Towing a 2003 Mac 26S with Grand Caravan

[aerobat1026]

I'm looking at a 2003 Mac 26S and was wondering if I could ask the opinion of the group several questions?

I've read through the forum and seem to be seeing mixed results.
My first question is what is the realistic weight of a mac 26 on the original trailer ?
2nd I have a 2009 grand caravan with a 4000 lb tow rating it the 4.0L 250 hp version, has anyone else any experience towing with this vehicle?
I'm a little concerned about pulling the boat out of the water and spinning on the ramp with front wheel drive, I guess my question is has anyone else used the caravan to trailer this boat and what have your experiences been. I've seen a lot of discussion talking about the 26x which I think is about 4500lbs, but my attraction to the 26s was the light weight.

Also has anyone put an extend a hitch on the original trailer to help with shallow ramps?

Thanks

[Hamin' X]

Can't really help you with the tow vehicle, but I need to question what boat you are looking to buy. The 26S has not been made since 1995. If the boat is indeed a 2003 model, it could be the last of the 26Xs, or the first of the 26Ms. Towing weight on the X is about 3,500#, empty and dry.

~Rich

[aerobat1026]

Rich
sorry the Mac is actually a 1993 not a 2003

[aerobat1026]

I'm trying to type and talk at the same time the mac is a 1993

[Catigale]

I believe the 26S has a relatively low trailer height like the 26X and you wont need an extender.

I trailer my 26X with a VW Eurovan FWD only, and have never spun wheels on a ramp - apply the power slowly and smoothly - Ive even pulled the boat out with the ballast in and never had a problem with this.

[Russ]

What kind of ramps? Tidal may be slippery at low tide. Fresh might not be as bad if the ramp is well built.

[aerobat1026]

Most of the ramps are freshwater, we're located in Wisconsin. I don't think trailering itself will be bad though I might be getting a little close to my towing limits with a van full of people but 3 of the 5 are less than 50lbs. When I had my Mac 25 I had an Ford Expedition no problem pulling with that, in that case I was always more concerned about the keel not retracting.

[Russ]

Most of the ramps are freshwater, we're located in Wisconsin.

I think you will be fine. I have an M but I believe the S is launched similarly. You won't be getting anywhere near putting the front wheels in the water. On a fresh water ramp, generally only the wet parts are slimy so the front wheels should get a good grip.

I don't know the weight of an S, but my thought is that it's under your capacity.

How far will you be towing it? On highways or slower speeds?

If you will be going far in the Summer, a trans cooler may be a good idea if you don't have one.

[grady]

The boat sits low on the original trailer and even on a shallow ramp you should be able to keep the front wheels out of the water when launching. It will actually be easier to pull out than rear wheel drive that has to get the rear tires in the water.

with engine, provisions and trailer you should be under 3000 lb. probably closer to 2500 lb.

[aerobat1026]

Thanks everyone for the input, now if I could only get my motorcycle sold to pay for the 26S

I hope this doesn't break any rules if anyone is looking for or knows someone who is looking for a 1998 Honda ACE Shadow Tourer
http://www.scottlasko.com is where I have the details.

Thanks again for the help when I get the S I'll let you know

[kmclemore]

I hope this doesn't break any rules if anyone is looking for or knows someone who is looking for a 1998 Honda ACE Shadow Tourer...

!	kmclemore:
	Well, it does break the rules, but as it's not in the least boating related I think we can let it go this once... but by no means do we want the forum to become a 'for sale' page.