Hunter Marine HUNTER 25, Руководство пользователя

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5. Safety chains: Very few owners are aware that not only are safety chains required in most states they
should also be crossed under the trailer coupler for maximum performance. Safety chains and the use of
an emergency brake cable (supplied on most trailers with brakes) are the only means of controlling and
stopping your boat/trailer should it become detached from the vehicle while it is moving down the highway.
6. Trailer weight: One of the biggest misunderstandings most owners have is load capacity. For the most
part a boat’s trailer is only designed, specified and manufactured to carry your boat and a reasonable
amount of loose gear. They are not designed or intended to transport excess cargo such as, but not limited
to, gas grills, small fishing boats with outboard or an assortment of windsurfers. These are just a few
examples that come to mind. Trailers for the most part are built for a specific brand and model of boat. If
ever in doubt about your trailers carrying capacity a quick review of the manufacturers capacity label
located on the forward portion of the trailer will relieve any concerns you may have.
7. Tongue weight: I am sure at some point we have all seen a vehicle slowly and carefully moving down the
highway in an odd manner. In this particular case what you quickly begin to notice about this bizarre driving
style is that as the operator begins to accelerate the rear of the vehicle begins to sway back and forth.
When he slows down the rear of the vehicle settles down and the driver continues on at a slow pace. This,
not so uncommon event, is known to most Trailer Sailors as fish tailing. What most drivers don’t
understand is that this nerve-wrenching and dangerous means of transporting a boat is normally caused by
improper tongue weight. In most cases the type of swaying just described takes place when the boat or its
cargo has been set to far aft on the trailer therefore as is moves down the road it is attempting to lift the
rear of the vehicle off the ground. It is not set in stone for every boat trailer but the average tongue weight
for a Hunter boat should be at or close to seven percent of the total boat weight. This can be accomplished
by moving the winch stand forward or aft on the trailer tongue to achieve the desired weight.
8. Wheel bearings: If there was ever an item that needed to be maintained to the letter it is the greasing
and annual maintenance of your trailers wheel bearings. For the Trailer Sailor, more weekends have been
spoiled by that unpleasant grinding sound coming from the center of the wheel hub on a trailer. Why?
Because it can only mean one thing and that is the bearings are dry of grease, over heating and about to
stop turning. What is even worse is this only happens at night on a lonely highway and during a holiday
weekend. The good news is it can be partially avoided by installing and using bearing buddies, if you do
not already have them, and following a diligent maintenance schedule. One of the few down falls with
bearing buddies is the inner/rear bearing may not receive the proper amount of lubrication if the bearings
are not packed properly in the beginning. This is why it is recommended that all bearing be removed,
cleaned and repacked (including the hub) on an annual basis. By following these simple suggestions you
will greatly improve your chances of trouble free travel and increased fuel mileage.
By following these simple recommendations we feel that your time spent traveling to and from your favorite
boating site or taking that annual family vacation can be made more pleasant and enjoyable for the
entire family.