You’ve been looking forward to your next fishing expedition with your best buddy. After all, what’s better than fresh air and camaraderie?
However, your friend just informed you that his boat broke down. He hoped that you’d be able to tow his boat to your favorite fishing location so that he can enjoy his day out on the water too.
With this in mind, you’ve likely looked up “how to tow a boat” online. This is likely leading you to the three options of towing with a jet ski, the boat’s motor, or a car.
Read on to learn about the advantages of towing a boat with your car.
The Essentials on How to Tow a Boat With Your Car
You need to make sure you have read the manual and the car is properly equipped for towing different types of boats. It should have a hitch that is rated for the weight of your boat, as well as proper wiring to connect the boat’s lights to the car’s lights.
If your car does not have a factory-installed hitch, you can have one installed by a professional. You need to properly secure the boat to the hitch by using the right size and type of rope or strap, as well as ensuring that the boat is properly balanced.
Once the boat is secured, you can then attach the “boat trailers” light. Be aware of the extra weight and length of your boat when driving. This means going slower than you normally would, and giving yourself extra space to brake and turn.
It is also a good idea to avoid highways if possible, as the stop-and-go traffic can be more difficult to manage with a boat in tow.
How to Successfully Tow
Be sure to use the proper towing props. This includes safety chains or cables, as well as the proper sized ball mount and hitch ball. The ball mount should be positioned so that the trailer tongue is level, or slightly higher than the level when hitched to the tow vehicle.
This will help to avoid rendering the trailer unsafe by making it too easy to jackknife. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the tow vehicle and trailer before each trip. This includes checking the tires for proper inflation and looking for any signs of wear or damage.
Lights and brakes should be tested and functioning properly. When loading the boat onto the trailer, be sure to center it on the trailer as evenly as possible. This will help to distribute the weight of the boat and trailer combination as evenly as possible. Once the boat is properly positioned on the trailer, secure it using the tie-downs or winch.
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Go and Tow a Boat With Your Car Now
Assuming you have the proper equipment and you know now how to tow a boat. Just be sure to follow the mentioned steps and take extra precautions while on the road. Towing a boat with your car is relatively simple.
If you can’t do it seek help from a towing company. Get Started towing a boat now!
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