looking to downsize my DD. 2011 F250 is just too big, too expensive to maintain and operate. I can downsize to a 2010 Forester 2.5x with 5spd. I kno there rated 2,400 lbs towing and my boat is a classic 15' runabout. Well under 2k. I'm just concerned with launching. Always had a truck, and while I will get another older truck, the forester will have to do till I can afford one. The trailer is an old mastercraft trailer from the mid 50s, and the boat is a 1963 Custom Craft sea ray with a 650 mercury

While I can't offer any definitive information, I see Foresters hauling boats quite frequently in my area.

What is your concern about launching??

 

A Forester will be all wheel drive, so pulling a boat and trailer up a slippery wet launch ramp should not be a problem. I have seen trucks with rear wheel drive, or front drive mini vans spin their tires on a slippery up grade ramp on a pull out.

The only potential issue I can see is smoking the clutch trying to get started up the ramp. Depends on how steep the ramp is.

 

An auto trans won't have that issue. Add an auxiliary trans fluid cooler to keep fluid temps down while towing the boat.

concern is loosing the rig to the water. I've seen it happen at the ramp and don't want to be 'that guy'. My dad launches his 18' starcraft Offshore 18 V with a 2013 Cheep Patriot 5spd, and he has to put the bumper in the water and roast the clutch to get it out. But he has been launching boats with smaller vehicles since I was in diapers. He's got a truck, always has one. But never tows with it anymore

Edited May 26, 201510 yr by matt167

concern is loosing the rig to the water. I've seen it happen at the ramp and don't want to be 'that guy'. My dad launches his 18' starcraft Offshore 18 V with a 2013 Cheep Patriot 5spd, and he has to put the bumper in the water and roast the clutch to get it out. But he has been launching boats with smaller vehicles since I was in diapers. He's got a truck, always has one. But never tows with it anymore

I understand your concern about loosing the rig to the water. No question it will put some extra strain on the clutch. Like Fairtaxme said, the steepness of going up the ramp is the issue. The lake ramp I usually go to, where I launch my bass boat is a pay to launch place. If this is your case, you might call the office, and ask what they see with small 5-speed SUV launch and pull out success rates.

 

well I ended up with something totally different. Could not get the Subaru dealer to deal on my truck so I went back to where I bought it. They had a 2010 2.5x 30k miles, loaded without leather for $20,995 and the numbers should have worked. But they said it wouldn't and would not even try. I was pressed for time since I had already requested hold on the truck payment so i didn't have to pay it.. Ended up with the only car they said would work, and I know its just the one they could make the most on. But it is a nice car. Its a 2014 Ford Fusion SE. Loaded with leather and everything. More gizmos than ill ever use. It wont launch the boat, so for now I can borrow a truck from a friend. But ill probably buy a blown up Forester and drop a used engine in