I'm looking at a jet boat. A sea doo speedster to be exact, but they weigh anywhere from 1200 - 1600 lbs (much lighter than a regular ski boat). However, the only towing specs i can find on the CL read 1000lbs max for 2.3 and 3.0. Does anyone here tow a boat or anything for that matter with their CL, if so what are you towing, how much does it weigh and have you had any tranny problems because of towing?

I know the 3.0 tranny is kinda weak anyway, so I may just be safe and get a jet ski (only about 600 lbs and a lot cheaper), but i REALLY want this jet boat

and I can do without the smart ass remarks like "buy an suv", I want to keep the CL so I can afford a boat.

Thanks Guys

 

The problem with towing with our cars is the actual hitch that is offered. It's only strong enough for 1000lbs b/c of the way it has to attach to the car. I'm afraid you are out of luck on this one. I'm in the same shoes though - I've been pondering a small (26ft) sailboat but as of now I have nothing to move it around with. I'm not going to pay $200/mo for a slip on a small boat either.

 

Can anyone post a picture with the tow hitch attached? I want to see how much of the bumper needs to be cut and how far it sticks out.

I have a tow hitch but have not installed it yet. Like Proaudio said, it's only good to tow small items around, a jetski, bikes or a small trailer.

 

The only pic I've seen only had some of the bottom of the bumper cut out. It didn't look visible from the rear, only if you look under it.

I forgot to mention - the solution to my problem was to con my sister into buying the Jeep Grand Cherokee she wanted instead of the silly Ford Escape. Now just to find her one she likes...

Now for the boat:

 

nice boat

 

I know this is kind of late in the game but I have towed a double trailer with a 97 Yamaha GP1200 waverunner and a 01 GP1200R Waverunner. I would estimate that with both Waverunners, gas, and the trailer I was close to 1,800 lbs. I have a 97 3.0 that is lowered. I once towed my GP1200, trailer, and front storage box for 7000 miles on a road trip with no problems. I would estimate that was about 1000 lbs. The only time the car had a tuff time was when I was going through the Rocky Mountains in CO. My car was fully loaded too. I could get it past 70 mph at that elevation. No over heating or nothing of that sort. I kind of based my decision to tow such a heavy load by my friends Toyota Solara manual. That has the same engine size and same HP & torque numbers but was rated for 2000 lbs. When I had my double trailer I would driver down the highway and people would see the lowered CL towing two Waverunners and think I was crazy. I use to show up at the boat ramp and be the only guy in a car. I have pics of the car with the trailer if you want me to send them to you. My car has 144k on the original tranny.

Oscar

 

If your gonna tow with the CL, it might be a good investment to put in a tranny cooler. Minimal cost for maximum protection.

 

(proaudio) Your gonna need a hell of a car to tow a 26 foot boat, our boat is only a 17 ft bass boat and it weighs like 2200 lbs, a 26 ft sailboat has to weigh at least 4500 if not more. (SuperJ721)Towing can really fuck up your tranny not to mention the brakes, it takes a lot to stop 1200 extra lbs, if i were you, i'd find a friend with a truck.

 

he needs a hummer...

no.. a semi truck.. hehe..