Will I be able to use a ramp without a truck?

Due to financial restraints I had to turn in my 2009 Sierra in order to get what I owed on it. Couldnt get myself to get rid of the hobie cat. I ended up with a regular non-turbo diesel 2011 jetta. I anticipate no problems trailering my 1979 hobie 16 but I am a bit worried about using a boat ramp. I estimate the trailer/boat combo at around 800lbs maybe... Im unsure about the trailer weight. Am I just going to spin my wheels all day as i pull the boat out of the water? Jetta has a 2.5L inline 5 producing ~170hp and ~170 lb of torque.

I just wrapped up my first season sailing (actualy bought the boat at the end of the season) and this has been a great forum that has helped me greatly.

thanks

I have trailer launched and retrieved a Hobie Getaway numerous times using a '02 VW golf with a 2.0L (115 hp) gas engine without a problem and one of the ramps I use is relatively steep. I would be hesitant to try a steep ramp with a gravel surface, but otherwise you should be OK.

Same. I have a 2001 ford escort. 130HP. No problem. Front wheel drive helps cuz it keeps the drive wheels off of the wet algae area.

man, you guys and your pansy cars!

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1981 Hobie 16
1982 Hobie 14 turbo (sold)
1996 SeaDoo GTI
1999 Hunter 340

I have a '95 Volvo 850 wagon (225hp inline 5, ?p/f) and I launch our 16 from a ramp that is so steep that when I back up to it, the boat and trailer disappear from view completely and I almost have to stop and see where it went... No problems up or down the ramp even when it's wet .

I see a lot of small cars and trucks using this ramp for some pretty big boats. Then we also see some really big trucks launching really little boats. :

Ed

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'76 Hobie 16

When I bought my first H16 in the late 70's I towed it with a 1978 VW Rabbit with standard transmission. I towed it all over Florida, up and down boat ramps and out on beaches without a problem. I even towed it from Tampa Fl to Houston TX and back on vacation one summer. Even with a big wooden sail box the whole package weighed less that 1000lbs. So, I think you will be fine.

Dave

Hey s30series, I tow my latest Hobie with a 2001 Corvette. Nothing pansy 'bout that.

Back around 1980 I saw a guy tow his H16 with a honda 750 motorcycle, dont know how it did on the ramps but it looked like it did ok on the HY.....jay

Our ramp here in Kailua is so slippery that everyone uses a long rope between trailer and hitch to lower the trailer down/pull the trailer up the slippery ramp without getting the vehicle off of the level plain at the top of the ramp.

It has 95 hp and has no problem pulling either boat from Tampa to Cape Canaveral, to West Palm Beach to the Keys. No problem with ramps either. Plus, I get 39 mpg while towing.