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The following is a checklist of the important items you need to do every time you
move your boat. We have also included a few maintenance tips to reduce your chances of
breakdown on the trip.
BASIC CHECKLIST
~ Check engine and battery fluids. (Tow Vehicle and boat.)
~ Check rubber hoses, drain plugs, and belts for both motors. Test run the boat motor with
a flushette, looking for leaks.
~ Check for basic tools, extra fluids, and spare alternator belt and propeller.
~ Check your safety equipment for condition and expiration dates.
~ Tell a friend or neighbor, where you are going boating and when you'll be back.
TOWING CHECKLIST
~ Check tire pressures on the tow vehicle and trailer. Improperly inflated tires can cause
sway and tire failure. Don't forget the spare tire.
~ Make sure the wheel nuts an the tow vehicle and trailer are tight! Most require specific
tightening with a torque wrench (see your owners manual).
~ Check that the hull is snug with the bow stop and secured with a chain and tie
down. Do the same with the rear tie downs. Check winch, line, and tie downs for wear.
~ Be sure the coupler is secured and the hitch ball is the proper size. Insert a bolt or
locking device into the hole in the coupler latch, so it won't accidentally pop open. Some
model couplers have a hole on the side of the coupler near the hitch ball socket that is
intended for a padlock. Be sure to check that this lock won't get caught between the
coupler and the hitch. If it does, you may have to install a raised shank hitch ball.
~ Be sure the trailer jack is raised and locked in place.
~ Check that the wiring is properly hooked up and working an your vehicle and your
trailer. Don't assume that it is. Check that it won't get pinched between the coupler and
hitch when turning.
~ Be sure the safety chains are in place and won't pop off. Always go to the frame and not
the bumper.
~ Check the trailer brakes and safety chain if equipped. Some brakes systems have a
brake bypass lever that disables the brakes when backing up. Be sure it is in the proper
position for trailering.
~ All equipment inside the boat should be tied down or properly secured.
~ With the trailer hooked up ready to tow, make sure all mirrors are properly
adjusted.
BOAT CHECKLIST
~All safety equipment should be stowed in the boat. This includes all U S Coast Guard
(USCG) requirement's for PFDs, (life jackets) a throw-able floatation device, fire
extinguisher, whistle or horn, distress signals, and whatever other USCG and local
regulations require.
~ The engine and/or outdrive should be in the up position and secured.
~ If a boat cover is used when towing, it must be properly secured or it will blow off
while trailering. (Do Not trailer a boat with a cover that is not custom fitted for
trailering.)
Note: Try to use the following launch ramp
techniques and steps so as to make it easier and faster for everyone in line in front of
you and behind you.
At the Launch ramp parking lot:
~ Remove cover and stow in vehicle
~ Remove tie downs, but leave the bow winch rope and safety chain on
~ Remove motor support or trailering bracket.
~ Un-plug the trailer wiring from tow vehicle.
~ Get into the boat and check it over before you....
~ Check boat, bilge blower, bilge pumps, lights
~ Load your gear on the boat.
~ Set up your dock lines, fenders, and boat hook
~ Install the drain plug(s) in the hull.
At the ramp:
~ Recheck Drain plug(s).
~ If the boat is an I/O, turn on the engine room blower.
~ Back down the ramp far enough to allow engine cooling water to be picked up.
~ Put the tow vehicle in "Park", set the emergency brake, and block the rear
wheels of the tow vehicle. Never block the front wheels.
~ Lower the engine/outdrive, making sure that there isn't any contact with the ground.
~ Start the boats engine and warm it up.
~ If clearance permits, check shifting operation of the boat before releasing the winch
hook.
Time to go home
~ Back the trailer into the water but not too deep, a boat floating freely over a trailer
that is too deep will not load properly. Most boats load properly if the boat's bottom can
center itself in the bunks or rollers of the trailer, when the boat is about 1/3 to 1/2
the distance up the distance onto the trailer.
~ Pull or drive the boat slowly to the trailer, making sure that the boat's center keel
lines up with the center of the trailer or keel roller.
~ Use engine power and steering to keep the boat straight with the trailer before winching
or powering on.
Note: At some launch ramps, it is illegal to
power your boat onto the trailer. Be sure to ask before doing so.
~ Raise the engine
so the prop will not hit the ramp while winching and driving up the ramp.
~ When the boat slips into the bow stop and the winch hook is tighten, install the safety
chain.
Special Note: If your trailer doesn't have a safety
chain between the winch post and the bow eye of the boat, you run the risk of loosing your
boat on the launch ramp, if the winch or winch rope breaks.
~ Finish tying it down and secure it for the road as far away from the ramp as possible.
~ Remove the drain plug.
~ Wash off the trailer and boat as soon as possible. If you run in salt water be sure to
flush the motor.
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