G
E N E R A L
I
N F O R M A T I O N
3–4
T
RAILERING
The adjustment and balance of your boat on the trailer determines how easily your boat may
be transported. The tongue weight on the hitch ball should be 5-10% of the total weight of your
boat, motor, and trailer. Tail-heavy loads cause swaying while trailering. The rollers and/or
bunkers of your trailer should be adjusted so that the weight is distributed evenly across the stern
and forward throughout the keel sections. Your dealer is capable of adjusting your trailer properly.
Practice maneuvering the trailer; the trailer always backs in the opposite direction of the
vehicle. To maneuver the trailer, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go.
Familiarize yourself with this manual and all aspects of your boat prior to initial launch. At the
launch site, go through a pre-launch checklist. The list should be suited to your specific needs.
Trailering and relative information is provided in the
Sportfish, Cruisers, and Yachts Owner’s
Manual
in Section 9, page 94.
P
REDEPARTURE
C
HECKLIST
Sportfish, Cruisers, and Yachts Owner’s Manual
provides a checklist for predeparture on page
35.
C
ASTING
O
FF AND
A
PPROACHING
T
HE
D
OCK
Unlike an automobile, the stern of your boat reacts first when turning. A turn to the right will
swing the stern to the left and vice-versa. Remember that turning your boat away from an object
such as a dock will tend to swing the stern toward that object. See page 43 in your publication of
Sportfish, Cruisers, and Yachts Owner’s Manual.
T
OWING
In the event of a mishap or power loss, you may need to tow a boat or have yours towed.
Remember, you should not tow a boat larger than your own. Never tow a boat if you are not
equipped with the proper lines; nylon ropes are recommended. They have the strength and
elasticity needed to absorb the shock of towing and sudden jerks. Individuals should never hold a
towline — always secure it to the boat.
Before towing a boat, make a bridle and tie it securely to the pad eyes on the transom with
enough slack to clear the engines. Pad the line wherever it comes into contact with the boat to
prevent chafing. Attach a tow line to the bridle so that it can slide from side to side to prevent too
much pressure on a single pad eye. The tow line should then be attached to the bow eye or to a
bridle on the towed boat. The tow line should be a minimum of twice the length of the towing
boat, the longer the better. Do not try to run in too close when passing the towline to the other
boat. Send either a light line or attach the towline to a life preserver to be pulled in. Be aware of
the other boat’s propeller.
The towed boat should always have someone at the wheel since the boat may swing off
course. Start the tow off slowly; a steady pull at a moderate speed should be used. It is important
to keep the slack out of the propeller area. Watch the action of the towing boat. If excessive slack
develops in the towline and contact is obvious, turn in either direction to avoid hitting the stern.
W A R N I N G
As a precaution, passengers on both boats should stay clear of the towline. Lines under stress
could snap and fly in either direction causing injury.
!
