can i pull a small boat with my ford focus?

[mike n]

I have a ford focus and really want to buy a small boat, something like 18ft just to go out and have fun on, can i pull a boat and launch it with my car, or is my car not big enough to go down the ramp without getting submerged? ive never launced a boat so i really have no idea here.

 

[jtexas]

18 foot boat is pretty heavy. if you asked about a 10ft aluminum jonboat I'd a said "maybe".

three questions:
can the frame hold it?
can the drive train pull it?
can the brakes stop it?

the brakes is the most critical of the three. in your case, unfortunately, the answer is no. At least, not quickly enough, not every time.

If you did manage it, the transmission wouldn't take the strain.

 

[kim7393?]

i think you can do it...the only problem is if the focus is too low to the ground, if it is the back part of it might go underwater while loading a boat. but if your focus has a place to put a trailor hitch on the back, you might want to give it a try, but have a lookout while you do it to make sure that ur car doesnt start going under. good luck

 

[jimB]

It is not recommended towing anything with a Ford Focus .. only a select few Ford Vehicles are rated for towing ...

http://www.fordvehicles.com/help/guides/towingguide/