Can an EV Tow a Boat?
Short answer: yes, an EV can tow a boat — as long as you stay inside its rated limits and plan for reduced range. Here's what actually matters, and how a trailerable Cat Cruiser fits.
The honest trade-off: range
Towing adds weight and aerodynamic drag, so any tow vehicle uses more energy — and in an EV that shows up as range. Depending on the load, speed and conditions, expect a fully electric vehicle's range to drop meaningfully while towing, often by around a third to a half.
That's not a deal-breaker for boat days — ramps are rarely far from home or a charger — but it's the number to plan your trip around.
Check the ratings, not just the badge
Every tow vehicle has a braked towing capacity, a maximum towball download, a GVM and a GCM. Those four limits — not horsepower — decide what you can legally and safely tow. Many EVs and plug-in hybrids are rated to tow, but ratings vary widely by model.
The Cat Cruiser 650 sits at around 1,750 kg on the trailer with roughly a 175 kg towball download, which falls within the tow ratings of many larger SUVs, EVs and plug-in hybrid utes. Run your exact vehicle through our free tow check before you commit.
Plug-in hybrids: range plus capability
If you want electric-quiet around town but long legs when towing, a plug-in hybrid ute is a strong match — it tows on the combustion side without the range anxiety, then runs on battery for the short trips.
Cat Cruisers offers an extended-range towing package that lets a compatible PHEV draw from the boat's battery system, so the vessel doubles as a mobile power station for your tow vehicle.
FAQ
Will towing wreck my EV's range?+
It reduces it — often by roughly a third to a half depending on load, speed and terrain. Plan trips around that figure; for typical ramp runs it's rarely a problem.
What can tow a Cat Cruiser 650?+
At around 1,750 kg on the trailer with about a 175 kg towball download, the 650 is within reach of many large SUVs, EVs and plug-in hybrid utes. Always confirm your vehicle's braked capacity first.
Can the boat charge my tow vehicle?+
With the extended-range towing package, a compatible plug-in hybrid can draw from the Cat Cruiser's battery system, letting the boat act as a mobile power station.
Tow smarter, not louder.
Check your vehicle against all four legal limits in about 30 seconds.