Is a 1977 VW Camper suitable for launching a speedboat??

Best small speedboat retro

  • Fletcher

    Votes: 3 23.1%

  • Broom

    Votes: 8 61.5%

  • Glastron

    Votes: 2 15.4%

  • Plancraft

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    13
  • Poll closed .
R

roocarl

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9 May 2012
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We have a lovely camper that we go down to coast in a lot so I'm looking for a retro 70s speedboat to take as well it's a strong 2.0l version but rear engine rear wheel drive just wondered if that would be a disadvantage launching a boat ? Looking for a 15ft speedboat ..?
This would be my first boat also had idea I could put some camping stuff in to give us more room in the van ? Is that advisable or would it make it unstable to tow ??

Any advice for this newbie greatly appreciated


Carl
 
You need to check out the recommended towing weight for your van. In any case, given its age, you do not want to overload it.

When recovering the boat on a slipway, your rear wheel drive should be much better than the front wheel drive of most modern cars. Also, the rear engine can help as it gives you more weight over the driving wheels.

You refer to the retro 70s style. Lots of us towed boats using 70s technology so it should still be possible if you take is easy.
 
I used to tow and launch sailing dingys and jet skis with my 1968 1600cc VW Camper. 15ft speed would weight approx 750 KGS? Thats not too far off the weight of a big Seadoo sofa
 
Thanks for feedback guys much appreciated ! And interesting poll results I like the classic look of the broom is that as stable in coastal shores as the more modern shape boats I love the old glastrons too and have seen an interesting Plancraft stingray . Fletchers seem really common probably because there a good popular boat , but would be nice to have something a ill different !
 
If you need more power for your VW I used to mess about tuning cars and I fitted a "Fish" Carburettor to one and I could get in third what I could previously get in top. An old 15ft Bayliner (like wot I have just sold) weighed just under 750 kilos.
 
Thanks Jim i have never heard of a fish carb . but just had an engine rebuild last year and loads stronger than my old 1600 splitscreen!
I found towing weight data 600kg unbraked 1100 braked ?
is this a guidline obviously van capable of towing the suggested 750kg but ever boat i have looked at had unbraked trailers at that size, is it much of a risk towing the 750kg without trailer brakes ?

Carl
 
I would say 750kg would be max for a VW camper regardless of brakes.
If you feel the engine is going to get a little close to the water then you could always use an extension bar on the hitch or just a piece of rope like i used to at Portishead marina slipway with a transit van,pulling up a Bayliner 2052; much heavier so can be done.
Only once have i had a braked trailer due to the fact that most brakes seize, and i've towed trailers at approx 1600kg unbraked many a time, but thats just me :)
Drive carefully and sensibly and you'll be fine, but i do believe you can tow a trailer upto 750kg without brakes anyway,especially single axle.

Si
 
roocarl said:
my last reply just appeared 5 days later ?
Click to expand...

It's very irritating for all newcomers. Apparently our useless meanderings and pontifications are worthy of enhanced security over and above normal Pentagon-esque levels.
Consequently all new posters (and their postings) are quarantined in Guantanamo Towers for a full security shakedown before your musings are considered suitable for our sensitive eyes.

It's why the posters here are (generally) mad .. you have to be just to endure the initiation ritual.

Oh ... and mine would be a Riva, if money was no object ... the classic classic from the 50s/60s
 
EME said:
It's why the posters here are (generally) mad ..
Click to expand...
How unfair, many posters aren't mad at all.
Take for instance... ermm... hang on a second... Oh, well, who cares? :D

I'd second the Riva recommendation 100%, if it weren't that the nice ones were far too big and heavy for towing.
 
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