Index

Secure the Hull & Trailer for Road Travel.
INDEX - Check Trailer, Secure Mast, Secure Hull.

When towing the hull should always be strapped to the trailer with cargo straps.  This nylon webbing is rated to 12,000 lbs and the ratchet ensures the strap stays snug.  The aft strap goes around the hull, just behind the cabin, and under the trailer frame.  If you include a forward strap it goes around the hull where the deck house meets the hatch, and then under trailer frame.  The trailer winch line is snugged up tight and the safety chain is clipped to the boat trailer eye.  In addition, I tie the bow through the mooring chocks then down around the tree to prevent the bow from bobbing up off the trailer.  This is an easy one to forget but oh so important to keep the stem in the V block or in Panache's case, the roller. 

Some of the following checks should be done long before you consider towing but it doesn't hurt to double check.  Its the same reason why a pilot does a walk around prior to flight.

________________  TOP _________________

CHECK THE TRAILER -  See Tech Tip A01. 

• WHEELS - Check tire pressure (including spare) and wheel bearing play.  Grease bearing buddies.  See Tech Tip A01.
   
• WINCH - Lubricate bearings and ratchet.  See Tech Tip F18.
   
• COUPLER - Are mounting bolts tight.  Welds not cracked.  See Tech Tip A01.
   
• CHAINS - Cross the chains to the tow vehicle.  See Tech Tip A02.
   
• BREAK AWAY SYSTEM - Connect this cable when you connect the chains.  See Tech Tip A01. 
   
• LIGHTS - While connected to the tow vehicle confirm that the trailer lights works; L, R, Pk, Brks.  See Tech Tip A08.
   
• BRAKES - Verify electrical continuity to your trailer brakes and that they work.  After all it is more important to stop.
  This confirms operation of the entire brake system.  See Tech Tips A08  & A01.
   

________________  TOP _________________

SECURE THE MAST - See Tech Tip A07. 

________________  TOP _________________

SECURE THE HULL - The idea is to tie the hull to the trailer frame to make it ONE unit.  DO NOT DEPEND ON GRAVITY to keep the hull on the trailer.  A steady load is so much easier to tow which creates a stress free trip.  I always get the willies the first few KMs I move Panache on her trailer.  I watch her like a hawk during this time to confirm that things are OK back there.  With that in mind:

• BOW SUPPORTS - Winch Line and safety chain to the trailer eye plus bow line over the deck mooring chocks.  See Tech Tip A01.
   
• KEEL SUPPORT - In addition to centering the hull over the trailer, these keel guides also prevent the hull from sliding sideways on the trailer.  See Tech Tip A05. 
   
• HULL SUPPORT - To strap the hull to the trailer I lay a (2x4)" compression beam across the cockpit, about 6" aft of the companionway.  See Tech Tip A01.  This beam rests on the angled toe rails and the genoa tracks, spreading the downward load between them.  In addition I slide each genoa block against the aft side of the beam to prevent it from sliding aft.  Lastly I pull a 12K pound cargo strap around the hull, under the two trailer frames, then snug up the ratchet on top.  This strap keeps the back end of the SJ23 hull down on the trailer to prevent movement.  See Tech Tip A01.

________________  TOP _________________

A vehicle towing a boat has its manoeuvrability severely restricted.  While cargo straps can keep a boat on the trailer, it's wise to grab a bag of common sense when towing a boat!   Drive no faster than 60 M/H (100 K/H), observe the posted speed limit (especially for a corner), know the overhead clearance required for your boat AND read the overhead clearance sign ahead of you.  Think this last part through carefully!  See Tech Tip A02.  

And lastly, remember to stop for ice cream!  Happy hauling!
 

Return to Tech Tip Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Have a Question?