All I want is a small boat for lake fishing with my son here in Florida.
No matter how many ways I try to figure it, there is always one obstacle that prevents me from getting this done.
Money, for once in my life is not the obstacle, although I am in no way wealthy. The two main obstacles are my ability to tow, and the fact that I can't fit even a 16 ft. boat in my garage without a swing tongue trailer.
I absolutely do not want a new boat, (lack of boating experience and health) and even those don't come with a swing tongue until the package price exceeds $12k.
The other obstacle is that we have two cars, both leased, neither of which is recommended for towing. Even if possible I know that installing a tow bar would void the warranty and probably make the dealer void my lease, due to the holes made in the frame for this modification. Turning in one of vehicles for one capable of towing won't be possible for 3 more years. Buying a 3rd vehicle is not an option right now, and even if I could, it doesn't solve the space in the garage problem.
I decided to see if there might be some lightweight jon boats that I might be able to carry on top of the car. I haven't been able to find any concrete info, but I have been told that the car roof weight capacity is right around 100 pounds.
I found one 12 foot flat bottom jon boat that weighs about 90 pounds. If I was able to carry this on the car, I would also be able to store it in the garage. Unfortunately when you add the weight of the two people and even a tiny outboard, the weight capacity is greatly exceeded. Add some gear and a trolling motor and we will sink.
If we go a little heavier, such as a 14 foot jon I saw at 145 pounds, I am concerned about damaging the car.
I have also read that if I go this small 12-15ft, with a flat bottom, and be even close to the weight capacity, I had better be in a smooth as glass lake. The only lake around here that actually still has water in it and is not on private land, is large, often choppy and with many speed boats zipping around.
Having said all this, I am looking to see if there is an option I have not considered.
The way I see it, and I hate this idea as I am very ill and might not have 3 more years, would be to get a pickup or SUV with tow package, when my current leases expire, get a v hull 16ft boat capable of the weight and lake environment, and get the boat with a swing tongue trailer so it can fit in the garage, which is required by deed restrictions.
Please tell me I have overlooked something. I would very much appreciate your feedback and expertise regarding this matter.
Thank You
No matter how many ways I try to figure it, there is always one obstacle that prevents me from getting this done.
Money, for once in my life is not the obstacle, although I am in no way wealthy. The two main obstacles are my ability to tow, and the fact that I can't fit even a 16 ft. boat in my garage without a swing tongue trailer.
I absolutely do not want a new boat, (lack of boating experience and health) and even those don't come with a swing tongue until the package price exceeds $12k.
The other obstacle is that we have two cars, both leased, neither of which is recommended for towing. Even if possible I know that installing a tow bar would void the warranty and probably make the dealer void my lease, due to the holes made in the frame for this modification. Turning in one of vehicles for one capable of towing won't be possible for 3 more years. Buying a 3rd vehicle is not an option right now, and even if I could, it doesn't solve the space in the garage problem.
I decided to see if there might be some lightweight jon boats that I might be able to carry on top of the car. I haven't been able to find any concrete info, but I have been told that the car roof weight capacity is right around 100 pounds.
I found one 12 foot flat bottom jon boat that weighs about 90 pounds. If I was able to carry this on the car, I would also be able to store it in the garage. Unfortunately when you add the weight of the two people and even a tiny outboard, the weight capacity is greatly exceeded. Add some gear and a trolling motor and we will sink.
If we go a little heavier, such as a 14 foot jon I saw at 145 pounds, I am concerned about damaging the car.
I have also read that if I go this small 12-15ft, with a flat bottom, and be even close to the weight capacity, I had better be in a smooth as glass lake. The only lake around here that actually still has water in it and is not on private land, is large, often choppy and with many speed boats zipping around.
Having said all this, I am looking to see if there is an option I have not considered.
The way I see it, and I hate this idea as I am very ill and might not have 3 more years, would be to get a pickup or SUV with tow package, when my current leases expire, get a v hull 16ft boat capable of the weight and lake environment, and get the boat with a swing tongue trailer so it can fit in the garage, which is required by deed restrictions.
Please tell me I have overlooked something. I would very much appreciate your feedback and expertise regarding this matter.
Thank You