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Tips
Trailering
Knot Tying

Tips on Knot Tying
If you are interested in learning about different types of knots please click here.

Tips on Trailering
Boating! There's nothing else like it! And boat owners are especially proud of their boats. That's why it's so important to protect your prized possession, whether you're on the open waters or the open road.

These guidelines* are designed to ensure that your towing experiences are not only safe, but convenient and easy, too.

"Before You Hit The Road"

-Check the tire pressure on all tires.
-Make sure all lug nuts are tight.
-Be sure the coupler is secured to the trailer hitch and safety chains
are attached.
-Verify that trailer taillights and turning signals work.
-Check the brakes for proper operation.
-Fasten tie-downs and make sure boat is secured to the trailer.
-Look over the springs and undercarriage for any signs of trouble.
-Close all hatches, doors and windows. Store all equipment, including
installed tops, curtains and personal belongings, to prevent damage or loss while towing.
-Carry a spare tire for both the trailer and towing vehicle.
-Confirm that bearings aren't worn out and are adequately lubricated.
-When traveling, check your wheel hubs at gas stations or other stops. If a hub feels abnormally hot, examine the bearing before continuing your trip.
-In addition to these inspection recommendations, it's imperative that your boat's weight, engine and equipment are equally distributed on your trailer. Too much or poorly distributed weight may cause difficulty steering, fishtailing or damage your automobile's suspension system.

"During Your Journey"

Okay, so you've checked everything twice. But are you confident in your ability to handle a trailer? The old adage, "practice makes perfect," is perfect for trailering. Prior to leaving on your trip, it's advisable to practice braking, turning and backing up on a level, empty parking lot or other open area.

When you finally head out, drive slowly. Decreasing your speed enables you to react quicker, as well as reduces strain on your car and trailer. Also keep in mind that the additional weight from your trailer affects braking, so leave additional distance between your car and the car ahead of you. And when driving down hill, use lower gears rather than your brakes to control your speed.

"Backing A Trailer"......... Yikes!

Is that the feeling you get when it's time to back a trailer? The best advice is to take things slowly. (That same advice applies to docking, too.)

The second piece of advice: as you maneuver the trailer, keep the back of the tow vehicle "on line" with where you want the trailer to go. Then steer the tow vehicle to bring the entire vehicle "on line." Sounds obvious. But novice boaters get out of shape in moments when they don't remember this simple rule.

If you're still feeling uneasy about backing a trailer, here are some added safety suggestions:

Before you reverse, adjust your mirrors and check for obstacles or persons behind the trailer.
Prior to backing pull the trailer slightly forward to get things lined up.
Avoiding sharp turns if possible. If you need to make a sharp turn,
get the tow vehicle back "on line" with the trailer as soon as possible.
If your trailer is going to be uncoupled from your tow vehicle, block all
trailer wheels and pull ahead slightly to relieve the strain on the actuator. Uncouple the actuator by lifting the release handle and raise the trailer tongue with the jack.

"After Reaching Your Destination"

Congratulations, you made it! It's time to launch your boat. In peak season, it can be very crowded. So it's a good idea to prepare for launching while waiting for your turn. You will spend less time at the ramp, a fact everyone will appreciate.

It's also the sign of an experienced and courteous boater.

"BEFORE YOU GET TO THE RAMP":

Remove trailer tie down straps.
Install the brass drain plug.
Start the blower.
Move the gear you're planning to take aboard from the tow vehicle
to the boat.

"When Launching"

To keep water from blocking the exhaust pipes, do not submerge the tow vehicle's rear wheels in the water. On most ramps you can do this by backing the trailer into the water up to the front of the trailer fender.

ONCE THE TRAILER IS IN THE LAUNCH POSITION:

Put your tow vehicle in park and set your parking brake.
Lower the drive.
Start the engine and warm it up.
Visually check for water depth or submerged obstructions
before you engage the drive.
Disconnect the winch hook from the bow.
Finish the launch with a light push or by powering off the trailer.

Once the boat is free, be sure it's under control by a driver on board or tied up to a dock. Then pull the trailer from the ramp.

At all times, remain keenly aware of any changes in wind, direction, velocity, current and tide, as well as boating traffic and overall visibility both above and below the water.

"Loading and Heading Home"

The same courtesy needs to be considered when loading your boat back onto the trailer. If possible, drop the tow vehicle driver off on the dock before it is your turn at the ramp.

Get the tow vehicle ready and in position.
Slowly drive the boat to the trailer adjusting for cross wind and current.
Power the boat fully onto the trailer. (Be sure the ramp management
allows this.)
Connect the winch strap to the bow eye. A good loading job requires
only a few cranks of the winch to secure the boat.
Once the bow is secure to the winch, slowly pull the boat and
trailer out.
Finish the process away from the ramp.
Once you're clear of the ramp, finish the preparation for the trip home.

"Don't forget":

Remove the brass drain plug (and store it in a secure location).
Secure the trailer tie down straps.
Remove or stow all loose personal items and gear.
Take the same care on the road traveling home.

"Final Thoughts" !!!!!!

Towing and launching a boat are not difficult activities if your take your time and do it by the numbers. Of course "practice makes perfect" is not a cliché but a reality. The more experience you have, the easier it becomes.

Many new boaters become nervous at a busy launch on a Saturday afternoon. This is not the time and place to learn how to launch and load. If you are new to boating, take the time to find an empty parking lot to practice backing techniques. And if you find a ramp that is not being used, practice your launching and loading techniques. You'll find it becomes much easier every time.

When trailering, remember these three things: Take your time. Be considerate of other boaters. And above all, have fun!

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