Andrei, 2000# towing cap seems too light. M-17s are #1600+ without the trailer, or the outboard, or the fuel, or the anchor, or the case of wine. Remember you have to watch your gross vehicle weight rating (which includes passengers etc.) and tongue weight. Here's my set-up for anyone who cares: "Spirit" (M-17) gets hauled around by a 2003 Mazda Tribute V-6 (twin to the Ford Escape) with factory trailering package (3500# tow cap). The trailer is not equipped with trailer brakes (and I don't miss them). I usually lock out the overdrive and do not exceed 60 MPH. The Mazda's mileage when towing is around 14 (MPG down from about 20). Control-wise, the set-up is completely comfortable under normal driving conditions, and reasonably safe under conditions that include 25+ MPH crosswinds gusting to God-Knows-What. Power-wise, the Mazda is perfect for short to medium trips at sea level and adequate for moderate mountains. Driving up to Tejon Pass (elevation 4183 ft) speed was down to 35 MPH, which was still faster then tractor-trailer rigs move up this stretch of highway (I-5 north of LA). The bottom line is that this is a good, safe, set-up for someone who does most of his trailering to nearby areas but occasionally goes for a longer adventure. Since I refuse to have a dedicated tow vehicle sitting in the driveway 330 days of the year, and don't like driving a gas-guzzler on a daily basis, this rig works for me - BUT If I were sailing a lot of mountain lakes I'd probably bite the bullet and get something heftier for the extra hauling power. Jim Poulakis "Spirit" (M-17 #648) On Jun 5, 2008, at 7:48 AM, paint4real@aol.com wrote:
Do you think the M-17 will be difficult to trailer?
I'm not qualified to say, and though that rarely deters me, this is one that owners of 17s will have to chime in on.? As I mentioned, I always know the 15 is behind me on the road -- though the fact that the old Tahoe?has needed?new shocks for a long time is a consideration -- so more than doubling the weight would definitely get my attention even with that vehicle.? It's not just a matter of power; the issue isn't just whether a vehicle can pull it down the highway -- just about anything will serve that purpose -- but can it do so safely, that is, will the load compromise your control of the vehicle you're using?? (Driving "styles" play into this, as well.? A lot of boat owners drive like there's nothing back there, insisting on top freeway and turning speeds and remaining oblivious to substantially increased braking distances, not to mention the fact that all that trailered weight is riding on a couple of sets of pretty small wheel bearings, no brakes,?and not much rubber on the road.)? Too, there's the condition of the ramps you'll be using.
Lots of variables.? My gut feeling is that just about anything bigger than a Smart Car would work in 90% of the situations.? But as you've noted, given the Outback and 17 specs, you'd be pretty close to maxed out.? You?may very well?get away with it, but you also have to ask yourself whether you want to put the vehicle under that level of mechanical effort at frequent or extended times.
-----Original Message----- From: Andrei Caldararu <andreic@math.wisc.edu> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 10:41 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: Perhaps the M-17 is not for me... M-15?
Steven,
you mention trailering as an issue. What I drive is a Subaru Legacy Outback, 4 cylinder 4 wheel drive, rated at 2000 lbs towing capacity. I had figured that with the M-17 at 1600 lbs, plus 400 give-or-take for the trailer, I'd be within the limits, more or less.
I've trailered my Compac 16, which is about 500 lbs less than the M-17 (1100 lbs), with the Outback without any problems. I could easily go 75 on the highway.
Do you think the M-17 will be difficult to trailer?
Thanks,
Andrei.
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