A Polaris Ranger UTV is towing a boat.
UTV Towing Boat

UTV Towing Boat – An Ultimate Guide (2024) 

I revved up my UTV, hitched it to the boat, and headed for the lake, ready for a day of fishing.

Utility Terrain vehicles, commonly known as UTVs, are becoming increasingly popular each day due to the immense features and specifications offered by them on various kinds of uneven terrains. These features and specifications have made UTVs capable of dealing with multiple tasks. One of the most extraordinary abilities equipped by Utility Terrain vehicles is to carry and move heavy loads. The powerful engines are what make it capable of doing so. Since UTVs are used for various purposes, at least some of us may have a doubt- Can UTVs be used for towing boats? 

The answer to this question is a solid YES! The versatile nature of UTVs makes them excellent equipment for activities dealing with boats, such as carrying them to areas at heights, pulling them from water, moving from one location to another etc. If you are looking for neck brace then click on the website Best UTV Neck Brace- A Complete, Unbiased Buyer’s Guide 2024 . Apart from the power factor in play, the ability of UTVs to operate in different terrains, such as mud and water, makes it an excellent device when boats are concerned. Since UTVs offer exceptional performance in muddy areas, pulling boats becomes much easier with their use.

Here is a list of some of the best UTVs you can use to pull boats:

Utility Terrain Vehicles for pulling boatsPrice
Polaris Ranger 1000$ 13,299
Can Am Defender 6×6 DPS$ 18,699
Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000$ 20,299
Kawasaki Mule Pro-FX$ 12,199
Honda Pioneer$ 15,899

As the sun set over the horizon, I relied on my trusty UTV to tow the boat back home after a long day of adventure.

As the sun set over the horizon, I relied on my trusty UTV to tow the boat back home after a long day of adventure.

UTVs Are Essential For Pulling Boats

A Polaris Ranger UTV is towing a boat.
UTVs Are Essential For Pulling Boats

Pulling boats out of water is an important activity that demands immense power. It can either be operated with manual human power or with the use of vehicles such as UTVs. But, when it comes to the case of boats, I know that most of them have significant weight. Thus, UTV Towing Boat pulling them out of the water is an activity that demands a tremendous amount of power. If you intend to use human resources for this purpose, you must invest time and money. Instead, if you depend on a UTV towing boat for the same purpose, it can be done with minimal human effort in less time. 

I can never substitute an everyday vehicle instead of UTV when it comes to the case of pulling a boat because UTV offers us many extra advantages. Normal vehicles cannot operate appropriately in terrains with mud and water as UTVs do. The landscapes associated with boats, such as water and muddy areas, demand an all-terrain vehicle for proper pulling while staying on the terrain. 

With a confident grip on the steering wheel, I guided my UTV, effortlessly towing the boat through rocky terrain.

With a confident grip on the steering wheel, I guided my UTV, effortlessly towing the boat through rocky terrain.

Knowing The Towing Capacity Of A UTV

Considering the towing capacity of a UTV is extremely important while using a UTV for carrying boats. As I know, the boat must be pulled here to carry it from one specific location to another. The ability of UTV to remove weights may vary from one type of UTV to another. This ability is measured in terms of towing capacity. The towing capacity of a vehicle can be defined as the maximum possible weight limit that a UTV Towing Boat UTV can effectively pull within the safety limits. If you depend on a UTV for pulling a boat or some other commodity, it is essential that I develop an understanding regarding the towing capacity of the UTV used.

I have to ensure that the weight of the boat to be pulled is less than or equal to the towing capacity of the UTV I use. So, I must have a clear idea regarding the towing capacity of the UTV as well as the weight of the boat. It is always advisable to purchase UTVs with considerable towing capacity, as they can pull commodities even with significant consequences. Here, I will list some of the best UTVs, along with their towing capacity. You can utilize this list to find the best UTV that will suit all your needs regarding pulling.

Rain or shine, my UTV never fails me when it comes to towing the boat to our favorite spot on the river.

Rain or shine, my UTV never fails me when it comes to towing the boat to our favorite spot on the river.

Here is list of some best UTV with their towing capacity:

Utility Terrain VehicleTowing Capacity
Can Am Defender 6×6 DPS3000 pounds
Yamaha Wolverine RAMX2 10002000 pounds
Kawasaki Mule Pro FX2000 pounds
Honda Pioneer2000 poundss
Polaris Ranger 10002500 pounds
UTV with their towing capacity

Strapped in and ready to go, I hit the gas on my UTV, towing the boat with ease across the sandy beach.

Strapped in and ready to go, I hit the gas on my UTV, towing the boat with ease across the sandy beach.

Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I’d dive into this UTV Tow Truck without a second thought. When you’re spending hard-earned money, why risk it on something that’s not going to last?

What Should A UTV Have For Towing A Boat?

What Should A UTV Have For Towing A Boat?
What Should A UTV Have For Towing A Boat?

Apart from the standard features and specifications to be equipped by every UTV, such as strength, significant ground clearance, fuel efficiency etc., certain extra features make UTVs suitable for towing a boat. Let us have an outlook on some of them. The towing capacity of UTV is one of the primary factors to be considered while using it for pulling boats. It must be ensured that the weight of the boat to be pulled follows the towing capacity of UTV Towing Boat so that I do not face any issues while using it for pulling. 

The overall design of the vehicle and its tire must be in such a way that it can operate well in the terrain of our choice. As boats usually have to be pulled out of water bodies, the UTVs suitable for mud and water make out the best choice for this purpose. Apart from the size of the boat and the capacity of the UTV, the terrain and the slope in which it is used also has a significant role in determining the performance of the UTV while pulling. Areas with flat terrain are shown to provide better performance than steeper areas. 

Navigating through thick mud, I was grateful for my UTV’s sturdy build as it effortlessly towed the boat behind me.

Navigating through thick mud, I was grateful for my UTV's sturdy build as it effortlessly towed the boat behind me.

The terrain through which the boat has to be carried further also has a significant role in determining the performance of UTV. We must choose the UTVs according to the terrain in which they must be operated. This is necessary to ensure better performance while carrying the boat from one location to another. UTVs are manufactured that are specialized for each kind of terrain.

Here is a list of some of the best UTVs that are specialized for different terrains.

TerrainUtility Terrain Vehicle
MudMaxxis Carnivore
SandYamaha Raptor 700 R
SnowKubota RTV
RockPolaris RZR XP 1000 Trails and Rocks

With the trailer securely hitched to my UTV, I embarked on a weekend getaway, ready to explore new waters.

With the trailer securely hitched to my UTV, I embarked on a weekend getaway, ready to explore new waters.

Different UTV Hitches

Different UTV Hitches

The UTVs, as in their stock condition, may need to make out better equipment for pulling UTVs. Several modifications must be made, making the particular UTV excellent for towing boats. Hitches are the perfect equipment that can be used to connect the UTV towing boat with the boat to be pulled, thereby making the UTV perfect for pulling boats. The hitches used for pulling and the ones used for lifting are different. This difference mainly arises from the difference in the direction of operation. 

The hitches used in UTVs for towing are classified as trailer hitches. Below are some of the best trailer hitches that can be used for pulling boats by UTVs are given below. Their approximate price is also provided, so you can choose one that goes hand in hand with your budget. 

Trailer HitchesPrice
Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount$ 110
Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III starter Kit$ 30
Maxx Haul Ball Mount$ 40
Towever Tri Ball Mount$ 40

Every weekend, I look forward to the thrill of towing my boat with my dependable UTV, ready for another adventure.

Every weekend, I look forward to the thrill of towing my boat with my dependable UTV, ready for another adventure.

Apart from the price of the hitch, various other factors, such as the quality of the product, the towing capacity of the hitch, ease of installation, adjustability etc., should also be considered with primary importance while choosing hitches. The hitches that I choose must be capable of towing the boat effectively and efficiently with great ease.

What Should All Things Be Considered Before Towing A boat With UTV?

What Should All Things Be Considered Before Towing A boat With UTV?
l Things Be Considered Before Towing A boat With UTV

Several factors that are to be necessarily considered before towing a boat using a UTV towing boat are as follows. The towing capacity of UTV and the weight of the boat to be pulled must be checked and compared to ensure that both will go hand in hand safely. Moreover, ensure that the hitch we use belongs to the particular class intended for dealing with that particular weight. To ensure that the UTV I choose can perform well in water and muddy terrains without slipping or drowning. Apart from all, ensure that your decision to invest in UTV Towing Boat UTV for pulling a boat is a worthy decision. 

This can be ensured by estimating the cost of pulling the boat through various other methods. 

You can find from the comparison that using UTVs for pulling boats is one of the most cost-effective methods too. Above all, ensure that the UTV Towing Boat you purchase is of excellent build quality so that it will not frequently be damaged. Proper maintenance has to be provided to ensure the long life of the UTV. 

Whether it’s a family outing or a solo expedition, my UTV never disappoints when it comes to towing the boat.

Whether it's a family outing or a solo expedition, my UTV never disappoints when it comes to towing the boat.

Utv towing boat price and details?

Price 137$ , 1200LB H.D. Hand Winch Gear Steel Cable ATV Towing Trailer Boat Ideal for ATV/UTV, Boats, Trailer, Shipping, Transport, Workshop, and more. This Winch is NOT to be used to Lift or Move People. Features: Can be used for pull and lift loads Heavy Duty Zinc Plated Metal Construction. Positive action brake can hold the load in any position. High commonality, easy to move. Rated Pull: 1200LBS (540KG). Steel Cable:4.5mm Diameter x 26′(8 Meter) Long. Thickness of steel frame: 3.0mm. Hardened steel Gear Ration: 4:1. Drop Forged Hook: 3-5/8″ L, 7/8″ opening. Base Dimensions: 5-1/2″ L x 3-1/2″ W. Steel Handle Level Dimensions: 8″ x 1″ x 5mm. Length of Plastic Grip:4″ L. Overall Dimensions (without handle): 7-1/4″ x 6″ x 4″. Net Weight: 7LBS.

As the sun rises over the horizon, I hitch the boat to my UTV, eager to start another day of exploration and discovery.

As the sun rises over the horizon, I hitch the boat to my UTV, eager to start another day of exploration and discovery.

Best Towing Side-by-Sides of 2024?

When shopping for a side-by-side, especially a utility rig, off-road capability shouldn’t be the only spec that is important. Sure, having the best suspension and huge tires is great, but none of that matters if you can’t tow anything. Here are the rigs with the highest available tow capacities.

2024 John Deere Gator XUV835R ?

Starting with a heavy hitter, I have the 2024 John Deere Gator XUV835R. The Gator can tow up to 2,000 pounds and haul 1,090, but that’s not even the biggest reason we like it. The air-conditioned cab makes the gator feel almost car-like and will keep you comfortable while working all day. Add in the electronically controlled hydraulic dump bed, and you have a towing/hauling monster.

The 2024 John Deere Gator XUV835R comes with a $36,499 price tag, but if you don’t need the HVAC, then you can save money with the lower XUV trims and get the same towing capacity.

Through rough terrain and steep inclines, my UTV proves its worth as it expertly tows the boat to our desired destination.

Through rough terrain and steep inclines, my UTV proves its worth as it expertly tows the boat to our desired destination.

2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5?

The Honda Pioneer is a worker first, but will never complain on a trail. The same goes for the 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5, which can seat up to five people while towing up to 2,500 pounds. If you aren’t riding with five people, the rear seats fold down for extra cargo space. The Pioneer 1000-5 is a true dual-purpose rig, something that will traverse a trail with ease but still has class-leading towing power.

The 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 starts at $18,099, but we recommend bumping up to the Forest or Trail trim for $21,499.

With a full tank of gas and a sense of adventure, I set out on the open road, my UTV towing the boat behind me with ease.

With a full tank of gas and a sense of adventure, I set out on the open road, my UTV towing the boat behind me with ease.

2024 Polaris Ranger XP 1000?

The Polaris Ranger XP 1000 is famous for its variety of trim levels. The 2024 Ranger XP 1000 comes in with an impressive 11 different trim levels, and every one of them has 2,500 pounds of towing. If there’s a certain feature you want, Polaris offers plenty of add-ons for every trim. With an engine that puts out 82 horses, it’ll surprise you how quick the XP 1000 is.

The XP 1000 Premium comes in at $17,599, but you can go all the way up to the $30,799 Crew XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Ultimate.

As the waves lap against the shore, I unload the boat, grateful for my UTV’s unwavering strength and durability.

As the waves lap against the shore, I unload the boat, grateful for my UTV's unwavering strength and durability.

2024 Can-Am Defender 6×6 DPS?

Two more wheels for extra traction and at least 500 more pounds of towing capacity than anything else on this list make the 2024 Can-Am Defender 6×6 DPS the top dog for towing. The 82 hp HD10 engine leaves nothing to desire in terms of power. Along with the towing capacity, the 6×6 DPS can haul 1,000 pounds in the bed and is rated for 250 pounds on the tailgate.

The Defender 6×6 DPS does all of this while still sitting at a reasonable $20,899.

I never worry about getting stuck in the mud when I have my UTV to rely on for towing our boat to the water’s edge.

I never worry about getting stuck in the mud when I have my UTV to rely on for towing our boat to the water's edge.

Conclusion

Utility Terrain Vehicles, when incorporated with necessary tools and devices such as hitches, make out the best equipment for pulling boats out of the water and carrying them to other locations. Several exceptional abilities offered by UTVs, such as the capability to operate in a wide variety of terrains, along with outstanding strength, make them capable of doing so. Extreme care has to be taken while choosing the UTV for pulling because suitable UTVs are necessary for retrieving the kind of performance we wish. 

The towing capacity of the UTV used is another important factor to be considered. Only the boats whose weight fall within the towing limits of the UTV can be pulled safely. The hitches are tools that help UTVs to tow boats effectively. It helps establish a strong connection between the UTV and the boat to be pulled or towed. So, I have to ensure that, along with UTVs, the hitches I use can also deal with the required amount of weight. 

In your position, the smartest move would be to check this UTV/Side-by-Side With Loader right away. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out what could save you from a costly mistake.

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)

How much weight can UTV tow in total?

The weight that a UTV can tow in total is known as the towing capacity of that particular UTV. We cannot accurately measure the total weight a UTV can tow in total. This is because the towing capacity of UTVs varies from one model to another. Various factors, such as engine capacity, the weight of the UTV, power, etc., determine the total weight a UTV can tow. In short, the weight a UTV can tow in total is entirely dependent on the model. So, we have to ensure that the boat we pull has a weight within the towing limits of the UTV used. 

Can a UTV pull a boat uphill?

A UTV is one which is capable of performing outstandingly in all kinds of terrains. Thus, they can operate well in hilly areas too. There are certain UTVs whose design is specialized in such a way as to meet the needs of riding in hilly areas. Such UTVs are also capable of carrying huge amounts of weight too. Thus, a UTV with the required power and engine capacity can pull a boat uphill. UTVs are used for the transport of various materials up and down the hilly areas. 

Do I require a unique hitch to pull a boat behind a UTV?

Hitches are available in a wide variety from which we can choose according to our needs. Although there is no specialized or particular hitch to pull the boat, we can use unique hitches based on their capacity. Smaller boats require only hitches belonging to class 1, whereas class 2 hitches will make out the best option for watercraft and Jon boats. On the other hand, class 3 hitches are considered to be the best for large-sized boats. The design of the hitch must also be considered while making the choice. A hitch that secures the load properly must be given prior consideration.

How should the weight be distributed when using a UTV to tow the boat?

The mode of weight distribution while towing largely depends on the hitch used to attach the boat to UTV. As per the recommendations and advice given by experts, it is advised that 10 to 15 percent of the total weight must be concentrated on the hitch that is used to tow the boat. But, this is not advisable in the case of larger boats. Hitches may need to have the capability to deal with such weights single-handedly. In such cases, it is advised that weight-distributing hitches must be used. Such hitches help concentrate the weight on multiple points so that the total weight can be distributed and the resultant weight at a single moment can be reduced. 

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About Bharat Suthar

I am an author and principal creator of OffRoadingUTV.com. I like riding UTV in mountains and Terrain, Also I try to share all the real life experience here in the site.I am really dedicated to write about my experience. I love doing all the outdoor activity including dirt biking and hiking

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