
When I had a P23, I towed it with a Nissan Frontier and later a Nissan Pathfinder, both of which has tow capacity of about 6000 pounds and towed the boat well on the highway. Crazy Dave's comments about braking are really important. The optional 4 wheel drive that the Frontier had was often really useful on steep and slippery ramps getting the boat out of the water.
The suggestion of renting if you only trailer it occasionally is a good one. I did that when I bought the boat that was 800 miles away.
Enjoy the boat!
Jess