Boating Basics: Before Going Out

Trailering Your Vessel Safely

Follow these safety practices if trailering your vessel.

Have the Right Trailer for Your Vessel

• The combined weight of the vessel and engine should not exceed 90% of the trailer’s load capacity.
• Make sure that your vehicle is rated to tow the combined weight of your vessel, engine and trailer and your engine and transmission are adequate for pulling the load.
• The coupler size must match the size of the ball hitch. Never use a ball hitch that is too small.
• Tongue weight should be 7% - 10% of the combined weight of the vessel and trailer. Too much tongue weight causes “tail dragging” of the towing vehicle. Too little tongue weight causes the trailer to sway.
• Trailers should be equipped with two strong safety chains, securely connected to the towing vehicle.
• Surge brakes, activated when your vehicle decelerates, are common on trailers for moderately heavy vessels. For heavier loads, electric brakes should be considered.

Before Leaving Home

• Secure all gear in the vessel firmly and arrange it so the weight is evenly distributed in the vessel.
• Properly secure the vessel with several tie-down straps and/or safety lines to prevent it from shifting. Never trust the bow winch alone to hold your vessel.
• Inspect all lines, tie-downs and the winch. Tighten as necessary. Replace those that show signs of wear.
• Tilt and secure the boat engine to increase clearance.
• Crisscross the safety chains when attaching them to the towing vehicle. The chains should have a breaking strength of no less than the combined weight of the vessel, engine and trailer.
• Check couplings frequently and grease the bearings.
• Make sure the trailer brakes and lights are working.

On the Road

Think farther ahead on the road than usual:

• Anticipate changes in traffic flow in advance.
• Steer wider on corners and curves to clear curbs.
• Allow extra time and a greater distance for stopping.
• Remember the length added by your trailer.

On long trips, pull over periodically to check the rigging, tires and bearings.

Be aware that there may be lower speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

Launching Your Vessel from a Trailer

Prepare your vessel well away from the boat ramp:

• Transfer all equipment and supplies to the vessel.
• Disconnect trailer lights from the towing vehicle.
• Remove all tie-downs except the winch line.
• Make sure your drain plug is placed in the drain hole.
• Tie a line to the bow for control while launching.

Initially back the vessel into the water until the lower unit can be lowered and submerged while on the trailer.

• Set the parking brake on the towing vehicle (or first gear if a manual transmission) after backing down.
• Lower the engine or outdrive, and start the engine. If you have problems, you can retrieve the vessel easily.

Once the engine is warmed up, back the trailer further until the vessel floats. Undo the winch line, put the vessel’s engine in reverse and back slowly off the trailer.

Retrieving Your Vessel

• Back the trailer into the water so that approximately two-thirds of the rollers or bunks are submerged in the water. Set the parking brake of the towing vehicle, and put it in park (or first gear if a manual transmission).
• Move the vessel onto the trailer far enough to attach the winch line to the bow eye of the vessel. Finish pulling the vessel onto the trailer by cranking the winch. Make certain that:
  • The strap or cable is in excellent condition.
  • No one is in direct line with the cable or strap, in case it breaks and snaps back. If the winch is hand-cranked, be sure the ratchet is engaged.
• Shut off the engine and raise the engine or outdrive.
• Pull the vessel out of the water and off the ramp well out of the way of others.
• While still at the ramp area, remove and dispose of all weeds from the vessel and trailer; remove the drain plug to release bilge water, and drain any live wells.
• Secure items inside the vessel.
• Reattach tie-downs and plug in the trailer lights. Check to see that the trailer lights are working before departing.

Courtesy on the Boat Ramp

Boat ramp traffic jams can be prevented if everyone practices common courtesy at the ramp. Be sure you observe these simple courtesies:

• Prepare your vessel for launching away from the ramp.
• Use at least two experienced people to launch and retrieve the vessel—one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the vessel.
• Never block a ramp with an unattended vessel or vehicle. Move the vessel away from the launch lane immediately after removing it from the trailer.
• When retrieving, do not pull your vessel into a launch lane until your vehicle is at the ramp. The line is formed by vehicles with trailers, not by vessels in the water.
• After retrieving your vessel from the water, pull it out away from the ramp before preparing the vessel for the drive home.