First and foremost, select the right trailer for your boat. A boat hull is designed to be evenly supported across the entire area by water. More damage may occur to your boat by the stresses of road travel on a trailer than by normal operation. Select a trailer that will structurally support your boat and evenly distribute the weight of the hull, engine (transom) and equipment. It should be long enough to support the length of the boat and have the proper weight capacity.

• Inspect rollers and bolsters/bunks and keep in good condition to prevent marking or gouging the hull.
  
• Tie downs and supports should be adjusted to provide a secure non-bouncing ride for your boat.
  
• The tow vehicle must be capable of handling the combined weight of the boat, motor, trailer and equipment as well as the weight of the passengers and equipment inside the vehicle.
  
• Adequate engine power
  
• Transmission cooler
  
• Adequate braking equipment
  
• Frame mounted hitch

Check the following before heading down the highway:

• Tow ball and coupler meet the load rating and are of the same size
• Coupler latch is locked
• Safety chains are attached criss crossing under the trailer tongue
• Inspect tires, brakes and wheel bearings; check lug nuts tight
• Check for the proper operation of running lights
• Check tiedowns and secure any loose items in your boat

Towing precautions and tips

• Allow more time to accelerate, brake, pass and stopÂ… Adjust your speed.  
  
• Allow a greater distance when turning for the increased turning radius. Curbs, roadside poles and other structures must be given extra room to provide adequate clearance when turning.

Handling tips

• Steering when backing up Ââ€" Holding you hand and grasping the bottom of the steering wheel, if you want the trailer to go left, move your hand and the bottom of the wheel to the left. if you want the trailer to go right, move your hand and the bottom of the wheel to the right.
  
• Too much trailer weight on the hitch will cause the tow vehicles rear wheels to drag and make steering difficult.
  
• Too much weight on the rear of the trailer will cause the trailer to" fishtail" and reduce traction of the tow vehicles rear wheels.