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Author Topic:   Tow vehicle options for a Montauk?

Frank O posted 07-26-2010 01:38 PM ET (US)
After four years of enjoying my 1995 Outrage 21, I'm mulling the idea of downsizing slightly and selling the boat in order to buy a Montauk. The latter would fit down my driveway (the Outrage doesn't), and would provide easier access to the seven ramps and various harbors within reasonably local driving distance.
Since there's no way my '74 Karmann Ghia will handle this load (though, surprisingly, I'm told they can be fitted with a towbar, and have a rating of about 1,000 pounds), I'd have to think about a new tow vehicle. Obviously there are a lot of options, but as a starting point for thinking this through, I'm wondering if anyone would take a cut at the following question. Among new models, what would be the cheapest vehicle you'd go with for a Montauk? I may well end up going in the direction of something used, but this would be helpful at least as a thought exercise.

Tohsgib posted 07-26-2010 02:00 PM ET (US)
Frank you really need to state some more parameters. Do you want a car, SUV or a pickup? Do you want an auto or stick, 2wd or 4? How much do you want to spend, what kind of conditions do you tow in(mountains, desert, Florida)? What kind of MPG are you looking for? Most any car going to the ramp a few miles down the road will suffice for you, maybe even your Karman. 25 miles each way to a ramp over snow covered 50 grade mountains is another story.
Frank O posted 07-26-2010 02:10 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the starting questions. No mountains to speak of -- basically driving from Pasadena, California, to ramps up and down the Southern California coast, mostly on freeways.
Personally I'd prefer to have a high-MPG, relatively green vehicle, but I know those can drive the price up. At this point I'm flexible on car vs. SUV vs. pickup, automatic vs. stick, 2 vs. 4wd. As a starting point I was just curious about what would be on the low end of the price scale for something reliable to tow a boat like this. What would be the cheapest pickup out there that'd do the job?
Buckda posted 07-26-2010 02:56 PM ET (US)
The good news is that most V-6 vehicles can do the job on a lightweight Montauk. I'd be looking at a used mid-sized SUV - like the V-6 Ford Escape or equivalent. Even a Saturn Vue or Subaru Forrester would do fine. However, I think it is important that if you go with a lightweight truck/SUV, that you get one with 4WD that YOU, the operator can engage - or that is all-time 4WD (like the Subaru).
Slippery ramps at tidal areas and traction after a rain on sun-drenched roads that get very slick with automotive residue would be my biggest concerns.
Look for vehicles that feature braking power as one of the strong points, as you can MOVE your Montauk with a lawn tractor. Stopping it is always where the rubber meets the road for towing.
Best,
Dave
Liteamorn posted 07-26-2010 03:26 PM ET (US)
I agree, almost any of the smaller suv's and pickups itll tow a Montauk, especially an older Montauk 17. The lack of hills and mountains really make slippery ramps as your biggest obsticle.
I towed a Montauk 17 with an f-250 light duty, talk about overkill.
steelhead5 posted 07-26-2010 03:46 PM ET (US)
I have towed with the v-6 Rodeo, a mid sized 4wd suv for years and years with no problem. It is an easy tow. I think any v-6 mid sized SUV would work great. My 2500 Sierra does not even know its behind the truck now.
dscew posted 07-26-2010 03:50 PM ET (US)
I tow my 17' BW Katama with a 2006 Saturn Vue V6 AWD. It has the 250 HP Honda engine, which makes towing this boat a breeze, and braking hasn't been an issue at all. The Montauk may be slightly heavier, but not by much.
Tohsgib posted 07-26-2010 04:14 PM ET (US)
Look for a 2005-2006 Jeep Liberty diesel or a Mercury Mountaineer Hybrid.
Jeff posted 07-26-2010 04:35 PM ET (US)
As Dave stated a Subaru would make a very strong tow vehicle. I towed my 17' Newport with my 2003 Subaru Forester XT 2.5l turbo with a 5spd. I have since moved up to a Tahoe as my family is growing and we just have ran out of space.
My usual trip was about 180 - 200 mile on way with 2 adults, 1 child, 2 dogs, car topper loaded with clothes and gear while the boat was loaded with a bike or two as well as water toys. The car did great honestly and it never met a ramp that caused it concern. That included an all sand beach ramp. As a cautionary measure I upgraded the brake pads front and rear to ones that allowed for much higher operating temperatures.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Rohlfingsinbox/TowingNewport#
modenacart posted 07-26-2010 06:54 PM ET (US)
I tow my montauk with a 2000 frontier that has a five speed, inline four cylinder. It has no problems pulling it and is rated at either 3000 or 3500 lbs, I can't remember which.
Stevebaz posted 07-26-2010 07:15 PM ET (US)
I live in the same general area and tow my Montauk with my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. While not a green vehicle with its small V-6 and 250 Hp and automatic its a breeze. It has a great wheel base and the extra storage with seating for 4-1/2 it works out well. Its not hard to live with when not towing the boat. Seeing where you are from, you could be towing from sea level up to 8,000 feet if you run to Big Bear or up to lake Pyramid. Towing in the traffic we have, don’t skimp with too small a car with not enough braking capacity. Since we are stuck towing in the slow lanes with on and off freeway traffic good brakes and power to boost your speed up is an asset. It takes nothing to tow the Montauk around town or to the beach, you could easily tow with almost any vehicle. If you’re looking to tow up into the mountains start looking at around 200 HP. You may not get there as happy as I do but you will eventually get there.
I like the lock ability of the small SUV when you have to carry your gear and life jackets for everyone. I hate towing a boat with stuff piled into the boat for a trip. Almost every time we go out when we load the boat up we want to stop someplace to eat or look around and having a small swap meet in the back of the boat available free to the public is not for my peace of mind.
Steve
Frank O posted 07-27-2010 01:16 AM ET (US)
Good point about the slippery ramps -- been there, seen that.
Thanks for the various recommendations. I'll have to start looking around.
Sal A posted 07-27-2010 08:58 AM ET (US)
I tow my Montauk with a Honda Ridgeline. It handles the job swell, and you can get them cheaper than other used Hondas, as they are uglier than Sara Jessica Parker. And it is a good versatile vehicle when you are not towing.
cohasett73 posted 07-27-2010 09:08 AM ET (US)
We have used a Chevy Astro van. Efficient,lots of storage, and very stable at expressway speeds.
Tom from Rubicon,WI
sternorama posted 07-27-2010 11:58 AM ET (US)
I used to tow my old Montauk with my (automatic) 2wd Honda Element without any problems (2.5l 4 cyl) (in and around Huntington Beach, as far as San Diego. Certainly no heroics, but she did the job. Front wheel drive on the ramps didn't hurt either. Got the hitch and wire harness on a place called etrailer.com if I remember correctly for a reasonable price, too. Cool car if you are OK with something not too fancy.
Gezafishes posted 07-27-2010 12:09 PM ET (US)
"...as they are uglier than Sara Jessica Parker..."
Thank you! That statement made me laugh out loud. Funniest thing I heard all day. I'll be using that one.
irishcreamer posted 07-27-2010 03:25 PM ET (US)
Frank O,
Tried to send you an email but it kicked back. I have a friend in CA that looking to move up from his Montauk to an Outrage. Shoot me an email if interested and I will gladly connect the two of you.
Cheers,
IC
Moby Dick posted 07-27-2010 05:29 PM ET (US)
For 6-7 years, I towed my Montauk with a 1983 Ford Bronco II with a 2.8 Liter V-6 which only made 115 hp. It had a 5 speed manual and couldn't use overdrive. I had to use low range (didn't need 4WD though) to pull it out of Lake Michigan on a sand covered steel ramp with a fairly steep grade. It did have a 3.73 limited slip and was only rated for towing 1500 lbs. My total load was approx 2200 lbs.

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Author	Topic: Tow vehicle options for a Montauk?
Frank O	posted 07-26-2010 01:38 PM ET (US) After four years of enjoying my 1995 Outrage 21, I'm mulling the idea of downsizing slightly and selling the boat in order to buy a Montauk. The latter would fit down my driveway (the Outrage doesn't), and would provide easier access to the seven ramps and various harbors within reasonably local driving distance. Since there's no way my '74 Karmann Ghia will handle this load (though, surprisingly, I'm told they can be fitted with a towbar, and have a rating of about 1,000 pounds), I'd have to think about a new tow vehicle. Obviously there are a lot of options, but as a starting point for thinking this through, I'm wondering if anyone would take a cut at the following question. Among new models, what would be the cheapest vehicle you'd go with for a Montauk? I may well end up going in the direction of something used, but this would be helpful at least as a thought exercise.
Tohsgib	posted 07-26-2010 02:00 PM ET (US) Frank you really need to state some more parameters. Do you want a car, SUV or a pickup? Do you want an auto or stick, 2wd or 4? How much do you want to spend, what kind of conditions do you tow in(mountains, desert, Florida)? What kind of MPG are you looking for? Most any car going to the ramp a few miles down the road will suffice for you, maybe even your Karman. 25 miles each way to a ramp over snow covered 50 grade mountains is another story.
Frank O	posted 07-26-2010 02:10 PM ET (US) Thanks for the starting questions. No mountains to speak of -- basically driving from Pasadena, California, to ramps up and down the Southern California coast, mostly on freeways. Personally I'd prefer to have a high-MPG, relatively green vehicle, but I know those can drive the price up. At this point I'm flexible on car vs. SUV vs. pickup, automatic vs. stick, 2 vs. 4wd. As a starting point I was just curious about what would be on the low end of the price scale for something reliable to tow a boat like this. What would be the cheapest pickup out there that'd do the job?
Buckda	posted 07-26-2010 02:56 PM ET (US) The good news is that most V-6 vehicles can do the job on a lightweight Montauk. I'd be looking at a used mid-sized SUV - like the V-6 Ford Escape or equivalent. Even a Saturn Vue or Subaru Forrester would do fine. However, I think it is important that if you go with a lightweight truck/SUV, that you get one with 4WD that YOU, the operator can engage - or that is all-time 4WD (like the Subaru). Slippery ramps at tidal areas and traction after a rain on sun-drenched roads that get very slick with automotive residue would be my biggest concerns. Look for vehicles that feature braking power as one of the strong points, as you can MOVE your Montauk with a lawn tractor. Stopping it is always where the rubber meets the road for towing. Best, Dave
Liteamorn	posted 07-26-2010 03:26 PM ET (US) I agree, almost any of the smaller suv's and pickups itll tow a Montauk, especially an older Montauk 17. The lack of hills and mountains really make slippery ramps as your biggest obsticle. I towed a Montauk 17 with an f-250 light duty, talk about overkill.
steelhead5	posted 07-26-2010 03:46 PM ET (US) I have towed with the v-6 Rodeo, a mid sized 4wd suv for years and years with no problem. It is an easy tow. I think any v-6 mid sized SUV would work great. My 2500 Sierra does not even know its behind the truck now.
dscew	posted 07-26-2010 03:50 PM ET (US) I tow my 17' BW Katama with a 2006 Saturn Vue V6 AWD. It has the 250 HP Honda engine, which makes towing this boat a breeze, and braking hasn't been an issue at all. The Montauk may be slightly heavier, but not by much.
Tohsgib	posted 07-26-2010 04:14 PM ET (US) Look for a 2005-2006 Jeep Liberty diesel or a Mercury Mountaineer Hybrid.
Jeff	posted 07-26-2010 04:35 PM ET (US) As Dave stated a Subaru would make a very strong tow vehicle. I towed my 17' Newport with my 2003 Subaru Forester XT 2.5l turbo with a 5spd. I have since moved up to a Tahoe as my family is growing and we just have ran out of space. My usual trip was about 180 - 200 mile on way with 2 adults, 1 child, 2 dogs, car topper loaded with clothes and gear while the boat was loaded with a bike or two as well as water toys. The car did great honestly and it never met a ramp that caused it concern. That included an all sand beach ramp. As a cautionary measure I upgraded the brake pads front and rear to ones that allowed for much higher operating temperatures. http://picasaweb.google.com/Rohlfingsinbox/TowingNewport#
modenacart	posted 07-26-2010 06:54 PM ET (US) I tow my montauk with a 2000 frontier that has a five speed, inline four cylinder. It has no problems pulling it and is rated at either 3000 or 3500 lbs, I can't remember which.
Stevebaz	posted 07-26-2010 07:15 PM ET (US) I live in the same general area and tow my Montauk with my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. While not a green vehicle with its small V-6 and 250 Hp and automatic its a breeze. It has a great wheel base and the extra storage with seating for 4-1/2 it works out well. Its not hard to live with when not towing the boat. Seeing where you are from, you could be towing from sea level up to 8,000 feet if you run to Big Bear or up to lake Pyramid. Towing in the traffic we have, don’t skimp with too small a car with not enough braking capacity. Since we are stuck towing in the slow lanes with on and off freeway traffic good brakes and power to boost your speed up is an asset. It takes nothing to tow the Montauk around town or to the beach, you could easily tow with almost any vehicle. If you’re looking to tow up into the mountains start looking at around 200 HP. You may not get there as happy as I do but you will eventually get there. I like the lock ability of the small SUV when you have to carry your gear and life jackets for everyone. I hate towing a boat with stuff piled into the boat for a trip. Almost every time we go out when we load the boat up we want to stop someplace to eat or look around and having a small swap meet in the back of the boat available free to the public is not for my peace of mind. Steve
Frank O	posted 07-27-2010 01:16 AM ET (US) Good point about the slippery ramps -- been there, seen that. Thanks for the various recommendations. I'll have to start looking around.
Sal A	posted 07-27-2010 08:58 AM ET (US) I tow my Montauk with a Honda Ridgeline. It handles the job swell, and you can get them cheaper than other used Hondas, as they are uglier than Sara Jessica Parker. And it is a good versatile vehicle when you are not towing.
cohasett73	posted 07-27-2010 09:08 AM ET (US) We have used a Chevy Astro van. Efficient,lots of storage, and very stable at expressway speeds. Tom from Rubicon,WI
sternorama	posted 07-27-2010 11:58 AM ET (US) I used to tow my old Montauk with my (automatic) 2wd Honda Element without any problems (2.5l 4 cyl) (in and around Huntington Beach, as far as San Diego. Certainly no heroics, but she did the job. Front wheel drive on the ramps didn't hurt either. Got the hitch and wire harness on a place called etrailer.com if I remember correctly for a reasonable price, too. Cool car if you are OK with something not too fancy.
Gezafishes	posted 07-27-2010 12:09 PM ET (US) "...as they are uglier than Sara Jessica Parker..." Thank you! That statement made me laugh out loud. Funniest thing I heard all day. I'll be using that one.
irishcreamer	posted 07-27-2010 03:25 PM ET (US) Frank O, Tried to send you an email but it kicked back. I have a friend in CA that looking to move up from his Montauk to an Outrage. Shoot me an email if interested and I will gladly connect the two of you. Cheers, IC
Moby Dick	posted 07-27-2010 05:29 PM ET (US) For 6-7 years, I towed my Montauk with a 1983 Ford Bronco II with a 2.8 Liter V-6 which only made 115 hp. It had a 5 speed manual and couldn't use overdrive. I had to use low range (didn't need 4WD though) to pull it out of Lake Michigan on a sand covered steel ramp with a fairly steep grade. It did have a 3.73 limited slip and was only rated for towing 1500 lbs. My total load was approx 2200 lbs.