Can anyone tell me the approx. weight of a 16 ft. aluminum drift boat and basic trailer. Just need a ball-park. I'm guessing under 1500#, but maybe not too far under. I need to know so I can get an appropriate hitch for my vehicle.

The boat is an older Kofler (nothing special in the way of anything to add more than the usual weight), and the trailer is a EZ-Load, but pretty basically your standard drift boat trailer (single axle, no trailer brakes). I'm guessing about 3-400# for the boat, and maybe the same for the trailer, but I could be wrong.

I'd say around 950# to 1,100# for the both of them.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I believe around 1000# is a pretty good planning number. I think this means pretty much any trailer hitch will work!

Most 16 ft drift boats are less than 400 with oars and anchor. I couldn't imagine my trailer weighs much more than 600 since it is fairly easy to lift and move without the boat on the trailer. My trailer is a heavy-duty baker with a metal roller.

Rob:

The guys are right. Unless your boat is a real ancient driftbarge, most any Class I or Class II hitch will tow it just fine.

I use a Class I on my LeSabre (only thing available) and it hauls the Clacka (likely heavier than an Alum boat) just fine. The 3.8L V6 in a heavy 4 door Buick is a bit underpowered for freeway speeds unless I've got the boat cover on, but with it on I can run 60 all day, still get 25 mpg. and arrive in 1st Class style ..

Mike

If your talking about a hitch on a truck, the price diff between a class II and a class III is so small that it would make sense to go with the bigger hitch. Never know when you might have to pull something else. I have heard of a hitch being too small, but have never heard of one being too big... like most things in life

rolled my 16x54 Willie Boat with a Honda 8 on it across the scales last year 1150 pounds. it had all the gear in it. Pete

Go to the nearest truck scale to see what it weighs. Toungue weight is usually pretty light, should be more than 100# with a DB, not less.

I had to consider all this before I decided what kind of next vehicle to get and guess I'll go with the Subaru Wagon. It is rated for 2400# and with the manual tranny, if the weights are close to what y'all say, this vehicle should be fine. I've got a diesel pickup that will do most of the hauling...except for those times when I have to tow BOTH trailer AND boat. So, needed to have an approx. weight to be sure the Subaru would handle it. The subaru should be good all-around vehicle...gets 30 MPG on the road, can tow the boat, and being AWD, should be good as a commute car and as good as most any vehicle in the winter...hope I chose well. Thanks to all for the answers.

Does the boat cover really help that much on the towing resistance/drag???? If so, I guess my next question is: "how generic are most covers?" My boat is over 20 years old (I believe), so should most any cover made for a 16' drift boat suffice, or does it need to be manufacturer specific. I wouldn't think so, but maybe I'd better ask anyway...and if anyone can suggest a source for a generic cover they know is a decent buy, be happy for that assist too.

Naw... actually was more than just the hitch...we've been thinking about getting a vehicle for daily commuting to save some miles (and gas) on the 3/4 ton pickup, but wanted something that would be able to also haul the boat for those times when just one vehicle wouldn't do. Decided on the Subaru Outback.

The Subaru uses a Class II hitch, so I should be ok on the size issue...funny, my wife said the same thing...hmmmmmm

Are you talking about pulling it as a set? I know this may be legal in Idaho, but adding a camping trailer in front of (always put the heavier trailer up front) and then pulling the DB behind that may be a chore. Seen lots of "mishaps" happen with that kind of set-up, and watch out for windy days!


Makes a HUGE difference in pulling the Clacka. The Clacka has a rear storage area at the back, so there is an access hole that acts like a "speed brake".

With that Subaru, hauling my boat above 50 mgh. would be like dragging the cat across the carpet by his tail. The Subaru may be "rated" for that weight, but it doesn't mean they expect you to haul it down the freeway, and STOP IT using the factory brakes. Plan ahead for stopping, and use the gears/tranny, as it will add thousands of miles to the use you'll get from a set of brakes.

Spend the extra $ and have a proper cover made for the boat...it will save you a lot of wear and tear, gas, and abuse of your Subaru when your trying to get somewhere at freeway speeds. Is the limit still 75 in Idaho on I-84?

Mike

Wow, this is weird. I was just thinking all week about getting a 2000 Subaru Outback for my commuter car and thinking if it would tow my Clack and trailer.

My 4 Runner does great but the gas is TERRIBLE! I spend roughly $300+ on gas alone and $100+ a day if I go Steelheading to my favorite rivers.

Hmmm, didn't know that the Subaru Outback had that much towing capacity. Betcha' the LL Bean 3.0 V6 Outback would do it without sweating. But don't know if I would like to trade my 4Runner in for a V6 3.0 Outback just for gas sake.

Good luck and you shouldn't have a problem with they type of hitch for your Outback. Get the highest rating so you don't have to worry if its strong enough or not. Try to get a full body cover for your boat, it will make all the difference driving through canyons,etc. with all the wind. I have the heavy-duty Clacka cover and it works wonders in wind!

Good luck!

Rob, there is a place in Garden city that makes custom boat covers. I think I paid 350 or something for mine. They are alot nicer than anything you can order and fit your boat exactly. In Idaho, its leagal to tow a boat behind a camp trailer and I see that all the time.. however, in Oregon its not.

I'll get ya that number as soon as I go out and look at my boat. And Mike, its still 75 mph for cars etc on I-84 and 65 for big rigs.

Last item. My wife has a 2003 OUTBACK. She likes it but I think its a pile of junk. I have never been in a car with so much road noise. The front side windows leak air so bad its unreal. Have taken it back to them several times to finally be told " hey, thats how it is"...

Bucket has an older Alumaweld that weighs 3000 pounds----ALONE.

YA RIGHT. Well ok, when its full of water!

Like when Cowardly Lion is rowing it.