2000 Islandia - Trailer Weight?

[bobbob911]

Hi everyone - I'm thinking about acquiring an early gen (Merc EFI) Islandia next spring. My tow vehicle is an Audi Q5 that has a max tow weight of 4400lbs and tongue weight of 10% (440lbs).

I know the early gen Islandia was dry weight of 3,050 lbs, but can someone tell me what the stock trailer weight itself is? I have seen aftermarket steel trailers that claim to be around 900 lbs so I'm hoping the stock trailer is similar. 4000lbs would be just fine to tow.

Thanks!

 

[steenbeen]

I figured about 4000 lbs after some fuel, gear, etc. the tongue weight should t be a problem, I think mine is under 300 lbs

 

[Coastiejoe]

You don't want anything near 400 pounds for the tongue weight. Your car will ride rough and burn tons of gas towing it. When braking hard it will cause stopping issues as well.

With skis, 100 pounds is where you want. Even a boat is good at that figure. I'd not exceed 150 max. Slide the axle to get where you need to be.

 

[bobbob911]

Thanks. Just to clarify I am more concerned about the overall weight than the tongue weight. I agree that 400 lbs is more than enough.

Cheers

 

[Coastiejoe]

I would guess you will be right at your max. By the time you add fuel, oil, towels, anchors, line, lotions etc etc your boat will weight 3500 ish pounds. That allows for 900 pounds in the trailer.

 

[bobbob911]

Thanks. But is anyone aware of published specs for trailer weight (or combined weight)?

 

[Coastiejoe]

You would have to know the manufacturer and model at a minimum. Most dealers use trailer suppliers near them. At the very least, the manufacturer metal it is built with. For example. My aluminum trailer is heavier than the steel trailer I was using.

 

[bobbob911]

Oh - are you saying the Islandia did not come with an OEM "Stock" trailer - it was dealer supplied? If so that would explain the lack of documentation.

 

[Cablebandit]

if you could have a tranny cooler added, i would
I just bought a 2001 challenger 1800 and i can easily pick up the tongue and move it around and Im an avg sized guy.

 

[bobbob911]

if you could have a tranny cooler added, i would
I just bought a 2001 challenger 1800 and i can easily pick up the tongue and move it around and Im an avg sized guy.

A Challenger weighs much less than an Islandia though. I think I can add a tranny cooler to the Q5, I'll have to talk to the dealer though since its under warranty still.

 

[snikwad003]

The only way to know is to drive on a scale with just the audi, audi and trailer, and audi trailer and loaded boat, then do the math. Your guessed numbers are close enough to the weight limit to be concerned. What motor is in the Q5? Please dont say 2.0t

 

[bobbob911]

The only way to know is to drive on a scale with just the audi, audi and trailer, and audi trailer and loaded boat, then do the math. Your guessed numbers are close enough to the weight limit to be concerned. What motor is in the Q5? Please dont say 2.0t

3.0T

I would ideally like to know this before buying one.

 

[njrealtor55]

your Q5 will be able to tow the boat - but it will be strained. not a good long term solution. tongue weight on the trailer should be 100 to 150lbs.

Q5 is not meant for towing a big boat - you do not have a long enough wheel base. The trailer will be able to push your Q5 all over the road if it starts to sway, or in an emergency braking situation.

 

[bobbob911]

your Q5 will be able to tow the boat - but it will be strained. not a good long term solution. tongue weight on the trailer should be 100 to 150lbs.

Q5 is not meant for towing a big boat - you do not have a long enough wheel base. The trailer will be able to push your Q5 all over the road if it starts to sway, or in an emergency braking situation.

Understood, but right now I tow a 26' boat with high freeboard a couple of times a year and it's fine. I don't tow in windy or rainy weather, and I stick to 90 km/hr in the right hand lane on highways. I can't say for sure what might happen in an emergency scenario, but I do know you can get into trouble even well below weight limits.

 

[njrealtor55]

also, i personally think the published weights for theses merc boats are wrong. i picked up a 2000 challenger with the 240efi merc - and the published weight is 2100 lbs. no way it is that lite. it felt like every bit of 3500 to 4000 lbs on the back of my yukon.

the boat towed like when I used to tow my jeep wrangler to offroad parks, but not as heavy as the 7000 lb camping trailer we rent.

i think your assumption of 900lb for the trailer is prob close. best of luck with the Islandia - post some pics when you get it.

 

[snikwad003]

So did you buy it?

 

[Lumps]

also, i personally think the published weights for theses merc boats are wrong. i picked up a 2000 challenger with the 240efi merc - and the published weight is 2100 lbs. no way it is that lite. it felt like every bit of 3500 to 4000 lbs on the back of my yukon.

I have to agree with this. Maybe not 4000 but more than they say. I know sail boats pick up weight over time as they soak up water. When they say dry weight I think they mean brand new. Not 20 years old. I'd be interested in knowing for sure. I have been thinking about getting it weighed to find out