Recently bought a car with a towing hitch, have always car topped a kayak or canoe previously. Looking to buy my first boat now. Garage is 18 foot deep, the door is about 7 feet wide.

I’ve been told I will need 2-3 extra feet for the tongue of the trailer to fit, so I’m thinking something at 14’ should fit. I looked at some Jon boats on bass pro that were advertised as 4.5’ in width. How much extra width do I need to compensate for the trailer, if at all?

Also if there is any recommended reading for how to back up a trailer, I imagine that is going to be a learning experience as well. Hopefully I won’t be putting on too much of a show for the neighbors trying to get everything lined up as I back it into the garage the first few times.

First, what car? Just because it has a hitch doesn’t mean it can tow. Many hitches are added for accessories like bikes or hitch hauls.

An 18’ garage will be a 14’ boat with a swinging tongue and a short motor on the back. Assuming you have an 8’ garage door, you don’t need to worry about width for a 14’ boat.

Tell the dealer your buying the boat from you need the actual length & width of the boat on a trailer including the motor . You will need a swing tongue on the trailer. Before going home with your new purchase go to a vacant parking lot or a boat ramp & pratice backing up. It helps to have a friend with you.

8 hours ago, Jerkbait22 said:

Also if there is any recommended reading for how to back up a trailer

@Glenn’s vid is really good and should be a help to you

7 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

First, what car? Just because it has a hitch doesn’t mean it can tow. Many hitches are added for accessories like bikes or hitch hauls.

An 18’ garage will be a 14’ boat with a swinging tongue and a short motor on the back. Assuming you have an 8’ garage door, you don’t need to worry about width for a 14’ boat.

It’s a grand Highlander rated to 5,000lbs for towing so don’t think there should be any issue with a 14’ aluminum boat.

1 hour ago, Jigfishn10 said:

@Glenn’s vid is really good and should be a help to you

Thanks, will give it a watch!

28 minutes ago, Jerkbait22 said:

It’s a grand Highlander rated to 5,000lbs for towing so don’t think there should be any issue with a 14’ aluminum boat.

I do agree you'll be fine but I would also consider how your brakes will respond to the added weight. My Jeep Wrangler is rated for my boat weight but braking was a learning curve at highway speeds.

Either way, I hope you have fun with your new boat!

5 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

I do agree you'll be fine but I would also consider how your brakes will respond to the added weight. My Jeep Wrangler is rated for my boat weight but braking was a learning curve at highway speeds.

Either way, I hope you have fun with your new boat!

In regards to the braking learning curve, do you just mean that it takes longer / more space to slow down with the added weight of boat + trailer?

17 minutes ago, Jerkbait22 said:

In regards to the braking learning curve, do you just mean that it takes longer / more space to slow down with the added weight of boat + trailer?

It does take more space. I had a Nissan Frontier which was waaaay better braking while towing.

Your boat should be light enough and fine but I wanted you to be aware

Some specs for boats list “length on trailer.” This is the storage space needed in the garage. Keep in mind it’s usually with the standard size outboard that comes with it too.

You could always take a tape measure with and do your own measuring too.

1 hour ago, gim said:

Some specs for boats list “length on trailer.” This is the storage space needed in the garage. Keep in mind it’s usually with the standard size outboard that comes with it too.

You could always take a tape measure with and do your own measuring too.

^^ Great advice @gim !^^

You may be able to angle your boat to fit better. My third bay was a little shorter than the first two...but angled in, fits nice! I don't even have to use the swing tongue.