How to Tow a Boat (Safely)

October 13, 2025

Truck pulls boat on trailer at ramp, how to tow a boat concept.

There's nothing like a day spent on the water, but getting there is the first step. To do that, you need to know how to tow a boat, so you can get to and from your destination.

One of the best ways to safely transport your boat to the ramp and into the water is by using a boat launch checklist. Using a checklist is a great way to ensure you don't miss something important that could put you and others at risk. You'll also lower the chances of damaging your vessel so that you can have more boating adventures.

Plenty of things can go wrong when towing a boat. So, here's what you need to know about towing your boat to the water and launching it safely.

Boat on trailer behind truck on the road, boat trailer safety tips concept.

How to Tow a Boat

Before towing your boat, make sure your vehicle is rated to handle its weight. Remember, it's not just the boat's weight that matters. You also need to account for the weight of the trailer you're using to hold your vessel.

Next, focus on balancing the load. You should have approximately 60% of the weight on the front half of the trailer. Doing this helps ensure your boat stays stable when you're towing it and doesn't shift weight toward the back of the trailer, which could put extra stress on the tow hitch and your vehicle.

Additionally, you'll want to distribute your gear evenly inside the boat to minimize the risk of swaying, and secure the vessel with straps at the bow, stern, and gunwales, which are the upper edges along the sides of the boat. Essentially, you want to reduce any chance that the boat can move around on the trailer.

Another big part of getting ready to tow your boat is performing a pre-trip walkaround to check the hitch, lights, safety chains, and tires. That can help keep you safe and increase your peace of mind.

Preparing Your Trailer

Your trailer should be appropriately suited for the type of boat you own, and should have tires with proper inflation and tread wear. You can prepare your trailer by inspecting your tires, as well as checking the wheel bearings and greasing them if necessary.

Additionally, test the trailer lights and ensure the reflectors are undamaged. If your trailer has brakes, test them as well. You don't want a brake failure, especially when towing something as heavy as a boat.

Your bow safety chain and winch strap should be secure, and you'll want to verify that you have a spare tire, a jack, and any needed tools specific to your trailer. If something goes wrong on the way to or from the water, you want to have the proper equipment to address the issue.

Man hooks boat to trailer, how to tow a boat concept.

Hitching and Towing Safely

A big part of how to tow a boat is understanding how to hitch the trailer to your vehicle.

To do that, you first want to line up the tow ball and coupler carefully. Then, back your vehicle up to the trailer and lower the coupler onto the tow ball. Don't forget to secure the coupler latch.

Your safety chains should be attached in a crisscross pattern under the hitch. These help protect you if your hitch should decouple, and using them is one of the most critical boat trailer safety tips.

After the safety chains are in place, it's time to connect the trailer wiring harness and check all the lights. Then, get back into your vehicle and adjust your mirrors to ensure you have a good view of the sides of your trailer. That will help you quickly spot any swaying or shifting that may occur.

Man in truck looks back while backing trailer and boat into water.

As you drive with your boat towed behind you, maintain moderate speeds and increase your following distance, as you won't be able to stop as quickly. To minimize the chances of sway and keep your boat stable during travel, also avoid sudden braking or sharp steering maneuvers.

How Do You Backup a Boat Trailer?

The best way to answer the question "How do you backup a boat trailer?" is with practice, practice, practice.

The easiest way to get started is to practice in an open lot before heading to the ramp. Fortunately, there are some tips to make backing up with a trailer less stressful:

Place your hand firmly at the bottom of your vehicle's steering wheel
Move your hand in the direction you want your boat's trailer to go
Keep your steering corrections small and slow
Use your mirrors instead of turning your head, so everything stays aligned

If you have another person with you, use them as a spotter. They can guide you through hand signals to keep your boat on track as you back it down the ramp.

If your trailer starts to jackknife, don't hesitate to pull forward and reset to try again.

Woman signals to truck backing boat down ramp, how do you backup a boat trailer concept.

How to Launch a Boat from a Trailer

When you're ready to check "put boat in water" off your list for a day of adventure, get your vessel ready away from the ramp, so you don't get in other boaters' way. Load your gear, attach lines, remove the transom straps, and install the drain plug.

Then, let your practice in how to launch a boat kick in. Back your vehicle down slowly until the boat floats off the trailer. If possible, it's best to keep the vehicle's rear tires out of the water.

Next, use a bow line to guide your boat off the trailer, and remember that you'll want to cast off with wind direction in mind. As soon as your boat is free of the trailer and in the proper spot for your adventure, park your vehicle and trailer to keep the ramp clear.

Do I Need Special Insurance to Tow a Boat?

Your standard auto insurance policy should cover liability while you're towing, but not damage to your boat or trailer. To protect yourself, consider obtaining a boat insurance policy to safeguard against theft, damage, or accidents.

You may also need to add trailer coverage to your auto or boat policy, and some marinas or storage facilities may require proof of insurance. Before towing, confirm coverage details with your insurer.

Woman helps truck back boat into water, put boat in water concept.

Learn More About Towing and Boating Safely With a Boat Education Course

Learning how to tow a boat is only part of being a safe boater! Once you get the boat to the dock and into the water, you have a lot of responsibilities to operate your boat in a way that protects yourself, your passengers, and others on the water.

A boater education course through Boat-Ed is a great way to learn about boating safety, etiquette, navigation rules, and more. Plus, most states and Canada require boat operators to take and pass a course before heading out on the water, for added security and confidence.

To boat legally and safely in your area, take the online Boat-Ed course for your state! In Canada, take our Transport Canada-approved course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about how to tow a boat!

Q: What is the best way to tow a boat?

A: Use a properly rated tow vehicle, secure the boat on a trailer with tie-down straps, and check tire pressure and lights. Then, drive slowly, especially on turns and hills.

Q: How to tow a boat for the first time?

A: Practice in an empty lot first. Make sure your hitch and trailer are compatible, distribute weight evenly, double-check connections, and plan extra time for braking and turning.

Q: Should you tow a boat with the motor up or down?

A: Tow with the motor up and secured using a transom saver or motor support. Doing this prevents damage from road bumps.

Q: How do you safely back up a boat trailer?

A: Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go, use small corrections, and go slowly. Practice helps improve precision.