Improper towing can result in personal injury
and equipment damage. Familiarize yourself
with proper towing procedures before taking
your boat out on the road.
Improper trailering is a major cause of hull dam-
age. Your boat’s warranty does not cover this
type of damage. Have your dealer assist you
when selecting the appropriate trailer for your
boat.
IMPORTANT: The published weight is the dry
weight of your boat. Dry weight does not include
the weights of outboard motors, batteries, gaso-
line, any optional items, gear or trailers. The
weight of these items must be added to the dry
weight to determine the proper trailer GVWR
needed. On boats equipped with stern drive
engines, the dry weight includes the weight of
the standard engine. If your boat is equipped
with a larger than standard engine, you must
allow for this added weight.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
If your boat does not come with a trailer pack-
age, selection of a trailer is extremely
important. Your trailer should be able to accom-
modate the weight of the boat, engine, full fuel
tank and any other equipment that will normally
be carried. Check the certification label on the
frame of the trailer for the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The total weight of your boat,
engine, fuel, gear and trailer should not exceed
the GVWR.
IMPORTANT: The side supports should only be
tight enough to keep the boat from leaning side
to side. Any unnecessary pressure may damage
the hull.
Always use bow and stern tie downs to prevent
the boat from shifting. Do not put other gear in
your boat while trailering.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
If your towing vehicle is equipped with a weight
distribution hitch, it must be capable of han-
dling the GVWR. The weight on the trailer should
be evenly distributed and can be checked by
determining the tongue weight.
Tongue weight is a percentage of the total
weight of the loaded trailer on its tongue. Ideal
tongue weight is not less than five percent (5%)
and not more than ten percent (10%) of the
GVWR. For example, if the weight of the loaded
trailer is 3000 pounds, the weight on the
tongue should be more than 150 pounds, but
less than 300 pounds. Excessive tongue weight
will cause the front end of the towing vehicle to
sway. Insufficient tongue weight will cause the
trailer to sway or fishtail.
To avoid personal injury and property damage,
be sure to balance the load when trailering. If
too much weight rests on the hitch, the front
end of the vehicle will sway or oversteer. Insuffi-
cient weight on the trailer will cause the trailer
to fishtail. In either case, the vehicle will be
hard to handle and could become uncontrollable
at high speeds.
State regulations usually require that trailers
above a specified weight rating be equipped
with brakes. Requirements vary; check with your
dealer for additional information.
HITCH
Hitches are divided into classes that specify the
gross trailer weight (GTW) and maximum tongue
weight for each class. Always use a hitch with
the same class number as the trailer. Most
boat trailers connect to a ball hitch that is
bolted or welded to the towing vehicle. Special
heavy-duty equalizing hitches are necessary for
trailer tongue weights of 350 pounds or greater.
13-1
Trailering – 13
The total weight of your loaded trailer
must not exceed the capacity marker
on the hitch of your tow vehicle. Over-
loading can cause hitch failure leading
to injury-causing accidents.
