Boat Trailering Safety Tips You can never be too safe when trailering. Below is a list of steps and important items you need to address every time you head out to the lake. Pre-Towing - Check cold tire pressures on the tow vehicle and trailer. - Make sure you are towing the trailer in a level position. - Verify that lug nuts on the tow vehicle and trailer are tightened to the correct torque setting. See your owner's manual for torque settings and use a torque wrench. - Make sure all of your US Coast Guard safety equipment is up to date and stored on the boat. These items should include U.S Coast Guard approved PFDs (life jackets) for all riders who will be on the boat, one throwable device, fire extinguisher, whistle or horn, distress signals (flags and flairs), and whatever else your state and the Coast Guard requires in your area. - Secure all outdrives in the full "up" position and secured. - If you use a boat cover when towing make sure it is properly secured. If it is not secured you could have stuff fly all over the road. - Connect the trailer lights and check that they are working properly - Secure the safety chains and emergency brake cable. Make sure and check your brake lights before you take off. - Raise the trailer jack and lock it in place. - Ensure that the boat is snug against the bow stop and secured with a winch strap, plus a safety chain. - Make sure the transom tiedowns are tight. - Properly secure all equipment inside the boat - Once everything is hooked up, adjust the tow-vehicle mirrors as needed. Boat Pre-Launch ( In Parking area or ready lane) - Remove tiedowns. - Remove engine support. - Disconnect trailer wiring from tow vehicle. - Load and stow gear to be carried on the boat. - Check boat systems, engine, blower, bilge, pumps, lights. - If your boat has one, turn on the engine compartment blower. - Make ready docklines, fenders and boat hook. - Don't forget to install the drain plug! Boat Launch ( On Ramp) - Back down the ramp far enough to allow engine cooling water to be picked up. - Set the emergency brake, put the vehicle in park, and block the rear wheels. With a manual transmission, put the vehicle in first gear, turn the engine off, set the emergency brake and block the rear wheels. Do the same when retrieving the boat. - On sterndrive or outboard boats, lower the drive. - Start the engine and let it warm up. - Disconnect winch hook from bow eye. - Proceed to launch. Boat Retrieval - Back the trailer into the water, but do not submerge it too deeply - The person driving the boat should approach the trailer slowly, taking wind and current into consideration. - Nudge the boat's bow into the center of the trailer; let it settle before winching or power up to the bow stop. - Attach the bow strap and safety chain - Raise the outboard or outdrive before driving up the ramp - Clear the ramp area as quickly as possible. - Attach tie-down straps, lower antennas and secure you rig for the road away for the ramp. - Remove drain plug. - To prevent corrosion and help fight invasive species , wash the boat and trailer, and flush the engine with fresh water as soon as possible The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of the Trailer Boats Magazine. Wholesale Marine reproduced this information 08/08/08 #DIY #Trailering
