Safe Boat Trailering Sept 2003

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Safe Boat Trailering
Sept 2003

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If experience is the best teacher, I should be an expert on trailering. Though I don’t trailer often, on this last trip alone (2500 mile trip) I blew out three tires, burned up bearings, lost my lights twice, and launched the boat without its drain plug! Trailer lights are a real nuisance. How anyone can call those tail-light boxes with open bottoms “waterproof” is beyond me. Salt water of course wreaks havoc on all the connections. I’ve recently gone to the new LED type lights which are entirely sealed and waterproof. Solder connections are best, but good crimps are acceptable. Waterproof the connection by using sealant – or better yet use a hot glue gun to embed the connection in a watertight glob. I learned the hard way a long time ago not to tow with a boat cover on – didn’t know any better and it of course shredded and tore up the instrument console and antennas. Check all tie downs. I’ve made it a habit now to check the temperature of the bearings at the wheel hubs at each and every stop we make. This can save the axle spindle from being burned up (did that once too), after you’ve first burned the bearings. The bearing buddies work best – especially down here in salt water. Springs keep a reservoir of grease under slight pressure so it constantly feeds the bearings and keeps water out. Check those often to see if they need topped. Check the tires at the same time – physical appearance, pressure, and touch them to check for temperature. If you blow a tire do not put on the brakes. Ease the car over to the side while it pulls you down to a slow speed. Needless to say you should ensure that the drain plug is installed before you launch the boat – gets embarrassing otherwise. Let the trailer set for a while before launching so the bearings are not hot when backing into water. We are very careful when we back down the ramp to launch. I make everyone (most especially kids) get out of the car in case it would sink. Someone watches the underwater ledge so that I don’t back the trailer tires over it. Disconnect the light wiring harness. Ramps get slippery with algae so be careful. I always take water shoes. I also take a block for a front car tire and ensure that the parking brake is firmly set and gear in park. When pulling the boat I start slowly and use low gear to avoid slipping. I hope you can learn from my many mistakes with trailers (and hope the same for myself!).

P/C Gregory Absten