Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Marine<br />
Boat Trailer Safety and<br />
Launching Tips<br />
When towing a boat, it is<br />
important to secure the<br />
boat before driving away.<br />
Investing in the correct winch<br />
to pull the boat onto the trailer<br />
is important. There are lots of<br />
options – powered or manual.<br />
Are you new to boating? If so,<br />
consider some practice at your<br />
ramp – or any ramp to improve<br />
your backing. Rolling down both<br />
lanes of a dual lane ramp isn’t a<br />
good idea.<br />
Trailer thefts from boat ramp car<br />
parks are common. Make sure<br />
yours is secured!<br />
At the Ramp<br />
When launching<br />
• Don’t forget to check the bungs are in!<br />
• If you have an SUV consider popping<br />
the back for better visibility when you<br />
back down.<br />
• Don’t forget to remove the rear strop<br />
before backing down.<br />
Important:<br />
• Beware of tides and know where the<br />
end of the ramp is.<br />
• Handbrakes aren’t enough – your car<br />
needs to be in gear too when parked<br />
for launching<br />
When retrieving<br />
• Put the chain on when driving up the<br />
ramp.<br />
• Don’t forget the safety flag!<br />
In the guide to the right, we will cover<br />
the basic trailer towing rules and some<br />
trailer towing tips.<br />
Page 40<br />
Light Motor Vehicles<br />
• On a learner or restricted car licence<br />
(Class 1) you can tow a trailer but the<br />
combined weight of your vehicle, the<br />
trailer and its load must not exceed<br />
4500kg.<br />
• On a full licence the combined weight<br />
of your vehicle, the trailer and its load<br />
must not exceed 6000kg.<br />
Safe Towing Guidelines<br />
• Refer to the car manufacturers<br />
recommendations before towing a<br />
trailer, in particular the weight limits<br />
recommended.<br />
• Refer to the loading limits for the tow<br />
bar you are using.<br />
• Be aware that overloading and<br />
uneven loading of car trailers can<br />
seriously affect a car’s handling.<br />
Additional gear you stow for holidays<br />
etc should be over or just forward of<br />
the axel(s).<br />
• You must be able to see behind that<br />
old trailer or vehicle. If you can see<br />
behind with your rear view mirrors,<br />
you may need to fit a special mirror.<br />
By Mariner Staff in Marine Insurance
Change language