Bennington Owner’s Manual 23
Performance Tips:
2 Tube Boats
Keep engine trimmed down while running unless in shallow water.
3 Tube Boats
Keep engine trimmed down when accelerating, trim engine up when underway.
Do Not Over Trim
Over trimming will hinder performance and create excessive engine noise and water spray.
Boat Trailer Laws:
Boat trailer laws vary from state to state.
It is your responsibility to understand the laws for the state in which you are boating.
Capacity Data:
Boat trailers carry a certifi cation label spelling out the weight-carrying capacity. Do not exceed the
weight-carrying capacity at any time!
This capacity is referred to as the Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This rating in-
cludes all of the following items: the total weight of the boat, including the engine, fuel, water, and
all other items being carried on the trailer. Please refer to your Trailer Owner’s Manual for specifi c
operation and safety procedures.
Tongue Weight:
Tongue weight is a percentage of the total weight of the loaded trailer on its tongue. Ideal tongue
weight is not less than 5% and not more than 10% of the GVWR. For example, if the weight of the
loaded trailer is 3000 lbs. the weight on the tongue should be more than 150 lbs., but less than 300
lbs. Excessive tongue weight causes the front end of the towing vehicle to sway as it goes down the
road and insuffi cient tongue weight causes the trailer to sway or fi shtail.
Hitch:
Hitchs are divided into classes that specify the gross trailer weight (GTW) and maximum tongue
weight for each class. Always use a hitch with the same class number as the trailer. Most boat trail-
ers connect to a hitch ball that is connected to the towing vehicle. Note that the trailer hitch coupler
must match the size of hitch ball on the towing vehicle. The correct ball size diameter is usually
marked on the trailer coupler.
Chains:
Safety chains on the trailer provide added insurance that the trailer will not become completely
detached from the towing vehicle during transport. USE & CROSS THESE SAFETY CHAINS.
Please refer to your Trailer Owner’s Manual for specifi c operation and safety procedures.
Backing a Trailer:
If you do not have experience in backing up with a trailer, practice backing with a trailer before
you go to a launch ramp site. Get totally accustomed to using your trailer in an open area and take
someone with you who knows how to back up with a trailer.
Remember that backing a trailer works the opposite of backing up an automobile. If the trailer needs
to travel to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left and vise versa. Do not turn the wheel too far
or oversteer. Turn the steering wheel gradually until you get the feel of knowing how to back up
safely.
Launching Recommendations:
Here are some basic tips to remember when putting your boat in the water: Please be courteous to
other boaters.
TRAILERING YOUR BENNINGTON
! WARNING !
Exceeding the trailer capacity can cause damage to your trailer,
personal or property damage or serious accident.
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