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I have read some of the threads on this subject at SAILNET but did not see my specific question addressed.
I own a 26' Trimaran weighing about 2600 pounds. The trailer weighs about 700 pounds. So, total weight is 3300 pounds.
I live a quarter mile from the boat launch so that is the distance of the tow. I do not tow this boat elsewhere but sail only in local waters.
So, the main stress on the vehicle is in retrieving the boat and trailer from the water. Launch, of course, is easy since the trailer is backed down the ramp and, after the boat is launched, there is only the lightened trailer to pull up the ramp. It is the retrieval that needs a more powerful vehicle. As for the retrieval, the ramp has a moderate grade so much so that the trailer, even with a tongue has to be disattached to get the boat fully in the water to launch.
So, basically, I want the minimum vehicle to do this short tow, launch and retrieve.
Presently, I own a 1995 Ford Explorer which I bought three years ago to tow the boat and trailer here from 1100 miles away. I use the Explorer now only locally for the boat launch and retrieval and would like to get rid of it. I also own a Honda Fit as a passenger vehicle. I am thinking of one vehicle that would do both jobs. I would also consider winching the boat on retrieval but there is no point near the ramp to deploy the winch it would have to be fixed on a vehicle.
One vehicle I am considering is a Hyundai Santa Fe, manual with a 2.7 liter engine.
I own a 26' Trimaran weighing about 2600 pounds. The trailer weighs about 700 pounds. So, total weight is 3300 pounds.
I live a quarter mile from the boat launch so that is the distance of the tow. I do not tow this boat elsewhere but sail only in local waters.
So, the main stress on the vehicle is in retrieving the boat and trailer from the water. Launch, of course, is easy since the trailer is backed down the ramp and, after the boat is launched, there is only the lightened trailer to pull up the ramp. It is the retrieval that needs a more powerful vehicle. As for the retrieval, the ramp has a moderate grade so much so that the trailer, even with a tongue has to be disattached to get the boat fully in the water to launch.
So, basically, I want the minimum vehicle to do this short tow, launch and retrieve.
Presently, I own a 1995 Ford Explorer which I bought three years ago to tow the boat and trailer here from 1100 miles away. I use the Explorer now only locally for the boat launch and retrieval and would like to get rid of it. I also own a Honda Fit as a passenger vehicle. I am thinking of one vehicle that would do both jobs. I would also consider winching the boat on retrieval but there is no point near the ramp to deploy the winch it would have to be fixed on a vehicle.
One vehicle I am considering is a Hyundai Santa Fe, manual with a 2.7 liter engine.