Starcraft Supersport question

[roshkakes]

Hello all. I am considering buying a very clean 1981 Starcraft Supersport 160, aluminum hull with a 55 HP Johnson seahorse motor and standard, single wheel trailer.

My 2001 Toyota RAV4 is limited to a towing weight of 1500 Lbs. Does anyone know how I can find out the approximate weight of this package? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

rosh

 

[109jb]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

IMO 1500 pound towing capacity ain't gonna do it. The boat itself without motor,fuel or gear is 850 pounds (NADA guides). Add about 250 for the engine and about 350 pounds for the trailer. That puts you right at the 1500 pounds and you haven't got any gas, or gear in the boat yet. Way too close IMO.

 

[roshkakes]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

Thanks Chief., I see your point, and don't want to overdo it...

do ya think the trailer really comes in at 350?

 

[pmat1]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

I think you might be ok, just be gentle and use 4low at the ramp if you have it.

 

[109jb]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

Thanks Chief., I see your point, and don't want to overdo it...

do ya think the trailer really comes in at 350?

350 was a guess. I just went to shorelander's website and looked up a trailer for a 16' (192 inch ) length boat with 1500 pound capacity and their specs say it would be 410 pounds shipping weight. Not sure what shipping weight means as they don't crate them to ship. Seems the shipping weight should be the same as the empty trailer weight. Here is the page on their website.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

Sure seems like a low towing limit for that vehicle.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

That is a very lightweight boat. I think the RAV4 should be fine with it. I towed my 16' Starcraft with an 85HP on it for a while with my Buick Regal. It went ok (I wouldn't do it again) but I think your Rav4 should be just enough beefier to make it ok.

 

[roshkakes]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

I really appreciatte your input, as well as everyone else. Yes, I called shorelander (thanks for the link!) and that weight of 410 pounds is the empty weight of the trailer itself, no crates. thier trailer is very similar in design to the one being offerred.

Looking at the Johnson specs, the motor is somewhere around 225-250 pounds. With an empty boat wieght of 850, a 400 pound trailer and 250 pound motor, I'm right at my limit. The RAV4 has 4 wheel drive, but it's only a 4 cylinder motor. By the time I add gear and gas, it seems I will be over my limit. I hate to risk ruining a transmission, and the vehicle is new to me.

...Breaks my heart as I really like this boat.

 

[myers0729]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

I would say you would be fine I have a 1977 16' supersport and I pull my boat with a 2003 s-10 2wd drive and rarely have to put the truck in regular drive. I have no problem with the trans heating up or pulling the boat from the water. I believe your rav4 will pull that boat just fine especially if its four wheel drive. Everyone said the same with my vehicle and I have experienced bigger vehicles at the launches this year having problems with similar size boats as mine trying to get out of the launch. There is a rav4 is Saint Ignace that pulls a 18 foot sea ray from flint just about every weekend and he has no problem pulling out of the launch. This is just my two cents and not trying to start anything but I do believe your vehicle will do fine that setup is very light and tows very effortlessly.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

Wow I'm surprised the Rav4 doesn't tow more than 1500, I wonder what my old 2.5L 4cyl Jeep Cherokee could tow, I think it was more than that.

I do have a solution for ya...I have an aluminum boat with a trailer that I'm currently restoring that I can trade you for that big heavy SS since my Explorer would not have a problem towing it. I can drive over and pick it up at your earliest convenience

My 12' tinny shouldn't be a problem for your Rav4 even fully loaded

Feel free to send me a private message for details...

 

[motorpsykler]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

I wouldn't hesitate to tow that boat with a Rav. Just take it easy when you accellerate and coast early instead of braking at the last minute. Since it's 4wd, 4lo will yank it out of the water easy. Of course, I'm a flatlander. If you live in the mountains, it's probably too much.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Starcraft Supersport question

i would be a little concerned with towing with it. you are right at the limit. i would NOT recommend ANY highway towing, nor any towing where you will be traveling at speeds greater than 55 mpg.

its not wheather it has the oomph to get you going, its weather you can stop it or not. under normal conditions, it will be okay. but imagine this situation: you are traveling to the launch for a day on the water. you have the boat loaded with fuel, coolers, fishing gear, etc and 4 people in the vehicle. then all the sudden the car in front of you locks em up... that would get real ugly real fast!

it would not take much of an upgrade to get above the safety zone. look for something like a late 90's early 2k blazer or something. they are usually rated to tow 4500lbs. i have an olds bravada and pull my 16' sc jupiter with ease.

last weekend i was going camping, and had the vehicle loaded with camping gear towing the boat. had to make somewhat of a panic stop when a dear ran out in front of me at 60mph. stopped with ease and was not scary at all.

my sis in law has a rav 4 and ive driven it... they just seem so flimsy... not sure i would trust it.