By Martin Banks
If you’re hauling a boat for the first time, getting from point A to point B can be challenging. Despite the obstacles, there are ways to make your trip easier. And there are a number of common mistakes that are easy to avoid. So, what should you know?
Here’s a guide to towing boats with ease.
Tips to Make Boat Towing Easier
How can you make towing easier each time you’re on the road?
1. Do a Pre-Trip Inspection
Before departing, inspect your boat and vehicle thoroughly to ensure they’re in tip-top shape. Make a checklist of the most pertinent factors that could affect your trip.
For example, your truck or SUV should have adequate tire pressure and tread depth before hitting the road. Experts say your tires’ psi should be 32-35, though it’s best to consult the owner’s manual.
2. Make Wide Turns
Hauling a boat doesn’t fundamentally change your vehicle and how it drives. However, there are some considerations you must include to have safe trips. For instance, your turns must be much wider because of your truck and boat’s extended length.
The last thing you want is to hit your neighbor’s mailbox or a fire hydrant. In this situation, your mirrors will be your best friend.
3. Evenly Distribute the Weight
Even weight distribution throughout the boat makes towing easier. Load your gear and spread the heaviest items around the vessel to prevent instability. If you don’t, your vehicle could have a tougher time hauling.
Test the weight on the front and back to inspect the distribution and adjust as necessary. You may need a stronger hitch for support.
4. Practice Towing
If you have not towed a boat before, you need practice to ensure smooth sailing. Boat ramps and narrow driveways can be difficult to navigate without preparation.
Head to an empty lot with your vehicle and vessel for a testing session. Practice backing up straight and making sharp turns to ease the transition. Adjusting your driving now pays off later.
5. Select the Correct Trailer Hitch
When towing a boat, you must ensure the hitch is the correct size. A proper hitch means braking and handling are more manageable on the road.
Selecting the best hitch for your vehicle starts with weighing your boat. If you have a standard vessel, consider a Class 3 hitch because of its 7,500-pound towing capacity and 750-pound maximum tongue weight.
Mistakes You Should Avoid for Boat Towing
Hauling boats presents challenges and can lead to mistakes. Here are five to avoid when towing a vessel.
1. Adding Too Much Weight
While even distribution is critical, you must ensure the weight isn’t too much for your car and hitch. If you exceed the recommended number, both will be hard to handle when driving.
This problem trickles into other aspects, such as your braking distance and tire wear. Stopping the vehicle is more difficult when it can’t support the weight.
2. Not Checking the Weather
Some factors are outside your control but require your attention. For example, bad weather could complicate hauling and cause a significant accident. Sunny days can still be dangerous if the wind gusts are powerful.
Check the weather before leaving because these conditions can reduce visibility and cause other problems. If travel is necessary, drive slowly and give other cars plenty of space.
3. Forgetting to Maintain
Towing a boat for the first time makes succeeding trips easier. However, future vacations could become more difficult if you forget to maintain each machine. Inspect the bearings and tires because you don’t want wear and tear to cause part failure. Watercraft need livewell and gelcoat maintenance after each trip.
4. Neglecting the Boat’s Movement
Cruising down the highway brings smooth sailing because of the straight path to your destination, but you shouldn’t neglect the boat’s movement on the road. An unstable boat could begin swaying and causing danger for other vehicles around you.
The problem could originate with the weight distribution or the tongue weight. Alternatively, you could have a worn suspension with shock issues.
5. Overlooking Local Laws
Your trip could face obstacles if you don’t follow the local laws. These regulations are even more important if you cross state lines, considering the variances. For example, all 50 states require working taillights and visible license plates, but only 42 mandate safety chains when towing.
Safely Towing a Boat to Your Destination
Safety comes first when towing a boat, so following all the rules is essential. Inspections before leaving and upon arrival go a long way to making your ride as smooth as possible. Make a checklist to ensure safe travels and be mindful of common mistakes others make.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
