Tips for Towing Your Boat

If you own a boat, you will inevitably need to tow it for various occasions. Maybe you are taking it in or out of storage. Maybe you are taking it to a dealership for routine servicing. Maybe you are taking it to a new waterway outside of town.

Whatever the situation, use the below tips to help make towing a boat easier.

Know Your Tow Vehicle's Limits

Your tow vehicle can only safely and legally handle so much weight. This limit is known as the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The combined weight of your boat, your boat trailer, and the passengers in your vehicle will need to be less than the GCWR.

Know the Boat Trailer Hitching Process

You'll want to look up the manufacturer's instructions for the exact step-by-step walkthrough of the trailer hitching process.

But generally, you will position the ball joint lower than the hitch, reverse your tow vehicle until the hitch and joint are on top of each other, lower the hitch, and lock the joint in place. Then, secure things with the pin or clasp as well as safety chains attached under the hitch. If applicable, connect any electrical wiring from the trailer to the tow vehicle. Double check that everything is secure and test the trailer brakes and lights.

Practice, Practice, Practice

When your tow vehicle is hauling your boat and the trailer, it will be impacted by all of that extra weight. You will need more time to bring the vehicle to a stop, more space when you change lanes, and so on.

It's wise to dedicate time to practice driving your vehicle with your trailer and boat attached. Find an empty parking lot or a low traffic neighborhood and get a feel for the way your tow vehicle is impacted.

Are you in the market for a boat? Check out the selection at Thayer's Marine. Our dealership is based in Norwich, Connecticut, and we also serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.