21
Trailering
It is safest to use the trailer speciRically manufactured for the Ballistic
®
. It is manufactured to carry a boat of the size and
weight. The trailer hitch ball must match the size of the socket on the trailer hitch coupler. Hitches are divided into classes
that specify the gross trailer weight (GTW) and the maximum tonnage weight. Always use a hitch rated for the same or
higher class. Use a bolted on or welded on hitch, clamp on bumper hitches are not recommended. Be sure the trailer
hitch’s release handle is latched with the lock pin installed before towing.
TRAILERING CHECKLIST
Check your state laws to be sure your trailer meets all regulations, such as proper licensed, brake, axle load and safety
Brake away Cable gets attached to the Tow Bar and
NOT
looped around the Ball. Check trailer for any loose fasteners or
damaged parts. Check tires for proper inRlation. Check wheel bearings and wheel lug nuts before each trip. Check tail,
brake and turn signal lights for proper operation. Secure the bow of the boat to the trailer with the winch line and also
with a separate bow tie down to the winch stand and frame cross-member. Secure the stern cleats to the trailer with tie
down. Carry a spare wheel for the trailer along with sufRicient tools to change the tire. While traveling, check the wheel
hubs on the trailer whenever you park. If the hub feels abnormally hot, have the bearing inspected before continuing your
trip. On longer trips, it is a good idea to carry a set of spare wheel bearings, seals and races. When making a turn, do not
cut corners. The trailer has a smaller turning radius so it turns more sharply around the corner than the towing vehicle.
Before backing your trailer into the water, disconnect the light plug from the towing vehicle. This will reduce the
likelihood of the lights blowing out when submerged.
BACKING YOUR TRAILER
It takes practice to back a trailer successfully. If you are not familiar backing up with a trailer, practice Rirst in an area
away from obstacles. Back up slowly; make steering adjustments in small steps and turn the towing vehicle’s wheels
opposite the direction you want the trailer to go. After the trailer begins moving, turn the towing vehicle to follow it.
Have a second person stand by to help direct you with hand signals.
Launching your Ballistic
®
As a courtesy to other boaters, prepare your Ballistic
®
for launching before using the ramp. Each launch may have
particular differences, such as ramp angle, prevailing, wind, waves and water currents. If possible, watch a couple of
boaters launch their boats Rirst to notice any problems. While every boater develops a preferred launch procedure, here is
a recommended general procedure.
Perform the pre operation check on land. Remove all trailering tie down lines from the boat and attach your docking lines
and fenders, if used. Disconnect the trailer lights from the towing vehicle. Back the trailer down the ramp as close to 90
ο
to the shoreline as you can. If possible, have a second person stand aside as an observer. Stop when the wheels are at least
halfway submerged. Set the parking brake. Remove the bowline from the bow eye. Back the trailer farther into the water
until just the tops of the fenders show, then reset the parking brake. Board the boat and start it. If possible, remain on the
trailer until the engines are warm and are responding to throttle. Back the boat out into the water, watching carefully for
other boats or obstacles.
Loading
Disconnect the trailer lights from the towing vehicle. Back the trailer down the ramp as close to 90
ο
to the shoreline as
you can. If possible, have a second person act as an observer while standing to the side of the boat. Stop when the tops of
the trailer’s fenders are about 3 inches above the waterline. With the boat moving at the slowest idle speed. Use throttle
only if necessary for steering ability. Guide the boat onto the support rails. Using too much throttle can cause the boat to
jump over the front of the trailer, which can result in injury to the boat operator and/or bystanders. Use only enough
throttle to maneuver the boat into the correct position. Make sure the boat is centered on the support rails and is headed
straight for the bow stop (bumper board). Ease the boat forward until the bow rests against the bow stop. Attach and
tighten the winch line. The winch line is not designed to pull the boat onto the trailer. The winch line should not be the
only line securing the bow during trailering. Use a separate bow tie-down line along with the winch to secure the boat to
the trailer. Pull the trailer up the ramp out of the way of other boaters. Attach the bow and stern tie downs. Reconnect the
trailer light.
