Ready to Roll

Trailering your boat to destinations you may not be able to get to by water is exciting, but it can also be stressful. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the trip a peaceful and memorable experience.

If you’re new to trailering your boat, start by learning the basics. You may not realize there’s more to trailering your boat than knowing how to hook up the trailer and back it down the ramp.

For those that regularly trailer your boats, it’s always good to review this quick checklist that not only references what to check on the trailer before you hit the road, but also offers great reminders on what to do before you launch and load your boat at the ramp.

Before you head to the ramp:

• Ensure your battery is in good working order and your engine will turn over
• Install the drain plug
• Remove any canvas covers
• Secure cushions and front and side curtains
• Load up any heavier items that won’t fly away while driving down the road (example: coolers and tackle boxes)

Once you’re at the ramp, others launching their boats will appreciate you taking the following steps before blocking the ramp:

• Find a place where you can pull off and prepare your boat for launching
• Disconnect the bow safety chain and transom straps
• Turn on the battery
• Get out dock lines and fenders and attach them to the side of the boat that you’ll be accessing
• Unload items from the car that you could not load at home (fishing gear, tow toys, rafts, etc.)

After launching the boat:

• If you have people that need to board, tie your boat off in an area that allows others to access the ramp and launch their boats.
• It’s always great to see friends heading out on the water too, but save your conversations for after you’re out of the way of other boaters accessing the ramp.
• Be sure to park your vehicle and trailer in an area designated for that purpose. If any of your passengers came in another vehicle be sure they don’t park in the spaces designated for towing vehicles with attached trailers.

Keep your trailer in good working order with this pre-trip departure list.

The off-season not only provides a good time to check out and perform regular maintenance on your boat trailer, but it’s also a good time to teach loved ones how to trailer the boat. Your fishing partner, spouse, or children that are of driving age can help you more at the boat ramp if they know the ins and outs of trailering. This takes some patience but will be well worth it the next time you’re at a busy ramp and don’t have to do everything by yourself.