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Launching Checklist In the Parking Area
•Remove the trailer-to-motor supports.
•Remove tie-downs.
•Load and store gear that goes on the boat.
•Check all systems, including your boat’s engine,
blower, bilge pump and lights.
•Remember to properly install all drain plugs.
At the Ramp-in Launch Position
•Disconnect the bow safety chain hook for the
bow eye.
•Follow launching instructions.
•Always practice good boating.
Bunk or Custom Trailers - Launching
& Loading
You can rest assured that your new SKEETER bunk
style custom-welded, adjustable or aluminum
trailer is engineered to provide the easiest
launching/loading experience possible. Unfasten
the boat bow safety chain,and tie a mooring line to
the boat so you will have control once it is floating.
Slowly back the trailer down the ramp until there
is enough water to make the rear of the boat
float. Stop, secure the tow vehicle (in park, or in
gear if standard trans. Engine off, and firmly apply
the parking brake) walk to the front of the boat
and hold the winch handle securely, reverse the
winch lock and begin unwinding the line. Unwind
it slowly and carefully back the trailer down the
ramp until there is enough water to make the boat
float. Because the bunks generate more friction
than rollers, you need to back the trailer further
into the water. Tie a mooring line to the boat so
you will have control once it is floating.
If the winch handle slips out of your hand, let it spin. DO
NOT try to stop it. It may lead to serious injury or death.
On an average grade, the bunks on your trailer
will allow your boat to gently slip back and float
into the water. If your boat does not immediately
move, try unwinding about six inches of line, lock
your winch and give the boat a push. Then unlock
the winch and try again. If this does not work you
might try backing the trailer in deeper if possible.
Care should be given when launching from trailers
with bunks that are equipped with Channel Glide
Bunk Covers or other plastic like materials. These
materials make the bunk surfaces very slippery,
and the boat may begin to unload as soon as
tension is released on the winch cable/strap.
When loading, always prepare for the procedure
prior to reaching the ramp. If the ramp is busy,
preparation will shorten the time it takes for you
to get your boat out of the water.
You probably will not have to back the trailer into
the water as far to load the boat as you did to
launch it. In fact, the easiest way is to back your
trailer up until the rear of the bunks are in the
water.
By not putting your trailer too deep in the water,
your boat will actually center itself on the bunks
about 1/3 to 1/2 the distance onto the trailer.
Connect the winch cable/strap to the bow eye of
the boat. Lock your winch before attempting to
wind the cable/strap in.
Once your boat is aligned and is pulled firmly
against the winch stand roller or vee block and
your winch is in the locked position, connect the
boat bow safety chain and you are ready to drive
to the loading/ preparation area near the ramp to
connect all other tie-downs.
WARNING
!
Trailer Maintenance and Storage
One of the best maintenance procedures for your
trailer is washing the trailer with soap and rinsing
with fresh water after every use. This will help
prevent rust and give your trailer that “showroom”
appearance for a long time.
Check your tire pressure (when tires are cold)
and make sure they are inflated to the correct
pressure. Tires can lose considerable amount of
air pressure when stored during non-use. It is
recommended that during storage, trailers be
blocked up with the tires off the ground. Note:
Under inflated tires can cause wear and tear
problems.
Every trip check your lug nuts or bolts for tightness
on your wheels. Once a year, or every 2000 miles,
whichever comes first, check your greased hub
bearings. Check your light wires and electric
brake wiring (if applicable) for damage and make
sure they do not hang down where they could
be caught. When parked or stored, ensure brake
actuator is fully extended to release brakes and
master cylinder push rod. For off-season storage,
park your boat and trailer in a protected area, such
as a garage or carport. Do not put plastic bags
around your light fixtures as condensation may
occur and cause corrosion.
While your boat is in storage, it is a good time to
touch up any rust spots, nicks and chips on your
boat and trailer. Galvanized trailers occasionally
show small rust spots, so touch up those spots
with cold galvanizing spray paint, available at most
paint stores.
A little trailer maintenance goes a long way in
preserving the appearance and performance of
your trailer. Please follow our recommendations.
We want you to have your SKEETER boat trailer
for a long, enjoyable time.
Tuff Coat Finish
This is a sprayed on polyurea. It is sprayed over a
fully primed frame structure, offered by SKEETER
to protect the surface of the trailers against rock
chips.
Wheel maintenance
All warranty claims will be voided if improper
maintenance or improper cleaning agents are
used. Your investment in a product of the highest
quality and workmanship does require care to
maintain its factory appearance.
Regular Cleaning
Typical road soils trap moisture, which can cause
corrosion over a period of time. Brake dust, caused
by friction of your trailers braking system, is itself
corrosive and may cause pitting of the wheel
finish. These soils must be removed regularly,
possibly weekly, depending on your trailering
habits.
Use of proper cleaning agents
Your wheels finish should be treated as you would
treat the finish of your car. All one-piece
aluminum wheels, and two piece aluminum
wheels are clear coated to preserve the finish and
ease of cleaning. Most household cleaning agents
are too harsh for the finish on your wheel and
must be avoided.
There are commercially available wheel cleaners,
but we urge extreme caution regarding their use,
since they tend to be acid or lye based. Always
follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on
the bottle for safe and effective cleaning.
Note: Salt water can cause discoloration of
aluminum wheels. This is not covered by your
warranty. Chrome Steel Wheels
After cleaning, always apply a coat of soft non
abrasive cream wax to help prevent surface
corrosion. Surface corrosion or rust can be
prevented with proper care.
Additional tips
To prevent scratching of the wheel finish,
never clean your wheels with scouring pads or
mag polish. If you use automatic car washes,
tell them not to use steam cleaners or strong
chemicals to clean your wheels. They can cause
permanent staining or corrosion.
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