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    Trailering

                  Trailering the boat           Use safety chains between the towing vehicle
                                                and the trailer so the trailer will not detach
               WARNING
                                                completely from the towing vehicle if it acci-
           Avoid accident and injury from improper  dentally comes loose from the hitch ball.
           trailering:                          Crisscross the chains under the trailer tongue
           z The  trailer must be matched  for  the  so the tongue will not hit the road surface if it
            boat’s weight and hull.             falls loose. Rig the chains as tightly as possi-
           z The towing vehicle must have the ca-  ble while allowing just enough slack to permit
            pacity of pulling the load. Pulling a load  tight turns.
            that exceeds the towing capacity may  Be sure the tongue weight (vertical weight on
            cause loss of control.              the hitch point) is correct. Generally, 5% to
           z Be sure the boat is secured to the trailer  10% of the combined weight of the boat and
            and the trailer is properly hitched to the  trailer should be on the tongue. Too much or
            towing vehicle before towing.       too little weight can cause difficult steering or
           z Read the manuals supplied with the  trailer swaying.
            trailer by the manufacturer.
                                                Trailering checklist
           A trailer is provided as standard equipment
                                                z Check your state laws to be sure your trail-
           with your boat. If you need to obtain another
                                                  er meets all regulations, such as proper li-
           trailer, choose one that  is manufactured  to
                                                  censing, brake, axle load, and safety chain
           carry a boat of the size and weight of your
                                                  requirements.
           boat. Check the certification label on the left
                                                z Check the trailer for any loose fasteners or
           forward side of the trailer. This label  is  re-
                                                  damaged parts.
           quired to show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
                                                z Check the tires for proper inflation.
           ing (GVWR), which is the load carrying
                                                z Check the wheel bearings and wheel lug
           capacity of the trailer plus the trailer’s weight.
                                                  nuts before each trip.
           Be sure that the total weight of your boat, any
                                                z Check the tail, brake, and turn signal lights
           cargo, and the trailer weight itself does not
                                                  for proper operation.
           exceed the GVWR.
           Hitch
           The trailer hitch ball must match the size of
           the socket on the trailer hitch coupler. Hitch-
           es are divided into classes that specify the
           Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and the maxi-
           mum tongue weight. Always use a hitch rated
           for the same or higher class. Use a bolted-on
           or welded-on hitch; clamp-on bumper hitch-
           es are not recommended. Be sure the trailer
           hitch’s release handle is latched with the lock
           pin installed before towing.

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