Boat and Trailer Checks (before a road trip)

BOAT ON THE TRAILER
 

• Check and correct the alignment of the boat hull on rollers or bars
• Rear tie down straps - all ratcheted and securely fixed.
• Front winch straps tightly wound and the winch clipped on.
• Additional safety rope  - tied tight to the boat (below front winch).
• The trailer should be nicely balanced when lifted by hand. 
• Trailer very slightly front end heavy is ideal.

OUTBOARD ENGINE ON BOAT
 

• Check outboard is securely bolted or clamped to transom
• Outboard engine turned off - keys taken out and pocketed
• Outboard correctly set in its travel position (either tilted up or down – depends on model)
• Outboard locked in position - on tilt switch and/or travel brackets
• Outboard packed up in position (if required)
• Outboard tied down with rope
• Propeller bag tied over propeller – showing the Pennine Marine’s logo the right way up
• Fuel Tanks either stowed, or secured (this depends on boat model and tank type)

BOAT FITTINGS, GEAR AND CLOTHING

All loose gear must be removed and securely stowed to be ready for travel.
 

• Boat mooring covers
• All instrument covers.
• Unsecured tanks, ropes cans and batteries etc.
• All other boating gear such as bags, clothes and towels.
• Seat Cushions.

Now check in and under the boat and around the trailer for loose gear, loose wheels, debris etc

BOAT TRAILER HITCHED ON THE CAR
 

• Breakaway cable (or chain) fitted.
• Hitch fully down over the towing ball, with the hitch is correctly locked on.
• Jockey wheel up, with handle tightened.
• Lighting board cable secure, not drooping and plugged into vehicle socket.
• Lighting board fitted, pulled out and aligned (with bar screws  tightened)
• Number plate on.
• Test your trailers lights – brakes, two indicators, rear lights.

NOW FOR A FINAL “ONCE OVER” – CHECK IT ALL AGAIN

Drive away slowly and steadily - then test the trailer’s brakes.