Can i pull a small boat with my ford focus?

Question

I have a ford focus and really want to buy a small boat, something like 18ft just to go out and have fun on, can i pull a boat and launch it with my car, or is my car not big enough to go down the ramp without getting submerged? ive never launced a boat so i really have no idea here.

Answer 1

It is not recommended towing anything with a Ford Focus .. only a select few  Ford Vehicles are rated for towing ...

http://www.fordvehicles.com/help/guides/...

Answer 2

i think you can do it...the only problem is if the focus is too low to the ground, if it is the back part of it might go underwater while loading a boat. but if your focus has a place to put a trailor hitch on the back, you might want to give it a try, but have a lookout while you do it to make sure that ur car doesnt start going under. good luck (:

Answer 3

No. That car has almost next to no towing capacity.  The suspension isnt set up for it, and the engine doesnt have nearly enough power.

Answer 4

No it cannot pull a 18ft boat.  The Ford focus has NO towing capacity, nor does it have the suspension or brakes that can handle any extra weight other than passengers and trunk gear.  Don't try it, don't even think about it unless you want to be at a mechanic's shop getting a transmission overhaul or replacement.

You need to buy at LEAST a truck or SUV rated to pull a minimum of 5,000 pounds before towing any boat bigger than 14 ft or more than one personal watercraft.

The rule of thumb is for whatever you are towing, you need to keep at least 1/3 of your towing capacity unused.  That way you save the rest of that capacity for fuel, gear, and passengers to prevent overloading of your vehicle's engine and transmission.

Some cars with V6 engines can mount a tow bar and pull a SMALL fishing boat (14 ft or less) or a single personal watercraft.

Answer 5

18 foot boat is pretty heavy.  if you asked about a 10ft aluminum jonboat I'd a said "maybe".

three questions:  

can the frame hold it?

can the drive train pull it?

can the brakes stop it?

the brakes is the most critical of the three.  in your case, unfortunately, the answer is no.  At least, not quickly enough, not every time.

If you did manage it, the transmission wouldn't take the strain.