36
Trailering and Launching
Selecting a Trailer
Choose the proper trailer for your boat and make sure the trailer you use is certified. Consult your state
authority for state regulations pertaining to trailering a boat. More damage can be done to a boat by the
stress of road travel than by normal water operation. A boat hull is designed to be evenly supported by
water. Pro-Line does not make or recommend the use of any particular trailer. We do, however,
recommend using the bunk style trailer in lieu of a roller style trailer. The bunk style provides the hull of
the vessel with a much more even distribution of weight.
When transported on a trailer, your boat should be supported structurally, as evenly across the hull as
possible. This will allow for even distribution of the weight of the hull, engine and equipment. It should be
long enough to support the whole length of the hull but short enough to allow the lower unit of the boat's
engine to extend freely.
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Rollers and bolsters must be kept in good condition to prevent scratching and gouging of
the hull.
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Tie-downs and lower unit supports must be adjusted properly to prevent the boat from
bouncing on the trailer. The bow eye on the boat should be secured either with rope,
chain or turnbuckle in addition to the winch cable. Additional straps may be required
across the beam of the boat.
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The capacity of the trailer should be greater than the combined weight of the boat, motor,
and equipment. Check the certification label on the forward port (left) side of your trailer
to insure it has an adequate gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for the combined boat
and trailer.
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The tow vehicle must be capable of handling the weight of the trailer, boat and motors, as
well as the weight of the equipment, which will be carried inside. The boat weight must
include the weight of the empty hull, motors, full fuel and fresh water capacities,
accessories, equipment, and provisions. This may require that the tow vehicle may need
to be specially equipped with:
o
Engine of adequate power.
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Transmission designed for towing.
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Larger cooling systems for the engine and transmission.
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Heavy-duty brakes.
o
Load bearing hitch attached to the frame, not the bumper.
Rollers, if used, should only serve to guide the boat into position while in the water and should not be
relied upon to support the weight of the boat. The improper use of rollers voids your warranty and could
seriously damage your hull.
Check Before You Go Out On The Highway
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Insure that the hitch on the tow vehicle is rated for the gross total weight (GTW) or
greater and that the ball size matches the trailer receiver.
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The tow ball and coupler are the same size and the bolts with washers are tightly
secured. (The vibration of road travel can loosen them.)
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The coupler is completely over the ball and the latching mechanism is locked down.
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The trailer is loaded evenly from front to rear as well as side-to-side. Too much weight
on the hitch will cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to drag and may make steering
more difficult.
