boat and trailer weight

**volsla** · 12-21-09 09:10 AM

Hi guys,

Do you know how much 2003 speedster (with trailer) weight, as i need to put hitch on my SUV and HITCH guys are saying that they have 2 kind of hithes (one up to 5000 second up to 3500 pounds)?

thanks

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**kenm** · 12-21-09 09:22 AM

My 2004 Sportster 4-tec with trailer and boat is like 1500 lbs. So, I'm possitive that 3500 pounds is PLENTY! (UNless you're planning on trading it in for a bigger boat)

**seadoosnipe** · 12-21-09 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by volsla

Hi guys,

Do you know how much 2003 speedster (with trailer) weight, as i need to put hitch on my SUV and HITCH guys are saying that they have 2 kind of hithes (one up to 5000 second up to 3500 pounds)?

thanks

I have the 5000 lb hitch on mine, with shank that has 3 different size balls mounted to it. The reason is, in the event I want to tow a travel trailer or a large U-Haul trailer, I'm within the guidelines to tow just about anything.

Now, if your boat is all you know you'll be towing, then the 1500 pound hitch is all you need.....

**LMychajluk** · 12-28-09 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by kenm

My 2004 Sportster 4-tec with trailer and boat is like 1500 lbs. So, I'm possitive that 3500 pounds is PLENTY! (UNless you're planning on trading it in for a bigger boat)

According to SD's site, the 2004 Sportster 4-tec is 1,454lbs DRY. That's w/o the trailer, which is probably another 1,200-1,500lbs. Add fluids, fuel, and other junk, I would think the towing weight of the boat + trailer is pretty close to 3,500lbs. I've seen it suggested that you don't tow much above 80% of what your rig is rated for, so that's cutting it kind of close, IMO.

There's no specs for the 2003s, but a 2004 Speedster 200 specs at 2,770lbs dry. Again, ~1,500lbs for the trailer, plus fuel and other junk in the boat, I would not tow it with a hitch rated for 3,500lbs. Even if you're talking about the 160 (@ 1,740lbs) with a smaller trailer, why not go with the safety margin of the 5000lb hitch?

**Sikiguya** · 12-28-09 10:31 PM

Well, according to some of the other boat forums, you would not only need the 5000 hitch but you'd better ditch the suv for a F350, F450, or F550 Cumming Diesel with a Superduty Tow package with a Pee on Chevy sticker on the back window.

I think you are just find with a 3500 hitch. I tow my Utopia just fine with it. If there is a possiblity that you might tow something bigger, then get the 5000. Seadoo Snipe is a dealer...I'd listen to him. Heck, he might get you a good deal on one

**volsla** · 12-28-09 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Sikiguya

Well, according to some of the other boat forums, you would not only need the 5000 hitch but you'd better ditch the suv for a F350, F450, or F550 Cumming Diesel with a Superduty Tow package with a Pee on Chevy sticker on the back window.

LOL

**seadooya** · 12-29-09 02:03 AM

if you compare the 2 hitches, think you'll see that both are relativley close in style. I say, what Snipe says, go with the 5k, then your only concern, down the road would be, if your vehicle can handle, what yuor towing. Obviously, it aint the boat for now.