How do you keep the weight evenly distributed on a trailered boat? Tie down all loose items and equipment in and on your boat . When attaching the trailer to the towing vehicle, make sure to crisscross your chains under the frame. The chains must be able to support the weight of the entire load.
How do you balance a boat trailer?
When you tow a boat trailer – or any trailer for that matter – the trailer needs to be as level as possible before you take off for your destination . This is because the weight needs to be evenly distributed across the trailer axles to allow for proper handling and tracking.
What percentage of the gross trailer weight should be placed on the tongue of a boat trailer?
Subtract the axle weight from the total trailer weight to determine your trailer’s hitch weight. A general rule of thumb is that 20 to 25% of the total weight of a trailer plus its cargo should be placed on the tongue of the trailer.
When launching your boat when should you start intestine engine?
If you anticipate any kind of engine problems, it’s a good idea to start the engine and let it warm up while your boat is still attached to the winch line , and before reversing the boat off of the trailer. If your engine doesn’t start, it’s a lot easier to retrieve your boat if it is still on the trailer.
What is a critical step to take before launching your boat?
PREPARING FOR LAUNCH Find a quiet spot in the parking lot away from the launch lane traffic. Some ramps provide lanes to “prep” the boat for the water (“make ready” area). Remove all tie-downs except the winch hook attached to the bow eye of the boat. Remove any outboard or stern-drive tie-downs or supports.
What happens to boat trailers with too little tongue weight?
Every trailer owner needs to know the weight of the trailer tongue on the hitch. Too little tongue weight leads to swaying and fish-tailing at highway speeds . Too much and the tow vehicle can become difficult to steer. Your tongue weight should be 7-10 percent of the total trailer weight.
How do you balance a trailer for towing?
Heavier items should be loaded in the front , with lighter, smaller items placed near the rear. If you are towing a closed trailer, the lighter, smaller items should be placed near the top of the trailer in the rear. For an open trailer, smaller items shouldn’t be loaded above the height of the sides of the trailer box.
Why should a boat gas tank never be full?
It’s important to never fill the tank of your boat beyond 90% full . This leaves room for gas to expand and avoids the potential for overflow. Ensure that all air vents and valves to the gas tank are open.
How far should you back a boat trailer into the water?
It should be just about as deep as it was when taking the boat off, and in most cases, about two-thirds of the trailer will be submerged while one-third remains out of the water. Don’t submerge the trailer too deep, or the bow of the boat may float over the bunks and go off to the side.
How often should oil be changed on a boat engine?
Frequency. Most engine manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 50-100 hours (check your owner’s manual for your engine’s exact interval requirements).
Should you disconnect trailer lights before launching boat?
Unplug the Lights? Unplugging the trailer lights prior to backing down the ramp has been one of the great debates among trailer boaters for years. ... So if incandescent , then unplug the lights – but remember to plug them back in when leaving the boat ramp. If LED keep them plugged in.
Do I need to change my boat oil every year?
There is no hard-and-fast rule for oil changes in boats. Just like cars, it can vary from one boat to another. Most manufacturers recommend you change your boat’s oil every 50 to 100 hours of operation. Sometimes this is translated to once every year, whichever comes first.
What does a red light at the lock mean boat?
If the light is flashing red, this tells you to keep away from the river lock and don’t attempt to enter . You should leave lots of room for the boats to exit before you can start your entry on the signal of an amber light.
How do you distribute weight on a trailer?
Heavier items should be loaded in the front , with lighter, smaller items placed near the rear. If you are towing a closed trailer, the lighter, smaller items should be placed near the top of the trailer in the rear. For an open trailer, smaller items shouldn’t be loaded above the height of the sides of the trailer box.
How do I reduce the tongue weight of my trailer?
If you need to reduce tongue weight, move the weight further back on the trailer . Once you have your proper balance, ensure the load is also evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the trailer, and secure it to prevent it from sliding while in motion.
How do you reduce tongue weight on a boat trailer?
The easiest way to correct tongue weight is by shifting weight inside the boat if at all possible. More weight in the stern equals less weight at the tongue. Full aft fuel tanks make a difference in tongue weight. If you have too much tongue weight, then putting the boat on the trailer further back does the same thing.
