Can a Honda Odyssey Tow a Boat?

ByKern Campbell

Honda is a household name because they are a great car manufacturer business. Hondas are known to last and they hold their value which is why owning a Honda is basically a sure thing. When it comes to Hondas though, the Honda Odyssey is also quite well known.

The Honda Odyssey is a great minivan and before you dismiss it because minivans have a reputation of being a “soccer mom car,” then you should know that it is one of the best minivans. Its towing capacity is quite strong. So how much can a Honda Odyssey tow? Can a Honda Odyssey tow a boat?

Let’s find out!

Can a Honda Odyssey Tow a Boat?

The quick and simple answer to that is yes, a Honda Odyssey can tow a boat. The more complicated answer is it does depend on what kind of boat you want to tow. However, for a minivan, the 2020 Honda Odyssey’s towing capacity is quite impressive.

Most boats weigh between 500 lbs to 2000 lbs which means the 2020 Honda Odyssey can handle most of the bigger boats.

How much Can a 2020 Honda Odyssey Tow?

The latest Honda Odyssey model is the 2020 Honda Odyssey and the 2020 Honda Odyssey can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Yes, you read right, 3,500 lbs which means it can tow most boats even the ones on the heavier side.

The 2020 Honda Odyssey Comes in 6 Different Trim Levels

  • 2020 Honda Odyssey LX
    • For more information about the Honda Odyssey LX trim level, click here.
  • 2020 Honda Odyssey EX
    • For more information about the Honda Odyssey EX trim level, click here
  • 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L
    • For more information about the Honda Odyssey EX-L trim level, click here
  • 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L Res/Navigation
    • For more information about the Honda Odyssey EX-L Res/Navigation trim level, click here
  • 2020 Honda Odyssey Touring
    • For more information about the Honda Odyssey Touring trim level, click here
  • 2020 Honda Odyssey Elite
    • For more information about the Honda Odyssey Elite trim level, click here

This is good news if you like bigger boats or the boat you currently have is a lot bigger. If you are not sure how much your boat weighs, then check out the list down below.

How Much do Boats Normally Weigh?

  • 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 Honda Odyssey 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 excellent for shallow waters and that is why so many anglers 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 coloring 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 well. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and that is 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, food, and drinks.
  • 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 cabin 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.
  • Pontoon boats are on the heavier side but they are also quite common on rivers.
  • 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 nice they are.
Can a Honda Odyssey Tow a Boat?
2021 Honda Odyssey

In Conclusion|Is the Honda Odyssey Right for You?

If you have been looking at the Honda Odyssey and the only thing stopping you is its towing capacity then look no further.

3,500 lbs of towing capacity is quite impressive, and it is not considered low by any means. Please do keep in mind that this is the towing capacity of the 2020 Honda Odyssey and not the specs of the older models.

If you are looking to buy a used or pre-owned Honda Odyssey then be sure to check its specs online before you make your purchase.