16' Cruiser buying advice

[econprof]

This is my first posting after a couple weeks of lurking. You have a very informative and friendly group of people here!

I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy, which is rated to tow 2,700#, up from 2,000# for the 2004 Legacy. My estimate for a 16’ Cruiser, 40-50 HP Honda, trailer and extras is 1,900#. Anyone with experience pulling that kind of load with a similar-capacity vehicle?

Subaru recommends trailer brakes if the gross trailer weight exceed 1/2 of capacity, or 1,350#. I also notice that California requires brakes on trailers if weight is over 1,500#, so surge brakes sound like a good idea to me. Any suggestions? Is adding brakes to a used trailer a bad idea? It sounds like an easy lockout for backing up and long downhill grades is a feature worth looking for.

A local dealer has a 2004 16’ Cruiser, 40 HP Honda and trailer for $19,000. It includes a Lowrance 337c GPS/sonar and ICOM VHF radio, canvas cruise curtain and stern cover, bow rail and driver’s electric wiper. I would want to trade the trailer for one with brakes or have them added. There is no meter for motor hours, but they estimate less than 100 hours, with some of that in salt water. Is this a reasonable price (particularly in light of the rumored 8% increase for 2007)? If you were doing a 5 minute inspection of a C-Dory, is there anything in particular that you would look for?

THANKS!

[Cutty Sark]

Sounds like a fairly new boat so it should be in good shape. But if used in the salt I would check for a couple things. Mainly any metal fittings,( rails, screws, trailer jack, etc..) to make sure it was rinsed or washed after use. If alot of rust or discoloration is found it probably wasn't babied. I would also ask if the motor is still under warranty, and how long that will be for. As far as the brakes I have always gotten them right away but I believe they can probably be added for less than buying a new trailer. Have you looked at the C dory's for sale on the homepage of this site. There are quite afew on there and there is also a market reference section so you can see what similar boats have sold for. Good Luck!!

Sark

[thataway]

I would definately add the brakes, especially with a small tow vehicle. I personally prefer Disc brakes--and they can be added to almost any trailer relitatively easily. The lock out is hooked up to the reverse light circuit, and many cars already have the wiring in place. I don't know if you are doing a lot of mountain driving, but if you are, another consideration is electric over hyraulic. That is a standard brake controler as used in electric brakes, activates a selnoid on the hyraulic cylinder--you can adjust the response of the trailer brakes from the controler at the drivers position, or just apply trailer brakes. It may seem like over kill for a 16 and light load, but if you are doing mountains, it might pay off.
I worry a lot more about stopping that I do starting, with a trailer!

Good luck--sounds like a nice boat..but look at the C Dory for sale site.

[Sam Walker]

Hey Econprof, I do not yet have my own boat. However, I might be able to shed some light on your question.

Not long ago, I met a fellow who had a Subaru Legacy. At the time, he was towing a utility trailer w/ two motorcycles on it. The total trailer weight was in the 900-1000# range. His Subaru was a manual transmission. I asked him how well it towed. He told me that once he got the ensemble rolling it worked well. He was able to do at least 55 mph on the all of the grades around Los Angeles. However, he also told me that he had a terrible time starting out from a dead stop. He said this was especially true on uphill grades. His theory was the car had great horsepower but no torque. I am wondering if an automatic might be better. I would certainly investigate the start up aspect before I got out on a launch ramp somewhere. The all wheel drive the Sub has would be a plus on slippery ramps.

Additionally, as has already been discussed, braking would be the other major concern. It sounds like others have the solutions for that.

[naptime]

We have been towing a 16' Cruiser with a 2002 Subaru Forester (auto trans) since January this year. We purchased the boat in North Carolina and towed it back to the Eastern Shore of Maryland (300 miles). We use the boat in the Costal Bays around Ocean City, MD and the Chesepeak Bay. Other than the trip back from NC all of our towing has been on the Eastern Shore of Maryland which is flat. The boat, motor & trailer (Majic-tilt aluminum) weigh a little over 1400 lbs. Our experience towing to date has been excellent with the Forester. Comming back from NC we did not have any problems with high-way speed, it towed very well at 60 mph. We stay well under the Forester GVW and breaking is very good without trailer breaks.

[C-Pup16 in Los Angeles]

I tow C-Pup16 behind a Honda 6 cly Odyssey van which is rated to 3500 pounds. It tows beautifully, almost like it's not there. I have surge brakes which I recommend. Interestingly, the Honda Pilot uses the same motor but with a tow package (transmission cooler and stiffer suspension), it tows well over 4000 pounds. When towing, remember to count the weight of stuff and fuel you carry on the boat and in the car. Also, 4 wheel or front wheel drive is a plus pulling any boat up a slime covered boat ramp at low tide. Finally, in salt water wash the trailer brakes when you launch and when you pull out. ~ Keith