TRAILERING, TOWING, LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING A BOAT
1. Weight Distribution
* For optimum handling, the trailer must be properly loaded and balanced.
* Keep the center of gravity (CG) low for best handling.
* Approximately 60 percent of the boat's weight should be positioned on the front half of the trailer
and 40 percent in the rear (within limits of tongue weight capacity).
* The boat should also be balanced from side to side. If the vessel has side mounted fuel or water
tanks and only one side is filled, then this will lend the rig to maneuver poorly.
* Proper balancing will also prolong the life of your trailers tires.
* The boat should be firmly secured with at least two ratchet type straps, attached from the trailer
to the stern eyes and one ratchet type strap from the trailer (to the rear), to the bow eye to keep
the boat from shifting forward. The bow eye should also be attached to the trailer's winch which is
mounted forward of the bow.
2. Before Starting
* Before hooking up to the trailer, make sure your tow vehicle is full of oil and fuel. Remember, it is
a lot easier to fuel your tow vehicle at a gas station without a boat and trailer attached. You should
also make sure the vehicle has plenty of water in the radiator and fluid in the transmission. Towing
a large load can often times heat up a motor and strain a transmission. If you haven't already
done so, look into installing a transmission cooler on your tow vehicle.
* Check the tow vehicle's tires for proper inflation. If you have a dual wheeled vehicle make sure
there aren't any "hidden" flats.
* Connect the safety chains, and if equipped, attach the safety brake chain.
* Before starting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing up your trailer in an area
away from traffic. Make sure your mirrors give you ample vision around both sides of the boat and
trailer and if not, look into getting modified mirrors for your tow vehicle.
* Check the trailer's turn signal, running and brake lights.
* Check the trailer's tires and make sure the lug nuts are tightened. A partially flat trailer tire will
heat up and eventually disintegrate. And, losing a wheel can prove to be disastrous, especially if
the loose wheel strikes another vehicle.
* Double check that the boat is secured properly to the trailer.
* Check the reservoir on the trailer's surge brakes.
* Check the trailer's connection to the hitch to make sure it is fastened properly and latched. A pin,
such as a cotter pin or a bolt should be placed through the latch itself to prevent it from coming
loose or being undone by vandals while the vehicle is parked.
* Check to make sure the trailer ball on your tow vehicle matches the coupler on your trailer. The
three major sizes of trailer balls are: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16". Make sure the ball is fastened
properly to the tow vehicle and that the mounting will handle the capacity equal to or grater than
the weight of the trailer and boat. If you have a receiver type hitch, make sure the insert (the bar
the ball attaches to) is secured with a retaining pin and that it has a locking clevis pin on it.
3. Backing
* Back slowly with someone outside the rear of the trailer to guide you.
* Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the
trailer to go.
* Make small steering inputs. Slight movements of the steering wheel result in a greater movement
at the rear of the trailer.
* Use your mirrors. Always watch both sides of the trailer.
4. Braking
* Allow considerably more distance for stopping with a boat and trailer attached.
* If you have a manual brake controller, lead with the trailer brakes first, if possible. To correct
trailer side-sway, touch the manual trailer brakes with out activating the tow vehicles brakes.
* Be sure to steer as straight as possible when stopping a rig. Turning while making a radical stop
can cause the tow vehicles rear end to be pushed forward of the front. This is called "jackknifing".
5. Downgrades And Upgrades
* Downshifting assists braking on downgrades and provides added power at the drive wheels for
climbing hills.
6. Parking With A Trailer
* Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers should not park on a grade. However, if it is necessary,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as follows:
a. Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
b. Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the downgrade side.
c. Once the wheel chocks are in place, release the foot service brakes, making sure that the
chocks are holding the tow vehicle and trailer.
d. Apply the parking brake.
e. Shift the transmission and make sure it is latched there. If your tow vehicle has a manual
transmission, put the gearshift lever in reverse.
Note: With 4-wheel drive, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
To start again.
a. Apply the foot service brake and hold.
b. Shift the transmission into park on automatic transmissions and neutral on manual
transmissions.
c. Shift the transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
d. Release the foot brakes and move the tow vehicle uphill to free the wheel chocks.
e. Apply the foot service brakes and hold while another person retrieves the chocks.
7. Acceleration And Passing
* The added weight of the trailer can dramatically decrease the acceleration of the towing vehicle.
Exercise caution.
* If you must pass a slower vehicle, be sure to allow extra distance. Remember, you also have the
added length of the trailer which must clear the other vehicle before you can pull back into the
lane.
* Make your pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance.
* If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration.
8. Driving With And Automatic Overdrive Transmission
* With certain automatic overdrive transmissions, towing, especially in hilly areas with heavier
boats, may result in excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lowest gear.
* If this occurs, it is recommended that the overdrive gear be locked out to eliminate the condition
and provide steadier performance.
Note: See the tow vehicle's owner's manual for more information.
* When there is no excessive shifting, use the overdrive gear for optimum fuel economy.
* Overdrive also may be locked out to obtain braking on downgrades.
9. Driving With Speed Control
* When driving uphill with a large boat, significant speed drops may occur.
* A speed drop of more than 8 to 14 miles per hour will automatically cancel the speed control
device.
* Temporally resume manual control through the vehicle's accelerator pedal until the terrain levels
off.
10. On The Road
* After about 50 miles, stop in a protected area and double check:
a. Trailer hitch attachment.
b. Lights and electrical connections.
c. Trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
d. Engine oil - check regularly throughout the trip.
* If a flat occurs on the tow vehicle, do not use a small "donut" type spare tire as this will drastically
reduce the maneuverability of the rig.
11. Launching The Boat
* Evaluate the pitch and length of the ramp as compared to the length of the boat and trailer.
* Line the boat and tow vehicle up with the ramp in a straight line.
* Prepare a bow and stern line for easy retrieval and make sure any plugs are installed prior to
launching.
* Back down the ramp slowly, using someone at the back of the boat to guide you. Make sure the
wheels don't drop off the end of the ramp.
* Submerge the trailer only as much as necessary to float the boat or roll it off, depending on
which type of trailer you have. Keep in mind that if you have a multiple axle trailer, if you back one
or more of the axles over the edge of a drop off, the remaining axles will be supporting the weight
of the boat, unless, of course, the boat is supported by its own buoyancy.
* When the boat is clear of the trailer, make sure there is nothing still attached, such as the bow
strap or cable, then slowly pull the trailer from the water.
12. Retrieving The Boat
* Evaluate the pitch and length of the ramp as compared to the length of the boat and trailer
* Line the tow vehicle and trailer up with the ramp and back down the ramp slowly
* Submerge the trailer only as much as necessary to float the or roll the boat on, depending on
which type of trailer you have. Keep in mind that if you have a multiple axle trailer, if you back one
or more of the axles over the edge of a drop off, the remaining axles will be supporting the weight
of the boat, unless, of course, the boat is supported by its own buoyancy.
* Gently drive the boat onto the trailer as recommended by the manufacturer using the trailer's
winch as directed by the type of trailer you own. * Once the boat is straight on the trailer, double
check to make sure the bow is latched to the winch and all lines are free from the undercarriage of
the trailer.
* Gently pull the trailered boat forward, making sure not to spin the vehicles tires. Once the tires
start spinning traction has been lost and it will be almost impossible to remove the trailer from the
ramp. If the wheels start spinning, try to add more weight to the rear of the tow vehicle. Be careful
about having people climb onto the bumper of a tow vehicle as this could create an accident.
* If the tires continue to spin, gently apply the parking brake while simultaneously applying power,
a little at a time until the wheels grab the ramp surface, and the rig moves forward.
13. Parking The Trailered Boat
* Once the trailered boat is ready to be parked, make sure you pick an area which is well lit and
free from falling debris, like tree leaves and other things which can clutter up you boat.
* After situating the trailered boat in the spot where you want it, place chocks at the front and rear
of all the tires. - Carefully disconnect the trailer coupling from the hitch, and unplug all connections.
14. Long Term Maintenance
* After each use, the trailer's brakes should be flushed with fresh water, regardless of whether you
submerged it in fresh or salt water.
* Use a petroleum based solution to wipe the tires and prevent dryrot.
* Periodically grease the axle hubs, making sure not to overfill grease retaining hubs. This could
blow out the "O" ring seals and promote premature failure.
SAFE BOATING CHECKLIST
When you're preparing for a day on the water, always cover the basics:
* Arm yourself with swimming and boating skills: enroll in a swim course and boating course in your
area.
* Buckle up with a comfortable and properly fitted life jacket.
* Install and maintain a CO detector in accommodation areas. Remember that you can be exposed
to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide both inside and outside the boat.
* Watch the weather to prepare for local conditions and electrical storms. Because water conducts
electricity, it is time to stop boating if you can see or hear a storm.
* Communicate your trip details in case of emergency. Tell your plan to a friend on the mainland:
who is on the boat, where you will be, and how long you will be gone.
* Never operate a boat while or after drinking alcohol.
* Remember to keep all boat maintenance chemicals in their original containers. Keep these, as
well as medications, lighter fluid, bug killers, lamp oil and alcohol out of sight and reach of
children.
* Post the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222, on the boat and call its 24-hour
hotline for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide or other poison
emergencies.
* List CPR instructions and a local emergency number on the boat. Keep up-to-date on CPR
procedures.
* Maintain constant supervision of children, regardless of their swimming abilities or use of life
jackets.
* Do not swim or wade near a boat's exhaust pipe, sit on the swim platform when the engine is
running, or hold onto the deck while the boat is moving.
* Keep your boat a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest running generator or engine. Never, ever
enter the enclosed exhaust vent area under a swim platform! Exhaust from boat engines can be
deadly sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Do not overload a boat with too many passengers or too much equipment.
* Use navigation lights at night.
* Use an outboard motor that is the right size for the boat.
Boaters also must follow the "Rules of the Road," which include knowing which boat
has the right-of-way. The U.S. Navigation Rules include:
* Boats approaching each other must stay to the right at all times and pass each other port (left)
side to port side.
* You can overtake another boat on either side, but you must use caution so that your boat's wake
does not endanger the boat being passed.
* When boats approach at an angle, the boat on the starboard (right) side has the right of way
and must hold its course and speed. The other boat must keep clear and pass behind the boat
with the right of way.
* Sailboats have the right-of-way over powerboats.
Content Provide by Safe Boating Partnership Council
Copyright© 2006 - 2009 BobberStop.com
1. Weight Distribution
* For optimum handling, the trailer must be properly loaded and balanced.
* Keep the center of gravity (CG) low for best handling.
* Approximately 60 percent of the boat's weight should be positioned on the front half of the trailer
and 40 percent in the rear (within limits of tongue weight capacity).
* The boat should also be balanced from side to side. If the vessel has side mounted fuel or water
tanks and only one side is filled, then this will lend the rig to maneuver poorly.
* Proper balancing will also prolong the life of your trailers tires.
* The boat should be firmly secured with at least two ratchet type straps, attached from the trailer
to the stern eyes and one ratchet type strap from the trailer (to the rear), to the bow eye to keep
the boat from shifting forward. The bow eye should also be attached to the trailer's winch which is
mounted forward of the bow.
2. Before Starting
* Before hooking up to the trailer, make sure your tow vehicle is full of oil and fuel. Remember, it is
a lot easier to fuel your tow vehicle at a gas station without a boat and trailer attached. You should
also make sure the vehicle has plenty of water in the radiator and fluid in the transmission. Towing
a large load can often times heat up a motor and strain a transmission. If you haven't already
done so, look into installing a transmission cooler on your tow vehicle.
* Check the tow vehicle's tires for proper inflation. If you have a dual wheeled vehicle make sure
there aren't any "hidden" flats.
* Connect the safety chains, and if equipped, attach the safety brake chain.
* Before starting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing up your trailer in an area
away from traffic. Make sure your mirrors give you ample vision around both sides of the boat and
trailer and if not, look into getting modified mirrors for your tow vehicle.
* Check the trailer's turn signal, running and brake lights.
* Check the trailer's tires and make sure the lug nuts are tightened. A partially flat trailer tire will
heat up and eventually disintegrate. And, losing a wheel can prove to be disastrous, especially if
the loose wheel strikes another vehicle.
* Double check that the boat is secured properly to the trailer.
* Check the reservoir on the trailer's surge brakes.
* Check the trailer's connection to the hitch to make sure it is fastened properly and latched. A pin,
such as a cotter pin or a bolt should be placed through the latch itself to prevent it from coming
loose or being undone by vandals while the vehicle is parked.
* Check to make sure the trailer ball on your tow vehicle matches the coupler on your trailer. The
three major sizes of trailer balls are: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16". Make sure the ball is fastened
properly to the tow vehicle and that the mounting will handle the capacity equal to or grater than
the weight of the trailer and boat. If you have a receiver type hitch, make sure the insert (the bar
the ball attaches to) is secured with a retaining pin and that it has a locking clevis pin on it.
3. Backing
* Back slowly with someone outside the rear of the trailer to guide you.
* Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the
trailer to go.
* Make small steering inputs. Slight movements of the steering wheel result in a greater movement
at the rear of the trailer.
* Use your mirrors. Always watch both sides of the trailer.
4. Braking
* Allow considerably more distance for stopping with a boat and trailer attached.
* If you have a manual brake controller, lead with the trailer brakes first, if possible. To correct
trailer side-sway, touch the manual trailer brakes with out activating the tow vehicles brakes.
* Be sure to steer as straight as possible when stopping a rig. Turning while making a radical stop
can cause the tow vehicles rear end to be pushed forward of the front. This is called "jackknifing".
5. Downgrades And Upgrades
* Downshifting assists braking on downgrades and provides added power at the drive wheels for
climbing hills.
6. Parking With A Trailer
* Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers should not park on a grade. However, if it is necessary,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as follows:
a. Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
b. Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the downgrade side.
c. Once the wheel chocks are in place, release the foot service brakes, making sure that the
chocks are holding the tow vehicle and trailer.
d. Apply the parking brake.
e. Shift the transmission and make sure it is latched there. If your tow vehicle has a manual
transmission, put the gearshift lever in reverse.
Note: With 4-wheel drive, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
To start again.
a. Apply the foot service brake and hold.
b. Shift the transmission into park on automatic transmissions and neutral on manual
transmissions.
c. Shift the transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
d. Release the foot brakes and move the tow vehicle uphill to free the wheel chocks.
e. Apply the foot service brakes and hold while another person retrieves the chocks.
7. Acceleration And Passing
* The added weight of the trailer can dramatically decrease the acceleration of the towing vehicle.
Exercise caution.
* If you must pass a slower vehicle, be sure to allow extra distance. Remember, you also have the
added length of the trailer which must clear the other vehicle before you can pull back into the
lane.
* Make your pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance.
* If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration.
8. Driving With And Automatic Overdrive Transmission
* With certain automatic overdrive transmissions, towing, especially in hilly areas with heavier
boats, may result in excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lowest gear.
* If this occurs, it is recommended that the overdrive gear be locked out to eliminate the condition
and provide steadier performance.
Note: See the tow vehicle's owner's manual for more information.
* When there is no excessive shifting, use the overdrive gear for optimum fuel economy.
* Overdrive also may be locked out to obtain braking on downgrades.
9. Driving With Speed Control
* When driving uphill with a large boat, significant speed drops may occur.
* A speed drop of more than 8 to 14 miles per hour will automatically cancel the speed control
device.
* Temporally resume manual control through the vehicle's accelerator pedal until the terrain levels
off.
10. On The Road
* After about 50 miles, stop in a protected area and double check:
a. Trailer hitch attachment.
b. Lights and electrical connections.
c. Trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
d. Engine oil - check regularly throughout the trip.
* If a flat occurs on the tow vehicle, do not use a small "donut" type spare tire as this will drastically
reduce the maneuverability of the rig.
11. Launching The Boat
* Evaluate the pitch and length of the ramp as compared to the length of the boat and trailer.
* Line the boat and tow vehicle up with the ramp in a straight line.
* Prepare a bow and stern line for easy retrieval and make sure any plugs are installed prior to
launching.
* Back down the ramp slowly, using someone at the back of the boat to guide you. Make sure the
wheels don't drop off the end of the ramp.
* Submerge the trailer only as much as necessary to float the boat or roll it off, depending on
which type of trailer you have. Keep in mind that if you have a multiple axle trailer, if you back one
or more of the axles over the edge of a drop off, the remaining axles will be supporting the weight
of the boat, unless, of course, the boat is supported by its own buoyancy.
* When the boat is clear of the trailer, make sure there is nothing still attached, such as the bow
strap or cable, then slowly pull the trailer from the water.
12. Retrieving The Boat
* Evaluate the pitch and length of the ramp as compared to the length of the boat and trailer
* Line the tow vehicle and trailer up with the ramp and back down the ramp slowly
* Submerge the trailer only as much as necessary to float the or roll the boat on, depending on
which type of trailer you have. Keep in mind that if you have a multiple axle trailer, if you back one
or more of the axles over the edge of a drop off, the remaining axles will be supporting the weight
of the boat, unless, of course, the boat is supported by its own buoyancy.
* Gently drive the boat onto the trailer as recommended by the manufacturer using the trailer's
winch as directed by the type of trailer you own. * Once the boat is straight on the trailer, double
check to make sure the bow is latched to the winch and all lines are free from the undercarriage of
the trailer.
* Gently pull the trailered boat forward, making sure not to spin the vehicles tires. Once the tires
start spinning traction has been lost and it will be almost impossible to remove the trailer from the
ramp. If the wheels start spinning, try to add more weight to the rear of the tow vehicle. Be careful
about having people climb onto the bumper of a tow vehicle as this could create an accident.
* If the tires continue to spin, gently apply the parking brake while simultaneously applying power,
a little at a time until the wheels grab the ramp surface, and the rig moves forward.
13. Parking The Trailered Boat
* Once the trailered boat is ready to be parked, make sure you pick an area which is well lit and
free from falling debris, like tree leaves and other things which can clutter up you boat.
* After situating the trailered boat in the spot where you want it, place chocks at the front and rear
of all the tires. - Carefully disconnect the trailer coupling from the hitch, and unplug all connections.
14. Long Term Maintenance
* After each use, the trailer's brakes should be flushed with fresh water, regardless of whether you
submerged it in fresh or salt water.
* Use a petroleum based solution to wipe the tires and prevent dryrot.
* Periodically grease the axle hubs, making sure not to overfill grease retaining hubs. This could
blow out the "O" ring seals and promote premature failure.
SAFE BOATING CHECKLIST
When you're preparing for a day on the water, always cover the basics:
* Arm yourself with swimming and boating skills: enroll in a swim course and boating course in your
area.
* Buckle up with a comfortable and properly fitted life jacket.
* Install and maintain a CO detector in accommodation areas. Remember that you can be exposed
to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide both inside and outside the boat.
* Watch the weather to prepare for local conditions and electrical storms. Because water conducts
electricity, it is time to stop boating if you can see or hear a storm.
* Communicate your trip details in case of emergency. Tell your plan to a friend on the mainland:
who is on the boat, where you will be, and how long you will be gone.
* Never operate a boat while or after drinking alcohol.
* Remember to keep all boat maintenance chemicals in their original containers. Keep these, as
well as medications, lighter fluid, bug killers, lamp oil and alcohol out of sight and reach of
children.
* Post the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222, on the boat and call its 24-hour
hotline for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide or other poison
emergencies.
* List CPR instructions and a local emergency number on the boat. Keep up-to-date on CPR
procedures.
* Maintain constant supervision of children, regardless of their swimming abilities or use of life
jackets.
* Do not swim or wade near a boat's exhaust pipe, sit on the swim platform when the engine is
running, or hold onto the deck while the boat is moving.
* Keep your boat a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest running generator or engine. Never, ever
enter the enclosed exhaust vent area under a swim platform! Exhaust from boat engines can be
deadly sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Do not overload a boat with too many passengers or too much equipment.
* Use navigation lights at night.
* Use an outboard motor that is the right size for the boat.
Boaters also must follow the "Rules of the Road," which include knowing which boat
has the right-of-way. The U.S. Navigation Rules include:
* Boats approaching each other must stay to the right at all times and pass each other port (left)
side to port side.
* You can overtake another boat on either side, but you must use caution so that your boat's wake
does not endanger the boat being passed.
* When boats approach at an angle, the boat on the starboard (right) side has the right of way
and must hold its course and speed. The other boat must keep clear and pass behind the boat
with the right of way.
* Sailboats have the right-of-way over powerboats.
Content Provide by Safe Boating Partnership Council
Copyright© 2006 - 2009 BobberStop.com
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Boat Towing Tips |
| "Bass fishermen watch Monday night football, drink beer, drive pickup trucks and prefer noisy women with big breasts. Trout fishermen watch MacNeil-Lehrer, drink white wine, drive foreign cars with passenger-side air bags and hardly think about women at all. This last characteristic may have something to do with the fact that trout fishermen spend most of the time immersed up to the thighs in ice-cold water." Author Unknown |
