| Buying a trailer- | | | | Don't tow your boat trailer before you check |
| The most important thing to look for when buying | | | | these things: |
| a boat trailer is the trailer's certification. This | | | | - Coupler, hitch, and hitch ball are all the same size |
| certification by the National Marine Manufacturers | | | | - Safety chains attached |
| Association is a very good starting point at | | | | - No loose bolts |
| getting a quality trailer. It specifies the | | | | - Boat properly mounted on trailer |
| requirements for all aspects of the trailer, and to | | | | - Wheel lugs are all tight |
| gain this certification, the trailer must get an | | | | - Wheel bearings operate smoothly |
| acceptable rating in all categories. | | | | - Overall load doesn't go past vehicle's towing |
| Many boaters make the mistake of spending a lot | | | | capacity |
| of money on a boat, and then going cheap on the | | | | - Tires have the proper PSI |
| trailer. This isn't a smart move, and a cheap trailer | | | | - All lights and light functions are working properly |
| will almost never withstand the test of time. To | | | | Maintaining your trailer |
| get the most out of your boat, you need to be | | | | The most critical part of maintaining your boat |
| able to get the most out of your trailer. Please, | | | | trailer is, by far, looking after the hubs and |
| spend the money now on a quality trailer that will | | | | bearings. Think about it. They are being |
| last twice as long as a cheaper unit. | | | | submerged in water every time you put your |
| It is also important to remember that the bigger | | | | boat in the water. Water is a bearing's worst |
| the wheels, the better. Bigger wheels mean less | | | | enemy, and you have to keep a close eye on |
| rotations per mile, which in turn leads to less heat | | | | these things to be sure that no rust is making it |
| and friction on the tires, and longer life of the | | | | hard for them to operate. Keep these parts |
| bearings. | | | | greased and sealed to keep that water out. Lights |
| Towing | | | | also have to deal with water, and these should |
| If you lack the experience of pulling a boat behind | | | | always be checked just to make sure everything |
| you, you need to educate yourself on the task. | | | | works properly. Have a buddy stand behind the |
| You need to know the towing capacity of your | | | | trailer and operate the lights to make sure |
| vehicle, which can be found in your vehicle's | | | | everything works as it should. If used in salt |
| owner's manual. Pickups and SUV's will almost | | | | water, rinse the boat off with fresh water after |
| always be up to the task, but check out the | | | | use. Salt can tear up all parts of a boat trailer. If |
| owner's manual just to be sure. | | | | these things are followed, your trailer will last |
| - Things to check on the boat trailer before | | | | much longer and give you years of service. |
| making a trip | | | | |