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SportsBoat_F4X13.book Page 121 Friday, May 21, 2021 4:49 PM

Trailering

Trailering the boat completely from the towing vehicle if it acci-
dentally comes loose from the hitch ball.
WARNING
Crisscross the chains under the trailer tongue
Avoid accident and injury from improper so the tongue will not hit the road surface if it
trailering: falls loose. Rig the chains as tightly as possi-
 The trailer must be matched for the ble while allowing just enough slack to permit
boat’s weight and hull. tight turns.
 The towing vehicle must have the ca- Be sure the tongue weight (vertical weight on
pacity of pulling the load. Pulling a load the hitch point) is correct. Generally, 5% to
that exceeds the towing capacity may 10% of the combined weight of the boat and
cause loss of control. trailer should be on the tongue. Too much or
 Be sure the boat is secured to the trailer too little weight can cause difficult steering or
and the trailer is properly hitched to the trailer swaying.
towing vehicle before towing.
 Read the manuals supplied with the Trailering checklist
trailer by the manufacturer.  Check your state laws to be sure your trail-
er meets all regulations, such as proper li-
A trailer is not provided as standard equip-
censing, brake, axle load, and safety chain
ment with your boat. If you need to purchase
requirements.
trailer, choose one that is manufactured to
 Check the trailer for any loose fasteners or
carry a boat of the size and weight of your
damaged parts.
boat. Check the certification label on the trail-
 Check the tires for proper inflation.
er. This label is required to show the Gross
 Check the wheel bearings and wheel lug
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the
nuts before each trip.
load carrying capacity of the trailer plus the
 Check the tail, brake, and turn signal lights
trailer’s weight. Be sure that the total weight
for proper operation.
of your boat, any cargo, and the trailer weight
itself does not 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.
Use safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer so the trailer will not detach

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