Trailering & Towing Your Boat

Summer is here and it’s time to hit the water in your boat for some fun and relaxation! Just make sure you’re ready for the logistics of getting your boat to the water. Unfortunately not everyone can live directly on the water, but hitching and towing a boat can be difficult for those without experience. Knowing how to use your boat trailer is an important step in mastering the craft! At Mark’s Leisure Time Marine, we understand the worry and anxiety that can come when prepping for your first season towing a boat. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide to help our customers worry less and have more time for waterborne fun! Read on for more information or head into one of our locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York. We also serve Rochester, Syracuse, and all of New York state.

Follow Government Weight Restrictions

The most basic requirement for towing a trailer of any kind is to make sure you’re aware of weight restrictions. There’s always a limit to how much you can load onto any vehicle for it to continue functioning, but there are also legal limits designed to protect you and other motorists should something go wrong. Your vehicle manufacturer sets the gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which includes the weight of the tow vehicle, the towed item, all cargo, and passengers. If you have a smaller boat, you’ll probably have more options as far as tow vehicles go. The bigger the boat, though, the higher the GCWR will need to be.

Hitching and Safety Check

Once you’ve figured out whether your tow vehicle is up to snuff when it comes to towing ability, you’ll be able to do the actual hitching. Start by setting the ball joint so it’s lower than the hitch. Set your tow vehicle in reverse and back up until the hitch and joint are right on top of each other. Then lower the hitch until the joint locks into place. There should be a pin or clasp to secure things, as well as safety chains that should be crossed and attached under the hitch. This is also the time to connect any electrical wiring from the trailer to your tow vehicle. Once you’ve got things hooked up, perform a final check to make sure everything is working (trailer brakes and lights) and your cargo is secured.

Safe Driving with a Trailer

Hooking up your boat trailer is only half the battle. Now it’s time for the real test: driving alongside other motorists! On the road, the extra weight and length added to your vehicle by the trailer will affect how you drive. Slowing down or speeding up and changing lanes will take more time, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of extra space to make lane changes. Give the vehicle in front of your plenty of room, and don’t get upset when other drivers try to pass!

Reversing, turning, and parking will all be more challenging when you’re towing a boat trailer behind you. The best way to become more confident in these areas is to practice. Find a big, empty parking lot and figure out how your rig handles so you can be ready to go when the time is right.

A great way to make driving while towing easier is to remove unhelpful distractions. Navigation, music, and any climate control concerns are best handled beforehand or by a co-pilot so you can focus on your hauling. Pull over and give yourself a break if you need food and water or a restroom break. And of course, stow your phone where it won’t draw your attention away from the road!

Hitching and hauling a boat may seem intimidating at first, especially considering the value of the cargo, but with a little practice and experience you’ll be a pro in no time and well on your way to some of the best times of the summer. If you still have questions about towing your boat, or you’re just interested in checking out some great new and used boats for yourself, head into Mark’s Leisure Time Marine in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York, where we proudly serve Rochester, Syracuse, and all of New York state. Come in today and speak with our team of courteous professionals who are more than eager to answer all your questions and show you the true meaning of customer satisfaction.