Hitch Install on a Sportscar

[Blue Crab]

Yep. That's a real head turner!

[Travelnik]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

Yep. That's a real head turner!

Looks like they're giving her a backache Maybe she needs a hand (or two)!

[Sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by Suijin

i.e. it's a unibody vehicle. But as pointed out that does not mean much in and off itself. If it did, all boat owners would be driving pick-ups and Tahoes.

It does not mean much because a unibody (a GM advertising term) is simply a frame integrated into the body. It does not mean there is no frame. It would come as a surprise to the Honda designers to learn that their now famous X-bone frame is not a frame at all.

[David M]

You better call your insurance agent and find out if you will still be covered if you are found at fault in an accident and you were towing a boat with a car that is not rated for towing.

[Kiwi303]

In New Zealand you see Honda Citys and Civics with tow bars, My parents had a 1985 1.8L Mitsubishi Galant with a tow bar which towed a heavy trailer around the south island while I was a kid, full of camping kit for 6 people. I have a 1996 2litre Nissan Serena, I've towed several tons with that, also heavy loads with a 1983 2.0 litre Nissan Laurel

All of these have less than a third of the weight or power of what a US market vehicle that is commonly used to tow is expected to have...


If you want a decent tow vehicle, you don;t need a 6 litre diesel truck, just find a Pontiac GTO or Chevy/Pontiac G8 the Holden Commodore it is based on is one of the most popular tow vehicles here. No need for a Jeep Grand Cherokee or other bloated land whale with wheels.


I'd be quite happy towing a day sailer up to 25 foot with centreboard using a S2000, through I would ask the boat club found at most boatramps to lend me their tractor, or ask a nice guy with a Hilux to actually launch it.

[Sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by Kiwi303

In
I'd be quite happy towing a day sailer up to 25 foot with centreboard using a S2000, through I would ask the boat club found at most boatramps to lend me their tractor, or ask a nice guy with a Hilux to actually launch it.

I have seen it done, tho not in the US. It simply isn't American to tow without at least a 4 liter 8 and 4 wheel drive.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by Sfkjeld

I have seen it done, tho not in the US. It simply isn't American to tow without at least a 4 liter 8 and 4 wheel drive.

Guilty as charged. I know 7.4 L diesel and 4X4 is overkill for the towing of the 1790 lb car inside the trailer, but it is nice to set the cruise control at 75 mph and not be bothered by winds, grades, and 18 wheelers.

[Andrew B.]

Might want to make sure the brakes are in very good condition. I could pull
quite a lot with my old jeep wrangler 4 banger. Did have problems a few times
making a quicker than expected slow down, or stop. Post some pics !

And I would agree about making sure your okay with the insurance...
If your covered it should say so in your policy. Mine does.

Good Luck...

[Sfkjeld]

Just back from Portland with my new Potter 15. As usual, everything I anticipated as a problem was not, and the stuff I thought was under control, not so much. We will start with the tow vehicle. The little Honda had no problem towing the boat. Keeping a pace of about 55-60 the entire way, I had to downshift to 5th on several passes. While I drive normally closer to 75, my gas mileage went from 27-28mpg to 23-24mpg during the drive home. To do it over again, I probably wouldn't. I think the car will be fine taking the boat to local lakes with drives an hour long or so. The drive down from Oregon was just too long. Was not comfortable.

Now the stuff that went badly. Tags on both boat and trailer, expired. Which the seller never mentioned. The trailer's stop and turn signal lights did not work. He flippantly said i just needed to clean the contacts. There was no power to tail lights. The seller also grossly misrepresented the boat. It is not in near the condition his pics indicated. He must have waxed it, then caught in the best light. A lot of sun damage and the lines could be a lot nicer. The cabin has mold somewhere, which is #1 prob to address. Clorox? How do I clean that out?

Lastly, the dirtbag seller did show me how to rig it, but it was impossibly complicated. Will need to find a Potter resource in the Bay Area to help me with this part.

Otherwise, looks like I bought a project, which I guess is the standard.

[deckofficer]

I'm glad the towing aspect was uneventful.

[Cheechako]

Yeah, most sellers seem to look on the bright side! Every boat's a project, yours cant be too big! Putting the rig up is just a matter of common sense... give it a try! Have fun.

[SV Snow Goose]

Congrats on the boat, hope it all works out.

[olepedersen]

Good for you I knew you could tow it. for the mold buy in the grocery store scrub free with bleach(a spray bottle) remove all upholstery,and spray(without killing yourself you need ventilation) do not rinse for 20 min then the gardenhose wash down. repeat if needed ,then the tide laundrysoap soak overnite is good. if the boat has a good drain ok, if not drain with a shopvac call for help here if you need it good luck
Ole