I can do it with a Civic.

A forum for discussing issues relating to trailers and towing MacGregor sailboats.
Post Reply
User avatar
Zoran
First Officer
Posts: 200
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2004 3:45 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC - 97X

I can do it with a Civic.

Post by Zoran »

I believe this thread belongs to towing section, and that's why I am posting here again.
Yes, I did it.
Back up van from Mac fellow was parked by, all gear loaded and Mac hooked to my civic. Towing from storage to ramp (200 yards) gave me initial feeling of civic towing behaviour and boosted my confidence. I received couple of looks and some people stopped to wach the result. Launch was peace of cake as most of people expected, boat did not pull me in the water as other predicted. I had full control of the process. Retrieveing, I was nervous a bit, launch ramp was wet since couple boats were pulled out just before my launch. I took a deep breath, followed my sences and pulled it out quite easy. Only short hold on on clutch until rig started and after that easy poll up the ramp. Couple of wheel spins on wet surface, nothing major.
I launch again, we had a nice day of sailing, light winds, no ballast, we make her go up to 4.5 kt. and than another retreival. This time ramp was dry, no wheel spins, no problems at all.

Verdict, my van is for sale now and my tow vehicle is civic. Towing distance limited to 200 yards.

For those that might follow me, power of the civic is realy close to the limits for retreival on medium steep ramps. Number of ramps I know would be very hard and likely impossible. As I stated previously I attempted this since the ramp I am using is realy long and not steep (what is the word for opposite from steep). I have pictures and video and I will post the link as soon as I set them on our club site.

:) Zoran 8)
Rich Smith
Engineer
Posts: 114
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 5:50 am

Post by Rich Smith »

Good Stuff Zoran!!! You have exhibited the exact combination of logic, fearlessness and borderline crazy that makes us Macgregor owners tick!

Next lets try it with a Mini-Cooper!

Rich.
sailpsych
Chief Steward
Posts: 95
Joined: Thu May 20, 2004 1:29 pm
Location: Oxnard, CA

Post by sailpsych »

Zoran,
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your persistence and dedication to innovation are noteworthy. Good on ya for following your instincts and hanging in there. As posted earlier, please be careful though.
User avatar
mike
Captain
Posts: 812
Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2003 8:06 pm
Location: MS Gulf Coast "Wind Dancer" 98 26X

Post by mike »

Damn... my morbid curiosity side was really hoping for some sort of disaster (Civic floating down the river, etc.). Just kidding, of course. :) Glad it worked out ok for you. I was in a similar position when I was launching and retrieving with my little Nissan 4 cylinder / 5 speed pickup. I wouldn't want to tow any great distance with this rig, but pulling the boat out wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

But still, I'm amazed that you were able to do it with a Civic... mark me down as surprised and impressed!

--Mike
User avatar
Tom Root
Captain
Posts: 560
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:39 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Annville, PA. s/v-Great White, MacX4787A202,'09 Suzuki DF-50

Post by Tom Root »

I am glad it worked out for you Zoran, now please don't get too confident and drag it down a highway with that vehicle!

Guess we all got a lesson in "Civic's" !(sic) :D

I did hear of a person that lived in Arizona that pulled his X with a Suzuki Samarai, to San Diego, but will not add validity to that story, only repeating what I allegedly "heard", I have one and wouldn't even consider it! A bit nuts if ya ask me! A #2100 lb tow vehicle....that's pushing the envelope for sure!
Mark Prouty
Admiral
Posts: 1723
Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:52 am
Location: Madison, WI Former MacGregor 26X Owner

Post by Mark Prouty »

Anybody got a Hugo or old VW Beetle? :o
User avatar
DanBurke
Deckhand
Posts: 42
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2004 11:41 am
Location: Belle River, Ontario

towing with a Honda Element

Post by DanBurke »

Zoran,
So towing (very short distances) with a 2004 Honda Element would be no problem, eh?
User avatar
Jack O'Brien
Captain
Posts: 564
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 6:28 pm
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, 2000X, Gostosa III

Towing

Post by Jack O'Brien »

Hey Zoran:

Good on ya mate!

Trouble is, next thing ya know, some damn fool will think he can FLY with just a single little engine in a light weight airplane. THEN where will we all be?

The Subaru Man :wink:
User avatar
Zoran
First Officer
Posts: 200
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2004 3:45 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC - 97X

Post by Zoran »

I cannot believe this post is pulled out again. 6 months later and about 10-15 launches with my Civic we are still alive and happy. Last one was on December 18th. I love Vancouver.

As I stated at the begining, launching with my Civic is limited to close by public ramp and 200 yards of towing. And I hope I will have the video of the launch on our club website soon and I will post the link.

Zoran
waternwaves
Admiral
Posts: 1499
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:18 pm
Location: X less in North Puget Sound -have to sail other boats for a while

low power stupidity but a necessity

Post by waternwaves »

400 miles with less than 88 hp......

makes for a long trip at 40 to 50 mph...

might be the low power record....lol....... I dont think I want to try towing it with my 72 VW van.....lol (62 hp)
Post Reply