With spring right around the corner the number of people buying new boats is on the rise. For many, this may be your first boat and for others it may be a step up to a larger boat. Excitement is in the air and we are all ready to get our new rigs to the water and put them to good use. It is important to remember a few important tips before you pull that new boat to the ramp for your maiden voyage.
All boats are created differently. Towing a boat is not like riding a bike. Thinking that once you have trailered one boat you can trailer them all is just not practical. Boats are different lengths, different weights, and all ride differently on their trailers. It is always best to find out just how your vehicle and your new boat work together on an area where the traffic is not heavy and allow your self time to understand things such as turning radius, stopping ability, and how your vehicle and trailer act together at different speeds.
Make sure your boat and trailer and compatible. If you purchase your boat and trailer from the same dealer they should be properly suited for one another, but if you purchase your trailer separately you should have someone qualified make sure the trailer is adjusted properly for the boat. Too much tongue weight can cause the trailer and the rear end of your vehicle to drag the ground. This can cause damage to your trailer and your vehicle. Too much weight on the rear of the trailer can cause the trailer to raise the rear end of your vehicle and cause the trailer to fishtail at towing speeds. I have seen this happen on the interstate and the trailer ended up lifting the rear end of the vehicle off of the ground. Luckily the driver was able to bring it back under control and slow down to the side of the road without injuring himself or anyone around them.
All vehicles are not created equally. All vehicles are not designed for towing and just because your vehicle can pull your boat it does not mean that it can stop your boat or that your vehicle will not be damage