Mini Van?

[BobRae99]

We have a 2018 Honda Odyssey with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. My 2016 Cobalt 210 weighs 3,800 lbs plus 1,000 (??) for the trailer. The dealer will drop the boat in spring and pick it up for service and storage in the fall, but I’d like to haul the boat out a couple of times this season to pressure wash the hull. Will the van pull it out or will the whole affair end up sliding into the water? The ramp is t particularly steep. Thoughts?

[thunder550]

That van is front wheel drive right? I wouldn't try it. With a low tow rating, the rear springs will probably squat significantly, which will lift weight off the front wheels. Not what you want when you are relying on them to pull you back up the ramp. Rent a uHaul or Home Depot pickup truck for the couple of times you need to trailer the boat.

[BobRae99]

That van is front wheel drive right? I wouldn't try it. With a low tow rating, the rear springs will probably squat significantly, which will lift weight off the front wheels. Not what you want when you are relying on them to pull you back up the ramp. Rent a uHaul or Home Depot pickup truck for the couple of times you need to trailer the boat.

That’s what I was afraid of. I have a friend at the lake who can haul me out.

[ColinC]

With the short season and cold, fresh water we have in Ontario, hauling out a few times to pressure wash the hull may not be necessary. Unless the water is really bad at the slip where you keep your boat?

[BobRae99]

With the short season and cold, fresh water we have in Ontario, hauling out a few times to pressure wash the hull may not be necessary. Unless the water is really bad at the slip where you keep your boat?

I’m told that between high nutrient load (alge growth) and zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg, a fair bit of growth accumulates over the season, despite the fact that our boat will only be in the water for two and a half months.