Launching

• Your boat should be fastened to the trailer by a line from the bow eye to the winch line PLUS a safety chain from the winch stand to the bow eye. The stern of your boat should be tied down to the trailer from the stern eyes. • Check that the taillights and turning signals work prior to towing. • Too much or too little tongue weight will cause difficult steering and will make tow vehicle sway. Arough rule of thumb is 5% to 10% of boat and trailer weight on the tongue. • Convertible tops are not designed to stay on boats at highway speeds. Before towing, take down the convertible top, side curtains, and back cover. • Carry a spare tire for both your trailer and your towing vehicle along with sufficient tools to change them. • Consult the engine operator’s manual for engine related trailering precautions. • On extended trips, carry spare wheel bearings, seals, and races. • While traveling, check the wheel hubs every time you stop to rest or refuel. If the hub feels abnormally hot, the bearing should be inspected before continuing your trip. • When rounding turns on highways or streets, do not cut corners. Also, go slow over railroad tracks. • Never trailer your boat with the motor in the fully tilted (up) position. This will cause severe stress to the transom. If there is insufficient ground clearance, use a weight transfer bar that holds the motor up and distributes the motor weight to the trailer. Outboard motors should also be tied in place so they will not tilt or turn due to road shock. Continuous road shock may fatigue the boat steering system. • Before backing your trailer into water, disconnect the light plug from the towing vehicle to reduce the likelihood of blowing out lights when they become submerged.

Before launching your boat, stay to one side and watch a couple of launchings to notice any problems on the ramp and the effects of the wind and current on launching. It is a common courtesy to prepare the boat for launching away from the ramp especially during busy periods. Perform the pre-launch sequence as follows: 1.Remove the boat cover, if equipped. 2.Check that bilge drain plug is in place. 3.Remove aft trailering tie-downs from the boat. 4.Attach the bow and stern docking lines and fenders if necessary. 5.Disconnect the trailer lights from the towing vehicle.