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Towing a boat can be a dangerous and potentially deadly. Although it can be dangerous, adhering to proper practices and techniques will ensure the safety of you, the passengers in your car and the other road users around you. Have a read of these 6 safety tips and be safe next time you tow your boat.
1) Boats are both large and heavy. When towing remember to accelerate slowly and to break softly. Take corners as slow as possible to prevent the boat from rolling off the rollers. 2) If traveling long distances, use snatch straps to secure down your boat. The straps will prevent the boat from bouncing up and down and causing damage to your boats hull. 3) If you have an outboard motor, secure it down so it does not get damaged during transport. You can place a wooden block underneath the engine mount to stop the outboard from bouncing up and down. 4) Check the wheel hubs regularly during long trips. You can check your hubs by feeling the temperature in the middle of your wheel (on the inside of the wheel nuts). If it gets hot you should consider replacing your bearings. 5) If undertaking a long drive consider tightening straps and the winch after a few miles down the road. The boat will naturally bounce around and find it's own place on the trailer so it is important to re-tighten once the boat has found it's spot. 6) Be sure to tie down any loose objects inside the boat. Anything that could blow off the back most likely will so ensure everything is secured. Boating safety is important and starts even before the boat is in the water. Always remember to practice and encourage safe boating. |
