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Post by nodsworth on Jun 26, 2007 12:31:07 GMT -5
I recently went sailing with my wife's grandfather on Lake Livingston, and after about 3 hours of lessons, we pulled up to the dock and he hopped off, gave the boat a shove and said "go for it!" He's only got a 17' Harp00n (iirc), so it wasn't too much for me to handle, and as it was on Lake Livingston, the winds were pretty mellow. Anyway, all that to say that my little jaunt out into the waters has gotten me hooked. So, now for the question. I'm looking to buy a small sailboat (14' to 18') and I'm wondering if there's any way my VW Golf will be able to tow the thing, or if I'm going to have to replace my car before starting my new "hobby". I'd obviously rather not buy a new car, but as the wife is wanting a minivan, we may end up going that route. I'm not really interested in renting a slip atm, as that's more than I really can afford to spend right now. Also, I'm in the Austin area, and there are several lakes I'd like to try out. I've read on certain blogs that a small car can tow a small sailboat, but I really wanted to ask the gurus here that would know better than I. How about a minivan? Thanks in advance for any advice and for the great board. I've been reading it and a couple of others since I got home last Saturday just trying to learn as much as possible. ps - I searched the boards here and elsewhere and didn't really find an answer to this question. pps - odd. seems that h-a-r-p-o-o-n is changed to harthingy..
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Post by nodsworth on Jun 26, 2007 15:37:36 GMT -5
I found some great information on the following site about "trailer sailing" and thought I'd share it in case anyone else had the same question. www.go-sail.co.uk/buytrailer.aspThere are several links on this site that discuss the exact questions I have, if you want more information. If anyone has experience with this, I'd still love to hear from you, though. happy sailing!
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Post by blownaway on Sept 3, 2007 16:52:18 GMT -5
If a VW Golf is one of those little cars, I don't think you'll want to pull a trailer with it. While it may pull the load, it won't be safe. Remember you also have to be able to stop too. Compact cars just aren't made for the job. Engine, drive train, and brakes are not up to hauling anything but passengers. Trying to pull a loaded boat up or down a ramp with a VW is likely to end up with both boat and vehicle in the water. If Chevy and GM minivans are still true half ton trucks, they are not a bad way to go. The one we had was rated to tow more than our Ford crew cab 1/2 ton pickup with 5 speed manual transmission and 302 engine. The van had the big V6 and auto transmission. Gotta know the weight of the trailer you're towing and the towing capacity of the vehicle to make an intelligent decision. Lives are at stake....be careful! I recently went sailing with my wife's grandfather on Lake Livingston, and after about 3 hours of lessons, we pulled up to the dock and he hopped off, gave the boat a shove and said "go for it!" He's only got a 17' Harp00n (iirc), so it wasn't too much for me to handle, and as it was on Lake Livingston, the winds were pretty mellow. Anyway, all that to say that my little jaunt out into the waters has gotten me hooked. So, now for the question. I'm looking to buy a small sailboat (14' to 18') and I'm wondering if there's any way my VW Golf will be able to tow the thing, or if I'm going to have to replace my car before starting my new "hobby". I'd obviously rather not buy a new car, but as the wife is wanting a minivan, we may end up going that route. I'm not really interested in renting a slip atm, as that's more than I really can afford to spend right now. Also, I'm in the Austin area, and there are several lakes I'd like to try out. I've read on certain blogs that a small car can tow a small sailboat, but I really wanted to ask the gurus here that would know better than I. How about a minivan? Thanks in advance for any advice and for the great board. I've been reading it and a couple of others since I got home last Saturday just trying to learn as much as possible. ps - I searched the boards here and elsewhere and didn't really find an answer to this question. pps - odd. seems that h-a-r-p-o-o-n is changed to harthingy..
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avast
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by avast on Sept 29, 2007 2:02:19 GMT -5
Greetings and salutations I dont know what year your golf is, however; e trailer is an awesome resource on getting ideas of what you can tow with your vehichle. I ran a quick search ( see the below link) on a 2005 Golf and it looks like they carry a Class I Sport Frame Receiver Hitch( no mod) for 2000 towing lbs. www.etrailer.com/hitch-2005_Volkswagen_Golf.htmCheers Avast
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Post by archie on Oct 19, 2007 20:03:55 GMT -5
The weight of your boat and trailer is key to your decision. For instance, my 15 foot boat weighs 410 lbs. Tht trailer adds probably another 240 lbs. That's the equivalent weight of about 4 additional people peing hauled around in the car. If you can envision your car handling that extra load and will drive keeping in mind your extra stopping distance, go for it.
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