Tips for Towing Boats in Florida

Those who master the art of towing a boat by trailer enjoy exploration opportunities from coast to coast. Launch your boat close to a “honey hole” fishing spot, check the Florida Keys off that bucket list, or explore the mangrove-rich Everglades; the options are endless for those who are comfortable transporting watercraft via trailer. Become a confident trailer user, and you can embrace the affordability and convenience that comes with knowing your boat will go wherever you transport it on wheels.

What follows is a solid guide for anyone searching for towing tips. We’ve included some common-sense information and easy-to-follow directions, but please remember that the old adage “practice makes perfect” is valid here. It’s crucial that you take the time to become familiar with towing your boat by actually doing it. Whether your main questions are “how hard is it to tow a boat,” “how do you learn to tow a boat” or “does a boat trailer need insurance,” all it takes is some solid information and a few run-throughs to instill confidence.

Read on for some must-know tips on towing your boat on a trailer.

Selecting the right vehicle and towing package

First, congratulate yourself on taking the first step toward boating independence! You are not beholden to a single marina or slip. The world is your embarkation spot, and all it will take to make that possible is a bit of information, and the right tow vehicle and trailer package.

It’s time for some math. Don’t worry — it’s just addition, not calculus. Safe boat towing begins with the selection of a vehicle that can safely haul the total weight of the vehicle itself, plus the weight of the trailer and boat. Add these together, and you’ll reveal the gross combined vehicle weight (GCVW). Obviously, it’s not a solid strategy to choose a sporty two-door sedan that weighs less than your boat and trailer. Even if you’re pretty sure that your vehicle is up to the task, do yourself a favor and check the GCVW. The vehicle you do choose to tow the boat should have a GCVW that exceeds the total towing weight.

What do you see in your boat-towing future? Whether you’re towing your pontoon boat or your powerboat, destination matters. If off-road destinations amidst thick sand or mud are on the calendar, or perhaps slippery docking situations that demand more traction, choose the tow vehicle accordingly. You’re going to need more ‘oomph’ to get that boat and trailer where you need it to be.

Now it’s time to choose a tow package — that set of accessories that combine to do the job. Mirrors, the tow hitch and coolers for the transmission are all part of the towing process. The entire weight includes the entire tow package, and hitches are separated into Class I, II, III, IV and V. Jon boat owners and sailing skiff aficionados can easily select Class I, while Class V tows up to 18,000 pounds. Even larger loads demand an upgrade from Class V, but those are not for recreational towers.

Be sure to also have the right size ball for the trailer. Most trailer couplers are 2” or 2 5/16”. The wrong size ball or coupler means it could easily fall off the hitch. And that will really ruin your day.

Hitching your boat trailer

Picture the scene: You’ve done your research, and selected a tow vehicle and trailer that can safely transport your boat. They’re both in the driveway, and are ready to be connected. It’s Go Time! But don’t forget any of the following steps — doing so could mean a boat trailer coming free on the road. No one wants a “runaway boat” situation that might end up on the local evening news.

See the hitch and the ball? Line them up. That trailer hitch lowers completely over the ball.
Close the latch securely. When the hitch is properly latched, you should be able to run a lock or pin completely through the hole on the latch.
Safety chains are then crossed and attached to your towing vehicle. Now you have two safeguards: the pin, which keeps the hitch attached even if your vehicle hits a nasty bump or pothole, and the chains, which hold the trailer tongue up and keep it from scraping the ground.
If your trailer is equipped with brakes, adhere the safety line to the vehicle doing the towing.
Don’t forget to connect your trailer’s lights! Skipping this step is a great way to get pulled over for a ticket.

Pre-departure checklist

The boat is on the trailer, and the tow vehicle is gassed up and ready to go. To ensure all is well and you’re ready to be off on your adventure, follow this pre-departure checklist. Once you can say ‘yes’ to all these elements, set that boat out on the open road.

Check tire air pressure. Is it optimal? A flat tire is very difficult to change when a heavy boat is atop the trailer.
Make sure your trailer lights are fully functional.
Confirm that the trailer is secured — this means fully secured, with that latch closed and the safety chains attached.
Test your trailer brakes to make sure they’re working and strong.
Secure any gear inside the watercraft — life jackets flying out at oncoming vehicles are not appreciated by other drivers.
Remember to bring the appropriate number of life jackets for the passengers you’ll have that day, as well as any batteries, lights, sound-producing devices, fire extinguishers and bilge pumps you may need.

How to remove your boat from the trailer when you’ve reached your destination

You’ve arrived at your destination with tow package and boat secure. Now it’s time to put that boat in the water. Make sure all your supplies are on the boat (the car or truck is soon to be out of reach, and that cooler you painstakingly packed with snacks is important), as well as any required electronic devices and safety items. Check your gear — and check it twice.

Before you back your trailer into the water:

Take straps off the boat.
Replace any drain plugs.
Check to ensure you have mooring lines at the ready.

It’s time for the moment of truth: removing the boat from the trailer. Carefully back that vehicle down the ramp until the stern of the boat begins to float, and the engine outdrives hit water. Engage the parking brake and remove the bow strap and safety chain. All it takes now is to engage the engine and reverse into the water. We have launch!

Getting that boat back on the trailer

After the day’s waterborne adventures, putting that boat back on the trailer basically involves a reversal of the launching protocol, with a few extra tips. Back that trailer down the ramp until about half of it is submerged. You should be able to easily (and slowly, and carefully!) drive the boat onto the trailer. Of course, the slope of the ramp is going to make a difference, so take your time and center the boat. Remember the bow strap and tighten it. Add that safety chain and go!

Note: Even though you may be tempted to get out of the vehicle and give high-fives all around for your successful boat towing experience (at least the first time), remember to be aware of the people behind you who are waiting to haul their boat out as well. No one wants to wait in a long line at a ramp because someone stops their vehicle and causes a deadlock in docking traffic.

The ultimate tip: Insure your boat trailer

Now that you have all the tips for towing a boat at hand, trust W3’s marine insurance advisors to find the right marine policy for you. As an “all lines” insurance agency, W3 Insurance professionals help to protect everything their clients value — from the places they live to the boats they tow on the way to their next adventure. Contact W3 today for a personalized boat trailer insurance quote, and to learn more about boat insurance in general.

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