Putting Your Boat Back on Its Trailer Safely

2006 Stingray 195 LR Runabout at Tobler Marina

Loading a boat can be more difficult than it appears and it is important to keep boating safety in mind, even when the day on the water has come to an end. When it is time to trailer a boat, be sure to back the boat trailer to the same depth as the boat with the tops of the fenders just above the water. Use the bow line to guide the boat onto the trailer. Next, carefully load the boat onto the trailer and secure the bow hook. If your trailer is equipped with guide-ons, the boat should settle into proper positioning on its own. Otherwise, you will have to guide your boat by hand.

Your trailer may be equipped with either an electric or hand-cranked winch. Using the winch, pull the boat the rest of the way up and into the proper position. Next, secure the boat to the trailer with tie-down straps. If your boat does not come with tie-down straps, it may be wise to invest in some. These straps go over your boat and attach to each side of the trailer. This keeps the trailer boat combination together through rough, bumpy rides and reduces the chance of damage to the boat. Once you are sure your boat is securely on the trailer you may guide your vehicle up the ramp and back to the staging area.

Now, you may remove the drain plug and unload any items from the boat. You can reinstall the drain plug once you arrive at home, but it’s best not to so you avoid what’s called “Dry Sinking”. If you store your boat outside, and it rains, rainwater will not drain properly.

Remember to move your boat off of the ramp before unloading as other people may need to use the ramp. If you have a tarp or cover for your boat, it may be a good idea to wait to place it on the boat until it is being parked or docked. Tarps have a tendency to come loose and cause damage to boats during transport. Tarps used for boat docking are not designed to withstand highway speeds and may end up harming the boats finish.

With these tips and a little practice, you'll minimize the troubles you may encounter while loading your boat.

Do you trailer your boat? What tips have helped you to become a pro at putting your boat back on its trailer?