Does anyone know if a compact car (i.e. civic, corolla) is able to pull a small 15ft. boat|?

Question

Does anyone know if a compact car (i.e. civic, corolla) is able to pull a small 15ft. boat|?

Answer 1

People do it all the time. Just don't climb pikes peak or such.

Answer 2

Hi there how are you? After reading the answers so far though I agree with some a strongly disagree with others. I have had in my life 3 boats. My first one being a 1985 Skeeter Strada R90 with a 90hp engine. For which I pulled it with a 1984 Pontiac with a 4 cyl. engine. Your engine will have the hp and torque to tow it while on level ground only. BUT will not have enough for pulling up hills and pulling up boat ramps depending on the grade of the ramp. You will eventually burn the transmission up if you push the car to its limits or try to exceed those limits.. Due to your transmission being built and setup to propel a light weighted vehicle. The more weight you try and pull with the transmission thats in your car then the more strain you put on it. The more strain you put on it then the more heat you cause. Heat is what destroys automatic transmissions. So unless it was designed for towing then dont. Your cars brakes were not designed to pull things as in boats. Light things yes but not boats. No matter what length they are. Yes you will be able to tow this boat for a short period. But it will struggle going up hills and struggle pulling it up the ramp once you get the boat loaded back on. I went through 3 transmissions before it was all said and done. Now I have a 19' sport boat that I pull with my truck. I hope this has helped you. Let me know if you have any other questions. You didnt say what kind of boat and engine size but unless its a small jon boat or something on that line then I would not recommend pulling any boats bigger than that. Thanks and hope this has helped

Answer 3

Could it pull it? Yes. Do I recommend it? Absolutely not. That class of car is just not designed for that. The transmission is going to take a major beating as are your rear end components.

Answer 4

Do not tow a boat on a trailer with a compact car.  It will tow it ok, that's not the problem.  Stopping is the problem.  The boat and trailer will weigh more than the car.  That a lot of rolling weight.  You will not be able to stop the car in an emergency.  You could get seriously injured.  You would be libel in an accident .Your insurance policy probably states that you are not covered for unlawful acts, criminal acts, or improper use of the vehicle.  When unloading the boat at the boat ramp, the weight of the boat and trailer will pull the car into the water.  When removing the boat from the water the car will not have the power to pull it up the ramp and out of the water.  I think you get the picture.  Don't do it with a compact car.  Buy a larger car or SUV.  Good Luck.

Answer 5

Use a truck suv van or even a jeep but definately not a compact car

Answer 6

Go with synthetic lubricants, do not haul it cross country and you should be fine.  A transmission cooler will not hurt.

Answer 7

Would all depend on the weight of the boat, and trailer, and if your car is equiped with a big enough engine, and drivetrain to handle the extra work it has to do.

Answer 8

Hard to answer your question with the information given.  The real question is how much weight is the vehicle rated to pull, and does the 15’ boat weigh that or less.  Also remember that your tow weight is the boat, trailer, and everything on the boat.  So if it is a 15’ aluminum pond boat with no motor and very little in it then maybe it can be pulled with the compact car.  Over the weight limit you not only over task the car and engine, but you will also have difficulty of controlling and stopping when towing.  Tow weight limit should be on a tag either in the glove box or somewhere around the inside post of the driver’s door.  Also the owner’s manual will give you that information.

Answer 9

maybe depending on the condition of the tires and car...i think it really depends ....only you know your car and what  it can do ...

Answer 10

does it have a trailer hitch?  the owner's manual should detail this.