Date:         Wed, 14 Jul 2004 15:17:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Larry Edson <sonofed@KARMANNGHIA.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Edson <sonofed@KARMANNGHIA.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Towing a Boat?
In-Reply-To:  <200407142155.i6ELtSln024584@shell3.tdl.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Last week I was cruising down 101 and did a doubletake when I saw a
Vanagon go by in the opposite direction towing what to me looked like a
pretty good sized boat. I don't know boats but this one looked like it
would get up and go. And the Vanagon was towing it into a stiff wind on a
pretty warm day.

Larry
sonofed@karmannghia.org
www.ghiatwins.homestead.com
 O o\ /o O

> Apparently I don't already have enough projects to work on.  It looks
> like I'm actually considering buying a boat.  I suppose its primary
> function will be to sit in the driveway and slowly disintegrate in
> front of my eyes while taking up valuable real estate.  The occasional
> trip to the lake will probably be a good idea too.
>
> My question to the list is a basic one.  Who's towing a boat with
> their Westy and what size boat have you successfully towed?  The word
> "successfully" to me would generally mean not taking undue risks with
> either our lives or the well being of the Westy.
>
> I'm currently looking at a 19' bow rider with a single axle trailer.
> I've no idea yet what its axle weight or tongue weight is.  My '86
> Wolfsburg Westy is a fairly capable stock 2.1 automatic with a
> wonderful big brake kit recently installed.  The hitch, which is not
> yet installed, is a substantial unit that bolts permanently to the
> bumper brackets.  I don't have to use the Westy to tow the boat but it
> sure would be a nice way to go.  The trip to the lake we would most
> often be going to is pretty much a flat adventure and about 30 miles.