Boat Weight- 1979 15' Alumacraft

[jason.keppler]

I was recently given a 1979 15' aluminum Alumacraft bass boat with a 9.9 on the back. To avoid having to use my father-in-law's truck every other week or so I was thinking of putting a trailer hitch on my car but wasn't sure if the car could handle the tow. The owner's manual says the car can tow up to 1000 pounds and was wondering if the boat and trailer was anywhere near that weight capacity. The trailer weighs 200 pounds (it says it on the original title). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Boat Weight- 1979 15' Alumacraft

Welcome to iboats.

They only made 2 15' models in 1979.
The modified v front bass boat was 300#.
Plus the motor, 84#
plus battery ?
fuel ?
plus any other gear

Looks like it should be under 1000# unless you really pack it heavy.

Was it the father-in-law that gave it to you?

I think you are supposed to take him fishing with you.


What is your tow vehicle?

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Boat Weight- 1979 15' Alumacraft

I have a Lowe 15ft aluminum bass boat with a 40HP evenrude. When I bought it, it weighed just over 1000 pounds (1010 if I recall correctly). That was without a trolling motor and a trolling battery. gas tank about 1/2 full.

Probably as rigged now, I am pulling about 1200 pounds. I tow it with a 99 dodge caravan with a 3.0L. You definately know it is back there, but it does do the job. I only use it on decent ramps. If the ramp is too shallow, I cannot back far enough in and have to wrestle the boat off from the trailer. If the ramp is too steep, I have a risk in getting the trailer out.

TerryMSU

 

[Expidia]

Re: Boat Weight- 1979 15' Alumacraft

I have a 15 foot Lund with a 40 Merc 4 stroke. My weight is in line with the post above. I'd say I was in the range of 1000 lbs. Maybe less.

I've been towing for 4 seasons now with a 10 year old Saab 9-5 4 cyl. It too says max tow 1000 lbs.

I run up mountain roads with no issues.

The issue you have to be VERY aware of is that it's not the ability to TOW it's the ability to STOP.

You need to be aware of this at all times and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. If a squirrel or something runs out in front of the car in front of you or they stop suddenly cause they missed a turn . . . You're screwed! That I can guarantee you.

Going down hills your brakes will heat up too so you need to let them cool off and not try and stop short.

For these safety reasons alone I personally will never buy another boat trailer that does not have it's own brakes.

I'm surprised that insurance companies even insure boat trailers without brakes because your stopping distance will be doubled and worse if the brakes are hot.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Boat Weight- 1979 15' Alumacraft

Boat motor and trailer should be under 1k lbs, but don't forget to account for any plywood decking, seats, etc. If it's possible, go ahead and weigh it to be sure.