Top Tips for Boat Trailer Safety
There are many reasons to love the sport of boating – it can be relaxing, exciting, entertaining and even rejuvenating. But hauling a boat on a trailer and launching it at the busy launch ramp can have its challenges. In fact, it can be downright stressful and dangerous and is often wrought with mishaps.
It’s not too early to start getting your boat trailer in tip-top shape. To help make sure you can haul your boat to its destination and into the water smoothly, check out this basic trailering checklist from discoverboating.com.
Before you tow your boat trailer, be sure:
- Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size
- Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to the hitch of the tow vehicle
- All fasteners are properly tightened
- Boat is securely tied down to trailer (winch line is not a tie down)
- Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened
- Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained
- Load is within maximum load carrying capacity
- Tires are properly inflated
- All trailer lighting is working properly
- Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working (if trailer is so equipped)
- Brakes and additional equipment meet all local and state requirements
At Cowart Insurance, we want your boating adventures to be enjoyed on the water instead of experienced with frustration on the boat ramp or on the road.
Happy hauling!
Insurance side bar:
- Before you’re out there towing and floating, take a look at your current boat and trailer insurance policies. Check with your agent to be sure your coverage is adequate and that your policies are up to date and renewed.
- Upgraded your boat or trailer recently? If so, talk to your insurance agent about your coverage and limits to be certain your coverage is sufficient.
- Be sure both your boat and trailer policy liability limits are adequate. Just one accident involving a boat can result in extensive damage and serious injuries.
Disclaimer: Statements on this site as to policies and coverages provide general information only. Please contact our office at (770) 339-0447 to discuss specific coverage details and your insurance needs. All coverages are subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the actual policy issued. Not all policies or coverages are available in every state. Information provided on this site does not constitute professional advice: if you have legal, tax, or financial planning questions, you should contact an appropriate professional. Any hypertext links to other sites are provided as a convenience only; we have no control over these sites and do not endorse or guarantee any information provided by these sites.