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Insurance
How to Trailer Your Boat
So, you've just bought a brand new boat and you're ready to head up to the cottage and see how well she handles. However, as you'll soon discover, purchasing the boat may oftentimes be far simpler than actually getting it to the dock. The following tips should help make towing your boat easier and save you the aggravation that often occurs.
Laws
We've all seen trailers heading up the 400-series highways during cottage season with no plates, lights that don't work and boats that appear ready to fall off as soon as the wind picks up. Fortunately, the OPP is often not far behind, forcing drivers of these vehicles to make an unanticipated stop at the side of the road.
A trailer must be registered and licensed before it can be used on the road. Before using your trailer, make sure that it is in safe operating condition by inspecting the lights, tires, brakes (if required), bearings, safety chains and hitch. The law requires brakes on trailers that weigh 1360 kg (3000 lb) or more.
You must have two separate means of attachment between your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should be crossed under the tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the road, in case the primary hitch accidentally disconnects. It is also recommended that chain hooks have latches or devices that prevent accidental disconnect. The breaking strength of each chain should equal the gross weight of the towed trailer. Chains are required for gooseneck type trailers that utilize a ball and socket type hitch. Fifth-wheel type hitches that have safety latches do not require safety chains.
When attaching the trailer to a vehicle, make sure it is hitched securely. The trailer tongue should be snug on the ball when locked. Never overload the trailer. Overloading or poor load distribution can cause serious swaying and separation when driving and possible tire, wheel bearing and axle failure. Also, the law requires that loose objects be covered with a tarp and everything be strapped down so nothing can bounce or fly off.
Preparation
Size Matters
The trailer must be big enough for the boat, with the rollers and bunkers adjusted properly. Hulls are designed to be evenly supported by the water underneath them but, when taken out of water, an adequate alternative must be supplied. Hulls that are not supported properly on the trailer will be damaged as you drive over bumps and potholes.
So, What Do You Drive?
In order to properly tow a trailer, your vehicle must be big and powerful enough to handle the combined weight of the boat, trailer and all the gear. Unfortunately, most of the front wheel drive cars available today are only capable of towing very small boats, but your owner's manual will clearly state the towing capacity of your vehicle, so refer to it before hitching your trailer to your Suzuki Swift.
Tie Me Down
When trailering your boat, tie-down straps are an absolute necessity. At the minimum, you need both the winch cable and a safety stop chain at the bow, a gunwale tie-down amidships and two transom tie-downs. Make sure to check the capacity rating on the straps you purchase to ensure that they are strong enough to secure your boat.
Tongue Tied
Tongue weight is the amount of weight the trailer's tongue is carrying and should be approximately 10% of the total weight of both boat and trailer. If this weight is too high, you'll be placing an excessive amount of strain on the hitch, trailer tongue and your car or truck's suspension. Conversely, if the tongue weight is far below 10%, the trailer will start to weave back and forth as you drive.
In most cases, tongue weight can be adjusted by moving the gear in your boat either forward or aft as is necessary. After you have your gear in the right position, make sure it's going to stay there by properly securing it in the boat.
Driving with a trailer
Stop and Check
When towing, stop and check both the boat and trailer at regular intervals. Check the straps to make sure they are still tight. You'll want to bring along a tire pressure gauge so that you can check the tire pressure of your trailer tires more frequently. As they are much smaller than standard car tires, they have to work harder (rotate more often under weight) to drive the same distance. During your stops, be sure to check the wheel bearings to ensure that they are warm to the touch instead of hot. And, of course, you'll want to check the hitch, safety chains and lights at every stop.
It's Not That Difficult
Driving with a trailer is not a complicated affair, though it will take an experienced driver a few trips to gain confidence in maneuvering. Turns need to be taken more gradually and with a wider radius to prevent running over curbs or barriers. Speeding up and slowing down will also take a little more time. Leave more room between you and the car ahead to make sure you can stop in time if they brake suddenly.
For new owners of trainers (or even at the start of each season), it is recommended that you run through a few trial runs to familiarize yourself with your extra set of wheels. The trailer turns in the opposite direction to the car when backing and over-steering is common. Take it slowly and it will go much more smoothly. Practice on a level, empty parking lot and remember to bring along your patience for the ride.
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