Tips for Trailering a Boat Safely
Tracker Boats Safety Series
Captain’s Report
Chapter 3 – Smart Trailering
Trailering gives boaters more freedom. Keeping a boat on a trailer means the boater decides where and how to store the boat, so that she is ready whenever a boater wants to use her, and fueling can be done along the way without paying premium prices at the marina fuel dock. But most of all, the freedom comes from the access to different boating areas, whether they’re just down the road or anywhere the highway may reach.
Tow Vehicle. Most vehicles have a towing capacity that is listed in the owner’s manual, and this is the best way to know. Boaters can search for the towing capacity of their vehicle online, but it’s best to check with the manufacturer. To find good information, boaters will need to know the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, model year, and most likely the engine size.
Towing a boat and trailer with a combined greater weight than a vehicle’s towing capacity will most likely void the warranty and is very dangerous.
Hitch Size and Capacity
Tow hitches are typically either a “fixed tongue hitch” with a flat non-removable drawbar or a “receiver style hitch” with a receptacle (normally 1.25” or 2”) for inserting special ball mounts.
Hitches are classified by the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
- Class 1 hitch has a 2,000 pound (907 kg) GTW capacity
- Class 2 hitch has a 3,500 pound (1,588 kg) GTW capacity
- Class 3 hitch has an 8,000 pound (3,629 kg) GTW capacity
- Class 4/5 has an 18,000 pound (8,165 kg) GTW capacity
Trailers are designed to be towed flat with the trailer bed parallel to the road surface. Trailer-hitch ball mounts come with various drops. Select the drop that is appropriate for the vehicle’s hitch height. Many truck hitch heights are higher than those on standard pickups or SUVs and will be better served with a bigger drop.
Ball and Coupler Alignment
Sometimes it takes a little assistance to get the coupler lowered onto the ball. Shaking the trailer tongue may help. If not, raise the trailer with the jack and re-align the ball and coupler until it seats properly.
Safety Cables/Chains. Many boat trailers have safety chains in lieu of cables. They provide protection if the trailer coupler comes off the ball.
Trailering Checklist. Your checklist should have at least these following items.
- Ball and coupler tight
- Trailer wiring connected and all lights working
- Coupler locked and pinned
- Safety cables or chains connected
- Trailer jack up and locked in place
- Tire pressure
- Bearings greased
- Lug nuts tight
- Transom saver engine brace, but if you have no transom saver, verify lower unit ground clearance
- Front and rear tie-downs secure
- Boat ignitionkey. Nearly every boater has launched their boat only to realize the key was still at home
- Drain plug. It is truly a sinking feeling when you drop your boat and see the bilge pump trying to keep up with the water coming through the open drain.
Your list may include essential items that you need to fulfill your boating mission. Items that you would not like to leave without, such as fishing gear, water toys, life preservers or even medicines.
Ethanol. Fuel that contains more than 10-percent ethanol can dissolve or damage internal components in some marine engines and can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Fueling. Before pumping, be sure the fuel nozzle is in contact with the filler tube. This will help eliminate possible static sparks. It is best to fill slowly. Never leave fuel fill unattended when fueling, as it can lead to overfilling and spills.
Fuel Tanks. When filling a portable fuel tank, always remove the tank from the vehicle. Leave at least one inch of space at the top for expansion.
On the Road
The boat, motor, and trailer can add several thousand pounds to your rig. Accelerating will take more time and plan for more effort when braking. This takes some getting used to.
Steering. Steer smoothly. Don’t make sudden or sharp moves, these can make the trailer whip around which can lead to loss of control. When towing a trailer, a boater needs to take care to make their intentions known to other drivers by using turn signals when changing lanes or making turns at intersections.
Hot Tires or Bearings. While tires and bearings may get warm from the kinetic energy they create rolling with the weight of the boat, motor, and trailer on them, they should not be hot. If they feel hot to the touch, have them checked at the nearest service center before continuing on your journey.
Practice with the Trailer
Maneuvering in reverse can at first seem a challenge. This is where practice comes to play. The boat ramp is not the place to learn. It is discourteous to other boaters who are waiting to use the ramp. Find an empty parking lot, and place traffic cones to create a practice course and designate an observer. The observer can offer another set of eyes that’s helpful for diagnosing trailer-driving and -backing mistakes. Boaters can teach themselves a thing or two by placing a piece of tape on the bottom of the steering wheel to learn which way the boat will go when the trailer backs up.
At the Ramp
To prepare to launch the boat, get in the habit of doing things the same way every time – it’s a good way to keep from leaving out a step and creating a problem. Practice ramp courtesy. Never block the ramp while preparing your boat for launch. Pull to the side. Put the vehicle in park, turn it off, set the parking brake and walk to the trailer.
Disconnect the light wires, the transom tiedown, the bow tiedown (but not the winch strap), and the transom saver bracket, if one is used.
Launching
Backing Down the Ramp. Try to align the vehicle and trailer in a straight line to the ramp. It is always easiest to back straight. If available, have someone be another set of eyes. Open all of your vehicles windows and turn off the radio. Even if you don’t have a designated guide, someone may shout a warning.
Standard Transmission. With the vehicle brakes engaged and the clutch pedal depressed, turn off the vehicle and shift into first gear and engage the clutch so the vehicle will not roll. Set the parking brake. Place chocks under the back tires. Chocks are even more important to use with standard transmissions.
Inspecting the Trailer Bunks. Only when the boat is launched can we get a good look at the trailer to confirm everything is in good working order. Make sure the bunks are free of damage to the carpet or structure. There should be no holes, tears, or protruding screws or bolts that could damage the hull.
Retrieving the Boat
After a fun time on the water, it’s time to retrieve the boat. It’s a good idea to back the trailer into the water until the bunks are just submerged, then pulling the vehicle forward until half the bunks are exposed. This water lubricates the process and will make it easier for the boat to slide up the bunks.
Loading. Tilt the motor slowly to avoid contact with the bottom of the ramp, being careful to keep the prop submerged to maintain steerage. Try to position the boat so it will be centered on the trailer, and slowly increase power until the boat slides up the bunks and makes contact with the stop on the trailer winch. Reduce power immediately. It’s all touch, but try to balance the power and speed carefully. Too much power and the boat may jump over the stop on the winch and potentially cause damage or injury.
Loading with a Manual Winch. When using a manual winch to pull the boat onto the trailer, be sure the ratchet lock is properly engaged. A freewheeling winch handle can cause serious injury. Owners of larger boats may want to consider purchasing a power winch for the boat’s trailer.
Centering. If it is not centered, back down the ramp and reload until it is. Never trailer a boat that is not centered on the trailer. Once it is properly centered, proceed to the staging area to allow for others to use the ramp.
At the Staging Area. Stow all gear in latched or locked compartments, make sure to secure anything that might blow out. Cover and lower the Bimini into the trailering position, as well as any antennas, fishing rods or outriggers. Beginning at the rear of the boat:
- Replace the tie down straps and motor transom saver.
- Remove the drain plug and stow it where it’s easily accessible for next trip.
- Move forward and check the winch to be sure the boat is against the roller or stop and the ratchet lock is engaged.
- Check the bow tie down.
- Reconnect the trailer lights.
- Double check that the coupler is secure to the hitch and a lock pin has not been removed.
- One final check to be sure the trailer lights are working properly.
Cross Contamination of Lakes. Spreading water weeds and other aquatic wildlife is a serious problem. Boaters are responsible for knowing all the local and state regulations for cleaning their boats before launching in another lake. Failure to do so can result in a ticket and a stiff fine. It’s common sense, no one wants to be responsible for contaminating a clean body of water.
Arriving Home
Once back home, boaters should clear out all food items that might spoil or attract critters while the boat is being stored. Also, remove any wet towels or items that might mildew.
Freshwater Wash-Down. Rinse and wash both the boat and trailer, especially if you’ve been in salt water. Wash the boat, including the bilges with fresh water, paying special attention to the engine and trailer. Key areas on the trailer are wheels and brakes, springs and fittings as these are especially vulnerable to salt damage.