[davidsst]

I am in the process of purchasing a 1994 Shabah 202. In the research I have done I found out the boat weighs approximately 2550 pounds and the single axle trailer (Shabah trailer that came with the boat) is most likely around 800-1000, which brings the total weight to around 3500 pounds. As it turns out the vehicle I would use to tow this with has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. My question is, would it be a huge problem going slightly over the manufacturers towing capacity? I should also mention that I plan to store my boat in a in-and-out service marina. I only plan to tow a couple of times a year when going on vacation to other places than where the boat will be stored.

[anguspoe]

If your going to tow any kind of distance i would look at getting something bigger. I bought my 180 and towed it with a Jeep Cherokee 4Liter for a couple of years. Towing cap 3500lbs. I stored it only a couple of miles from and the ramp and had no problem with it. But towing it from the house to the storage lot and a couple of other lakes (70-100 miles) it was a white knuckle event a few times and the hills killed me. I had one very close call and had enough....i bought an F150

[ColoradoDiablo]

Don't risk your life , someone else's life , or your nice Mariah boat. Get a bigger tow rig.
JMO
Larry

[mikeyt]

That 3500lb estimate is only applicable if you dont keep anything else (including fuel) in your boat. You are probably closer to 4000lbs and you are definitely in need of a proper tow vehicle. Pulling it with your existing vehicle wont be overly difficult but stopping it & climbing hills will beat the crap out of her or result in a serious accident sooner or later.