24
Traile
Tow
vehicle
Bottom View of
Crossed Trailer
Chains
The trailer should be adequately sized for your boat. Allow about 10%
above the maximum boat weight for trailer capacity.
Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle the load. This
includes engine, hitch, frame, brakes, transmission cooler, and vehicle
capacity.
Securely attached the boat trailer to the vehicle hitch, hook the safety
chains and cross them under the hitch and check the lights to ensure they are
hooked up and working.
If you are new to trailering your boat, it is best to practice before actually getting in a situation
where you are not sure of your ability. If possible use a trailer without a boat to practice with as
you can see the trailer’s movement without the boat. Also, your vision will not be impaired by the
boat’s presence.
When going forward, remember that your trailer turns inside the tow vehicle, therefore the tow
vehicle must start the turn slightly later than without the trailer. This allows the trailer to turn inside
the tow vehicle radius without leaving the roadway.
When backing, remember, the bottom of the steering wheel will move in the direction the trailer
will ultimately go. Backing consists of two parts, breaking the trailer by turning the vehicle’s
backward motion in the opposite direction from the ultimate trailer direction, then following the
trailer toward the correct direction with the tow vehicle. It is prudent to go to a large paved area
with little traffic to practice these maneuvers before attempting them on the boat ramp.
Remember to check to see if the tow ball is the same size as the trailer coupler. Never use a
different size.
9.9 Launching Your Boat
When you arrive at the ramp, prepare your boat before getting in the ramp line.
Make sure the hull plug is in place.
Place a line on the bow and stern cleats to be at the dock ready.
Have fenders out and on the proper side.
Raise the engine so it will not be damaged during launching.
Make sure the engine battery switches are in the “on” positions, and the boat key is in the ignition.
Remove any tie-down straps.
If someone is with you, hand him or her the free end of the bowline and have him or her follow the
trailer as you enter the ramp.
Back the boat into the water until it barely floats. Remove the winch line. The boat should now come
free with a gentle tug on the bowline.
Lower the engine, pump the fuel bulb until firm and crank the engine.
Let it idle for a few minutes to warm up before getting under way.
9.10 Retrieving Your Boat
There are several ways to retrieve your boat. The method described herein requires two persons.
Drop someone off to back the trailer into the water, or do it yourself. If doing it yourself, makes sure
you make it easy and safe to exit the boat after it is loaded onto the trailer.
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