4 Tips for Trailering your Boat
There is nothing more exciting than purchasing a boat. It is our gateway to the sea! Now it’s time to actually get it in there. For first time sailors, getting your boat trailed just perfectly seems difficult, but it’s all just a matter of technique. Read this short guide and you’ll be getting your boat in and out of the water in no time at all!
1. Boat Goes first into the water— not the truck!
This can have some hilarious/disastrous results if done the wrong way. Even if you are going into shallow water and you have a truck with about ten feet of clearance underneath, it doesn’t matter, your boat should be entering the water first, not your truck! This is because you need to angle the trailer so the boat slides into the water just right.
2. Make Sure the blinkers are set up correctly
This is an essential step that many newcomers forget. Your blinkers help you guide the boat in and out and the water so you need to make sure you set them up properly. It’s actually quite easy to do and you can even test them before you hit the road.
3. Practice Backing Up
It’s all in the backup. Even with a boat, this can be tricky as you are working on an angle. What you want to be able to do is smoothly deposit the boat into the water so it’s all about staying straight and steady. Each trailer is different and it may sound silly, but set up a few cones on an empty street and practice your skills a little. When it comes time to hit the water, you’ll be more than ready.
4. Tie the Chain correctly
This is actually one of the trickier aspects. If you are new to boat trailering than you probably haven’t mastered all the knots associated with boating. And, of course, there are few that are more important than tying the chain correctly. Again, this is another you can practice at home before you get ready for the real thing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
Once you finally get down to the marina, it can get a little daunting. But all boat owners and captains have been there and many are more than willing to lend a helping hand. If you are bringing along some friends who don’t have much nautical expertise then ask a few people just to watch out for you while you do it. They can give you those extra little pointers that only experience can teach you!
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