Can A Toyota Tacoma Pull A Boat?

When most people are deciding if their pickup truck can tow a lot, they would compare it to how much a trailer normally weighs and decide then. However, what about boats? Boat towing, although not as popular as trailer towing, is important to those that love the water. If you have been looking at the Toyota Tacoma and want to know if it can pull a boat, then know that you are not alone.

The Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is quite impressive to most drivers but is it enough to impress you?

Let’s find out!

How much can the 2020 Toyota Tacoma tow? Enough to tow a boat?

When the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs. It can also haul a payload weighing up to 1,685 lbs.

Not enough for you?

We get it. 3,500 is impressive but it is not mindblowing to most people.

If you plan on purchasing a Toyota Tacoma for towing purposes then we would recommend the V6 Tow Package.

With the tow package, the Tacoma can tow as much as 6,500 lbs!

The V6 Tow Package comes with:

• A class IV receiver hitch
• Transmission cooler
• 130 amp alternator
• Heavy-duty battery
• Engine oil cooler

What are the Most Popular Boats?

The answer to “can a Toyota Tacoma pull a boat” depends on what kind of boat you want to tow and what kind of boat you have or are planning to get. Down below is a list of some of the most popular towboats, check to see if yours is on the list.

• Aluminum fishing boats: 300 to 500 lbs
• Aluminum fishing boats are quite popular. They are usually about 16 feet in length.
• While all-aluminum fishing boats may vary, the majority of them do contain a set of bench chairs, center console (for steering) as well as the hull.
• Your Toyota Tacoma can easily pull an aluminum fishing boat, even at its most heavy it is still only 500 lbs.
• Skiff boats: 300 to 900 lbs
• Skiff boats are next on our list.
• Skiff boats are excellent for shallow waters and that is why so many fishermen love them.
• These kinds of boats can either be used with a long pole or a small motor.
• Sailboats (15 to 20 feet): 400 to 800 lbs
• Sailboats are the kind of boats you would normally see in children’s books. They are simple but they are also great.
• Sailboats that range from 15 to 20 feet are normally called “day sailboats” because you have guessed it, they are normally taken out during the day.
• Most people only take sailboats out on lakes or protect waters such as bays and inlets.
• Fiberglass fishing boats: 1,500 to 2,500 lbs
• Fiberglass fishing boats do weigh quite a bit but this weight is what makes them so sturdy and great for sailing out into the waters.
• Although they will cost you a bit more, you can rest assured knowing that they will also last longer. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and that is definitely true when it comes to fiberglass fishing boats.
• Bow rider: 3,000 to 3,500 lbs
• Bowrider boats are great for short cruises and they also have very comfortable seating.
• Most bowrider boats have an inboard motor at its rear. However, if you do not want an inboard motor at the rear of your bowrider boat then you can also have it installed with an outboard motor instead.
• Cabin cruiser: 12,000 to 16,000 lbs
• Cabin cruisers are often referred to as “small yachts.” Smaller cabin cruisers are usually around 25 feet with medium-sized cabin cruisers being from 26 feet to 44 feet. The biggest cabin cruisers are 45 feet.
• Since they are called “small yachts” they can travel some distance with enough space for people, cargo, and food.
• Inside cabin cruisers are living quarters.
• Cuddy Cabin: 3,000 to 5,000 lbs
• Cuddy cabins are often called a hybrid between cabin cruisers and bowrider boats. This is because like cabin cruisers, they have enough space to carry people, cargo, and food. They are similar to bowrider boats because they have short-term cruise capabilities.
• Cuddy cabins are great if you want to spend a few long hours to a night’s stay out in the water. However, anything longer than that is not advised with cuddy cabins. For example, if you wanted to stay out on the water for an entire weekend, it is best to take a bigger boat or one that is capable of staying out for that long.
• Deck boats: 3,000 to 5,000 lbs
• Deck boats are great for that all-day fun with a large group of people. The reason why they are called deck boats is because of the large room on the deck.
• Deck boats are similar to pontoon boats because there is a lot of space to move around. You do not feel confined when you are on a deck boat.
• One difference between deck boats and pontoon boats is that they are built with a traditional hull. This means that if you are ever unlucky enough to be trapped in harsh waters, then being on a deck boat will give you more stability versus a pontoon boat.
• Pontoon boats: 3,000 to 5,000 lbs
• Speaking of pontoon boats, they are next on our list.
• These are in the middle range but they are on the heavier side.
• If you are into a smaller pontoon boat then your Toyota Tacoma can definitely tow it. However, if your boat is on the bigger side, then we advise against since the largest pontoon boat weighs  1,500 lbs more than the Toyota Tacoma can tow.
• However, if you opt for the towing package, then you can easily pull even the biggest on pontoon boats.
• Sailboats (20 to 30 feet): 4,000 to 8,000 lbs
• Larger sailboats are often called “day cruising boats.”
• Any sailboat that is larger than 30 feet would be considered a yacht.
• If the boat is considered to be a yacht then you will not be able to tow it anyways, so be sure to check the dimensions.
• Wake boats: 3,000 to 5,000 lbs
• Wake boats are designed to make waves so wake surfers can surf behind them.
• These boats are on the heavier side though but most surfers feel they are worth the weight because of how great they are.

In Conclusion

All in all, the all-new 2020 Toyota Tacoma is quite an impressive pickup truck. With its ability to tow 3,500 lbs (when properly equipped) and 6,500 lbs with the towing package, it can tow some of the bigger boats out there.

If you are still on the fence about the all-new 2020 Toyota Tacoma or if you are more than okay with its towing capacity but want to learn more about its other specs, then we suggest you take a look here.

We hope you found this article helpful in deciding whether or not you would want to purchase a Toyota Tacoma or to determine if a Toyota Tacoma can tow your boat. Happy boating!