BOATING SAFETY STARTS AT HOME

By Sr. Agent Jerry Stassi

Most people think that boating safety starts when the boat is put into the water, but actually boating safety starts the moment that you hook up to the trailer of your boat.  So, here are some helpful hints to have a worry free boating year.

The first thing you should look at when towing your boat is tongue weight.  Too much tongue weight will cause “tail dragging” of the vehicle, which often impairs steering.  This also causes the headlights to raise up into the eyes of oncoming traffic.  Not enough tongue weight will often cause the trailer to sway or “fishtail”.  The solution to this is to have approximately five to seven percent of the total trailer weight on the hitch.

Next, you should check your coupling and safety chains.  Make sure that your coupling matches the ball on your towing vehicle and your trailer is equipped with two safety chains that are hooked in the form of an “X” to the towing vehicle.  This will create a cradle for the tongue of the trailer if it happens to become loose.

Often tires, wheels and bearings are overlooked.  We recommend that the bearing be repacked at least once a year.  Tires on boat trailers often do not show wear in the treads like a car because they are not being used as much.  For this reason, you should check the sidewalls of your trailer tires for cracking and dry rot, also the wheels should be checked for cracks or dents.

Keep in mind when towing your trailer with your vehicle, it will reduce acceleration and it will increase stopping distance.  With this is mind you should allow more room when overtaking another vehicle and try to avoid sudden stops.

These are just a few helpful hints to get you started on your boating adventure.  For more hints, laws and regulations, you can attend one of our Department sponsored Boating Safety Classes.