How to Tow a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Tow A Boat:

Boating is an essential part of some people’s summer activities. While some individuals prefer to store their boat at a marina, don’t allow your concern about towing prevent you from exploring other choices. Learning how tow a boat brings you a range of opportunity, from switching up your coastal routes to exploring distant fishing sites.

Towing a boat is not difficult, but safety should always be the first priority. Never fear, Cape Coral Towing and Recovery is here to help you.

Here’s a few boat towing tips and steps that will help you understand on how to tow a boat.

How To Tow A Boat

Towing a boat is a skill that can be learned with practice and preparation. It can be challenging for even the experienced boat owner, so if you’re new at the game don’t worry just follow these tips from Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc.

Pre-tow safety inspection

1. The first step in preparing to tow your boat is to ensure Ensure that your trailer hitch can handle your trailer’s weight — a tiny vehicle may not be able to bear the load securely. Your “owner’s handbook” will state the maximum tongue weight it can safely support.
2. You must check the trailer’s tire pressure and that all lights operate. Also, ensure that you have the appropriate trailer, hitch, and safety chains for the task.
3. Your trailer, should come with a capacity plate. Before you hit the road, double-check the license plate to ensure that your trailer can handle not just the weight of your boat, but also the engine, gasoline, and any other gear you’re transporting.
4. Pay close attention to the tongue weight shown on the capacity plate. A tongue that is too heavy will make steering difficult, while a tongue that is too light may cause the boat to fishtail.
5. Finally, match the trailer type with the appropriate hitch. The coupler should never be any smaller than the ball hitch. Before leaving the driveway, always double-check that the hitch and ball are securely fastened.

Match the trailer class to the appropriate hitch.

Ensure that your trailer has the capacity to transport your boat and engine, as well as gasoline and additional equipment.

1. Check the Gross Axle Weight Rating and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your towing vehicle and trailer to see whether they are suitable of securely towing your boat. These ratings are included with your trailer and vehicle, and may be found in the owner’s manuals. It is critical that you never exceed 80% of the permissible weight limitations for your vehicle or trailer.
2. When purchasing a trailer or towing vehicle, always contact the dealer to ensure that you are purchasing the correct trailer and vehicle for your towing requirements.

Towing a Boat: Final Preparation

Here are the last steps before hitting the road with your trailered boat.

1. Put your boat on the trailer and arrange the gasoline and gear equally. Uneven loads may create instability on land as well. It also complicates steering and maneuvering.
2. Secure any loose things in and on your boat.
3. Make sure to crisscross your chains under the trailer’s frame while towing. The chains must sustain the full load. This is vital in case the hitch fails.
4. Ensure that the trailer brake and directional lights operate. So other drivers know when you’re braking or turning.
5. Check the tire pressure and lug nuts.
6. Adjust your side mirrors to see the trailer and any vehicles behind you.
7. Turn and back up with the trailer. It takes practice to become proficient and confident in these techniques.
8. Finally, use extra straps to secure the boat to the trailer.

Road Handling and Wide Turn

• When driving with a heavy load, such as a boat and trailer, you must use extreme caution.
• The weight will make your car less responsive, so slow down and allow vehicles in front of you more space. This will allow you more time to move and respond if necessary.
• Always keep in mind that you have another car connected behind you. That means you must take turns at slower speeds and at wider angles to ensure the safety of your trailer.

Boat Towing Steps

1. Prepare Your Tow Vehicle

The first step is to ensure that your vehicle is capable of towing your boat and trailer. Check the owner’s manual for the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the weight limit for the combined vehicle, loaded trailer, and people and gear in the vehicle. A truck stop scale, or a professional scale, will determine the precise weight of your boat and trailer. Also, ensure that your trailer hitch is rated for the combined weight of the boat and trailer.

2. Pre-trip Trailering Checklist

Your car should be in excellent working condition. Examine the tire pressure and the overall condition of the tires. Before the boat-towing season starts, get the brakes inspected. Towing instructions, such as overriding the gearbox overdrive, may be found in the owner’s manual.

• Before each journey, check the air pressure in the trailer tires. Low air pressure is a major cause of trailer tire blow-outs, particularly early in the season when the trailer may have been parked for an extended period of time.
• Check the trailer lights before leaving, and keep an eye on them during the journey.
• Check that the boat is fastened at both the bow eye and the transom using tie-downs.
• Inspect your trailer brakes before the towing season or on an annual basis, and maintain the wheel bearings properly oiled.
• Check the boat for any loose gear that might blow out at highway speeds.
• Make sure you have everything you’ll need for a day on the lake loaded and ready to go.

3. Removing Your Boat from the Trailer

You’ve arrived at the launch ramp and are eager to go out on the water. Examine the launch ramp region and devise a strategy for backing down and launching. Prepare your boat, your equipment, and your crew. Launch the boat and park your car and trailer in a designated location.

4. Returning Your Boat to the Trailer

Are you ready to pack your belongings for the trip back home? As you approach the launch ramp area, take note of the traffic flow to the ramp. Good manners is always appreciated, and “glow with the flow” allows everyone to launch and load more effectively. Drop off your driver at the dock, or tie up and back down the ramp while the car is being readied. Before backing down, give your crew instructions on how to assist, and then load your boat.

5. Check Your Checklist Again

Ensure that the trailer hitch is secure and that the boat tie-downs are snug and secure before you hit the road. Check that the trailer lights are working and that all of the tires are in excellent condition. Remove any weeds or marine vegetation from the boat or trailer, and clean out bait and live wells in accordance with local regulations – such steps prevent invasive species from spreading. Check the boat for any loose things that might fly out at highway speeds. Your driver should also be in excellent condition—sober and well-rested.

6. Remove the Trailer from the Tow Vehicle

Before detaching the trailer from your car, chock the wheels. To avoid mildew, remove wet gear from storage compartments and remove trash or food that may attract mice or other critters. Raise the bow of the boat so any rainwater in the bilge flows to the bilge pump or drain plug.

Why Choose Cape Coral Towing & Recovery?

When you need a service that will help you get off the side of the road, it’s best to contact a reliable towing company that can respond to your call. Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. meets all the standards that are required for the best towing service in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, and anywhere in Southwest Florida. Whether you need a tow, a jumpstart, a change of tires, or a fuel refill, you can count on us.

• Fast and Reliable Towing Services
• More than 25 years of experience
• Emergency Towing Services
• Family-owned and operated towing company

We are just a phone call away to come to your aid and assist you. Visit our website for more details. You can call us at (239) 458-3333 or send us a service request online.