TRAILED BOATS

The types and sizes of boats trailed on the roads today are many and varied, but the principles of safe trailing remain applicable to all craft that are capable of being trailed.

A boat is an expensive piece of equipment and is worthy of a trailer capable of carrying it safely. Unless you are experienced in the art, it is better, and ultimately cheaper, to buy rather than to build.

At the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard we are regularly asked about boat trailer requirements, set up, road trailing, boat launching and recovery procedures. These are all vital pieces of information which you should know before taking your boat out on the road. Here is some helpful advice from us to make pulling and launching your boat easier!

Trailer requirements
When you are purchasing your next trailer ensure it meets the following requirements. If you already have a trailer, double check the list below to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements.

A trailer must:

» Be adequate for the length, beam and weight of the boat
» Have strong supports
         o At the stern, for carrying an outboard
         o Directly under the engine, for carrying an inboard
» Be hot-dipped galvanised all over
» Have a winch geared for the weight of the boat and strength of the operator
» Be capable of carrying a weight 50% greater than the weight of the bare boat and motor
» Be well maintained
         o No rust
         o Nuts and bolts tight
         o Tyres well treaded and at correct pressure
         o Bearings in good order and greased regularly
         o Winch wire in good order
» Have functioning tail and stop lights and indicators
» Exert an appropriate weight on the tow bar
» Have an adequate safety chain. The chain must permit all normal angular movement but must prevent the forward end of the tow bar from striking the ground in the event of accidental disconnection of the coupling
» Have adequate brakes as required by the relevant road and traffic authority
» Be towed by a vehicle of a weight appropriate to the weight of the trailer and boat, as specified by the relevant road and traffic authority.

If your trailer does not meet the above requirements, you should take it to your local boat trailer repairer to have any issues resolved before you take off on your next boating adventure.

Remember safety afloat is important. Equally important is safe trailing of your vessel!

Ray Campbell
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard
National Commodore

SAFETY BY ALL MEANS!