Towing & Trailering

Trailering can add new dimensions to the sense of freedom that comes with boating-and that’s one of the reason’s it is so popular. With a trailerable boat you’re free to boat just about anywhere—lakes, rivers, bays or inlets. Trailering is a great way to exlplore different waterways in your state or region. Using a boat trailer is also the most affordable way to store a boat. Our boating safety tips can help you learn all about towing and boat trailer maintenance.

Look for Certified Trailers

The National Marine Manufacturers Association has developed a trailer certification program to help boat trailer manufacturers comply with established industry standards and federal safety regulations and to help inform the public of such compliance when purchasing trailers.  Trailers are certified in the areas of identification plates, capacity ratings, couplings, safety chains, lighting, winches, brakes, registration procedures, and conspicuity systems.

Inspectors visit the manufacturer and physically inspect each boat trailer for compliance to all certification standards.

A manufacturer participating in this program must certify all models as fitted with factory supplied equipment on a model year basis.

Getting Started

If you’ve never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider.  First is the towing capacity of your car, truck, RV or SUV.  You can find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Generally small family sedans are not suitable for towing, although a small, aluminum fishing boat may not present a problem, provided you have appropriate towing equipment installed on the car.  Most standard pick-up trucks and SUV’s can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but again, consult your vehicle owner’s manual for limitations.

Weighing In

Your boat owner’s manual will list the “dry-weight” of your boat.  That’s the weight of your boat, less fuel and gear.  Make sure when you’re assessing your vehicle’s towing capacity; you add several hundred pounds to the dry weight of the boat to account for those extras.

Muscle Power

As the weight, length and width (beam) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it.  A small boat may be easy for one person to handle at the ramp, but larger boats, generally more than 25 feet, may require additional hands. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if your need it.  Trailer boaters are always happy to help.

Consult Your State Laws

Towing laws vary somewhat from state to state an are often based on weight and beam.

Boat Trailer Maintenance

Trailer hubs and lights get dunked twice every time you go boating.  You need to pamper them as would your boat- this is an essential element of boat trailer maintenance. Do an occasional inspection by popping off the cap with a screwdriver.  If the bearings are dry, add grease.  It’s simple.  Conduct routine maintenance by having a friend or family member occasionally stand behind your trailer and make sure the brake lights, taillights and turn signals are in good working order.  As with your boat, a thorough freshwater wash down of your trailer after each use will extend the life of your hubs and lights.  It’s also a great boat maintenance idea to invest in a spare wheel-just in case.