Boat trailer.

[PewterBird]

Im thinking about purchasing a 16-23 foot boat. The only condition, is that I am definantly not going to sell the bird for a truck. Has anyone trailered a small boat with their v6? How much can we pull.

By the way I will have to use my bird to launch it into the ocean, yeah,....ewwww. Salt water on the bird, do you think it could handle it?

[quick99]

i have seen websites that say 1000 lbs. but it probably is not a very good idea.

[jhkcam]

i've found two sites that say 1000lbs, thats with the 5.7, not sure how much difference the v6 is. That may be a little conservative though. We used to tow our 17 ft. boat w/ an '89 v6 maxima quite often. I'd say don't even attempt a boat much bigger than that. We were close to the limit. Its still not a great idea... its hard on the car. Heres one of the sites:

http://www.internetautoguide.com/rev..._Firebird.html

-Justin

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: jhkcam ]</p>

[Justin Kirkham]

As I have come to understand, you need to update your suspension, in the rear, so that it can hamdle the weight if you are going to do it... Still not a good idea.

-Justin

[2001camconvert]

i had two jet skis i towed with my 2001 camaro. I had no trouble... No trouble launching or pulling them out. I have uhaul tow pakge that i don't use anymore..... :( I sold my skis.


Jack

[BillyCobin]

I tow a 18' ski boat with my camaro. I have a class 1 hitch rated up to 2000 pounds. I don't know how much the boat weights. The tires on the boat trailer can handle 2600 pounds, so it has to be less than that.

You have to be careful, and take it easy, but it isn't bad. My dad also tows this same boat with his '97 Monte Carlo (3.1L FWD).

I have z28 spring and shocks, and a tranny cooler, so thoes help.

[PewterBird]

Well, it just dawned on me to check the owners manual. It says 1500 of trailer, as long as the tougne doesn't exert more than 701 pounds on the car, including people and cargo in the car.
HMMMMM.....How much does a boat and trailer weight

[bu-bye]

thats a scary thought man. I don't own a boat but I have friends that do and when we lanch using a truck the back tires go into the water a good bit and sometimes the bumper too. Our exhaust pipe/s are low and if you get to much water in your pipes you might have problems getting off the ramp. but, i don't know what the hell i'm talking about. I have never towed anything with a f-body so I would listen to those that have. If it where me I would not do it but then again I have an Xterra to tow my crap around. I might rent a small truck for the day or weekend though if i didn't have the X

[PewterBird]

I just might take a trip down to the launch ramps, and see how steep it's going to be. I don't think towing is going to be a problem, because it will be all flat under 40 and not that far, considering if I can store it close. I only live quarter mile from the pacific.

The whole reason behind the boat, is that I need to change my hobby from my car to something else. Mainly because I can't let myself mod it, becuase it encourages me to drive it fast. And I don't really have anybody to go to thr track with or the time. I have 3 points on my record in the past 18 months, and I have been ticket free in the last 9 months.
I first wanted to buy a project car, but I live in a gated area with my parents, and there is a rule about not working on cars in the garage, so my parents denied me the garage. So until move out there is not going to be a project car.
Then through some research, I found out that it was only 5 bucks to launch a boat, and about 20 per month to insure it. If I can find somewhere cheap to store it, then im in business. 16-23 foot powerboat is 2000-5000. So that above is my plan. So it would be a relatively cheap monthly expense.

[ February 26, 2003: Message edited by: PewterBird ]</p>

[Dominic]

Yeah you can tow a boat, don't exceed 1,000 lbs (think jetski or small trailer) and if I were you I'd invest in subframe connectors to stiffen the front/rear capabilities and not stress the unibody.

On a side note, your RWD Firebird will tow 30,000x better than a FWD maxima or any other family sedan, the whole drivetrain can take it no problemo. The V6 can easily tow LOTS of weight without a problem if you're geared right, the worst problem is the soft rear springs you have!

[2001camconvert]

I have the whole tow package that i would sell.. Its just sittin in my garage.7/8 ball,arm, lock pin,bolt on chasis bracket, light wiring. Any offers?


Jack

[PewterBird]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 2001camconvert:
I have the whole tow package that i would sell.. Its just sittin in my garage.7/8 ball,arm, lock pin,bolt on chasis bracket, light wiring. Any offers?


Jack<hr></blockquote>

Not quite yet, I have to find the boat I want first. There was an address in the owners manual, to send questions to concerning towing. I am going to send a letter to them and see what they suggest,and if there are any modifications I can do, to allow this. ie subframe connectors, v8 springs. But I am interviewing for a promotion postition next few weeks, and I will definantly have the cash after that, if all goes well.

The boat type I am looking at is in the 2000- 2500 pound range. Almost a half ton more than the recomended.
My other alternative is to rent a slip.
:(

[MustangEater8251]

as for the tailpipes in the water....

I think as long as you keep the rpms above idle you shoudl be fine.


Even at idle you might be ok.

I gone, in 2 feet of water for a good 100yards to so, in my 85 2.8L, tailpipes under water.

I had to unhook my ram air, and sometimes, I would prop my air box up on the hood, to hold it higher.

Peopel think Florida is all sunshine and clear days...

jsutabout every tripical storm woudl or some sever tunderstorms woudl flodo my neighborhood.

Was fun crusiing by a 99+ yellow stang, that water locked the motor, in my 85 camaro with hood open and ghettoed airbox [img]smile.gif[/img]