Boat Ramp question?

Question

I know my car can pull a jet ski (my car is a 2006 kia rio) but will i have trouble with the boat ramp? our lake ramps are pretty steep and i dont want my car going into the water. does my car have enough power to pull it out and put it in? my car weighs a mere 2k

Answer 1

Good question, I would have to say call Kia and see if they can dig up any specs on pulling on that model.

Answer 2

Not so much how much power you have, but rather the weight distribution, especially with front wheel drive cars. Mine had tons of power but the front tends to lift, thus removing the weight of the front wheels. Add a steep ramp, wet (which they usually are from other boats) and presto wheel spin. Try it out on a not so steep ramp first and see how it goes.

I ended up trading and bought an all wheel drive car.....

Answer 3

You shouldn't have any problem,s the tires may try to spin if you give it to much gas, but if you EEEZ into it you will find it will be OK,  once the car is moving you have it made.you could have some friends follow you down back the jet ski into the water and then just come out  again if you have trouble your friend can pull you out, then you will know,

nothing to be embarrassed about, we have all seen it happen and most of us has helped in one way or another when someone has a problem, its called boating so go have fun and enjoy Life.

Answer 4

A jet-ski shouldn't be a problem, the front wheel drive will help you since the drive tires stay up on the dry ground.  Just keep it in low gear and ease your way out.  The steep ramp actually helps you a bit since you don't have to back the car into the water in order to get water deep enough to float your jet ski.

Answer 5

It might, but just remember even if it pulls it up on a steep dry slope if you put in behind other boaters the ramp is going to be wet and you may not get enough traction to pull the weight of the car, trailer and jet ski back up. So the first time you try it, I would take a friend with another car or truck with a chain or rope just in case you need a little help pulling  back out. Don't take any chances on the first time (take a friend preferably with a 4x4) that Rio should have tow hooks in the front just in case.

Answer 6

Make sure the ramp is dry and no loose gravel so you get good traction, but the other thing you should consider is how heavy is the ski+trailer. If what you are towing is heavier than the vehicle I wouldnt want to be hooked to it on a steep ramp. The lake that I frequent a lot has some real steep ramps that I am afraid of and I have a 8000lb truck.

Answer 7

the tongue weight of the trailer is the key. too much weight will raise the front and a front wheel drive will lose traction and slide back.

Answer 8

I would go and watch some others launching, what cars they use & techniques...

Sometimes on steep ramps they have a winch for people to use?

Perhaps try taking your car down the ramp without the jet ski on and see how it handles?

Also tyres will play a key role in this so make sure they're not cheap and rubbish!