Avoid Trailer Troubles

May 26, 2023

Earlier this week dispatch received a call for a sinking 20’ power boat. After the crew launched the boat, they realized that they had forgotten to put the plug back in but not quickly enough to keep the engine from getting wet and shutting down. Our dispatch talked them through the emergency, the tow boat arrived in record time, and we towed them safely back to the ramp. That’s when it hit me that a “Trailering Refresher” might be helpful.

Before trailering your boat inspect the hitch, chains, and electrical connections. Do the “walk-around” and make sure the brake and signal lights are operating. Check to make sure your tires, and your spare, are properly inflated and still in good condition. Check that the boat is properly supported, and all bow/stern tie downs are in place. Your engine should be trimmed up for travel. And, before you hit the road, make sure the plug is back in and seated properly.

Once at the ramp parking lot and before you back down the ramp, remove the straps, disconnect the electrical, and double check the plug. While still in the parking lot, load your gear and decide whether you want a crew member on board. This is the time to raise the antenna and bimini top, find your keys and kill switch lanyard, turn on your batteries, and get out fenders and dock lines if you need them. Don’t be that person who blocks others at the ramp because you are not prepared.

Once all the above has been taken care of, you are ready to back down the ramp. When the boat is halfway in the water, pause to remove the hitch safety chain and the winch strap, and then back down until the boat transom floats. The crew member on board can lower the engine and manage the dock lines with the rest of your crew while you park the truck and trailer.

Most of you know about our on the water towing membership but did you know that BoatUS offers a Trailer Assist membership that helps you out when you are on the road? It’s just an extra $15 a year and provides up to 100 miles of towing for both vehicle and boat trailer along with other roadside assistance benefits. If you are headed out on your boat be prepared with BoatU.S. Trailer Assist for on the road and TowBoatU.S. for on the water. As always, happy to help.