A Boater's Guide: How to Safely Tow Your Jet Ski or Boat
In Ocean Pines and Ocean City, getting to the boat ramp is the first step to a great day on the water. But safely towing your boat or jet ski is a skill that's just as important as navigating the bay.
A problem on the road can end your day before it even begins. As your local service shop, we've seen the unfortunate results of trailering mishaps. Before you hook up for your next trip, run through this quick guide to make sure you, your watercraft, and everyone else on the road stay safe.
1. Check Your Tow Vehicle
Your truck or SUV is doing all the work. Make sure it's up to the task.
Towing Capacity: Know your vehicle's max towing capacity (check your owner's manual). Never exceed it. Remember to factor in the combined weight of the trailer, the watercraft, fuel, and all your gear.
Tires: Check the tire pressure on your tow vehicle. Under-inflated tires can overheat and fail under load.
Hitch: Make sure your hitch ball is the correct size for the trailer's coupler (it's stamped on top of both) and that the hitch is securely locked in place.
2. Do a Pre-Trip Trailer Inspection (Every Time!)
Don't just hook up and go. Do a 2-minute walk-around.
Tires: Inspect the trailer tires for cracks, bulges, and proper inflation. Trailer tires often fail from "dry rot" (sitting all winter) before they fail from low tread.
Lights: Connect the trailer's wiring harness and test your brake lights, running lights, and turn signals. A helper makes this easy. (This is a common failure point and an easy way to get a ticket).
Bearings: Place your hand on the wheel hubs. If they feel excessively hot after a few miles, your bearings may be failing.
Safety Chains: Crisscross the safety chains under the hitch. This "cradle" will catch the trailer tongue if it ever detaches from the hitch ball.
3. Secure Your Watercraft
Your watercraft should be part of the trailer, not just sitting on it.
Bow Strap: The winch strap is not enough! Always add a separate, heavy-duty safety chain or strap from the bow eye (the U-bolt on the front) down to the trailer frame. This is your most important connection.
Stern Straps: Use two transom or "stern" straps to secure the back of the boat or jet ski firmly down to the trailer frame. This prevents the watercraft from bouncing on the bunks, which can damage the hull.
Stow Your Gear: Don't leave loose items like life jackets, anchors, or coolers in the boat where they can fly out at highway speeds.
4. Practice Safe Driving
Towing changes your vehicle's performance.
Leave More Space: You need significantly more distance to stop. Leave 3-4 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Make Wide Turns: Your trailer will cut corners tighter than your tow vehicle. Swing wide around turns to avoid hitting curbs, signs, or gas pumps.
Slow Down: Everything is safer at a slightly slower speed. Avoid sudden stops or swerving, which can cause the trailer to sway.
5. At the Ramp
Prepare First: Before you back down the ramp, pull over in the staging area. Put in your drain plug, load your gear, and attach your dock lines. This is courteous to other boaters.
Disconnect Lights: Unplug your trailer lights from your tow vehicle before backing into the water. Hot bulbs hitting cold water can shatter.
Take Your Time: Backing down a ramp can be stressful. Go slow, make small corrections, and don't be afraid to pull forward and start over if you get a bad angle.
A Safe Trailer Makes a Great Day
A little extra prep on land ensures a worry-free day on the water. If you're not 100% confident in your trailer's condition, don't risk it.
Whether you need a bearing service, light repair, or are considering upgrading to a safer, more reliable Load Rite trailer, our team at Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop is here to help.
Call us at (410) 973-2890 or stop by the shop to talk about trailer sales and service.
