Towing A Boat

Unless you live right on the water or have a permanent spot at your favorite marina, chances are you need to tow your boat to and from the water. Towing your boat safely takes some special precautions, so we here at McGovern’s RV & Marine have put together some tips for doing just that. To learn more, or to see the boats we have for sale, contact our store in Grande Prairie, Alberta, today!

Inspection

Like with more safety tips, your best bet is to inspect your trailer and tow vehicle before every drive. Pay special attention to tires to make sure they’re properly inflated and have enough tread to maintain the traction they need. Also double check that your tow vehicle has a full tank of gas and clean oil, then inspect all electrical connections to your trailer to make sure they’re secure and functioning.

Secure The Boat

You’ll want to ensure your boat is secured to your trailer before you head out. Ratchet straps and rope are commonly used to keep your boat in place. Once you’re done, try to jostle it a bit and make sure it’s secure enough not to move. 

Practice

If you’re new to towing boats or trailers in general, or you’re just a bit out of practice, you’ll want to take your loaded boat trailer to an empty parking lot to get back in the swing of things. Work on reversing, turning, braking, and parking. If you have cones, consider setting up an obstacle course so you can practice backing in—no one wants to hold up the line at the water. 

Prepare Yourself

Try to avoid making this drive on an empty stomach or while dehydrated. You’ll also want to ensure you get plenty of sleep the night before. You’re going to be driving a much larger and more dangerous setup than you might be used to, so it’s important to be at your absolute best to keep you and those around you safe.

Drive Defensively

You always want to drive defensively and predictably, and that’s especially important when you’ve got a large trailer and heavy cargo like a boat. Try to travel at or just below the posted speed limit at all times, and increase your typical follow distance to account for your longer brake time. Stick to right lanes and be sure to signal all lane changes well in advance.

We hope these tips help you and your boat get to and from the water safely! If you have questions, or just want to see the boat trailers we have available, contact us at McGovern’s RV & Marine. We proudly serve the people of Edmonton, Alberta—let us serve you today!