As with reversing a standard trailer, reversing, and launching a boat requires the right preparation and a unique set of skills. When done incorrectly, delays can happen, tempers can flare and above all, safety can be compromised. Safety Dave is one of the leading Australian suppliers of high-quality safety equipment including TPMS, defibrillators, reversing cameras and more. Here we will look at a few helpful tips to ensure reversing and launching your boat is a safe and pleasant experience.
Practice Makes Perfect
Even if you are familiar with driving with a regular trailer, you should the time to practice reversing with your boat trailer to understand how it will handle and react. Practice in an empty car park or open space where you have room to manoeuvre and to correct mistakes.
Master Steering in Reverse
Like any other standard-hitch trailer, a boat trailer will turn opposite to the direction you are turning the car’s wheel while reversing. If you turn your vehicle left in reverse, the rear of your boat trailer will be veer right. For beginners, an easy way to deal with this is to grip the bottom of the steering wheel when reversing. The boat trailer will move in the same direction your hand moves from this position.
Consider Installing a Reversing Camera
Reversing cameras are the best way to maximise visibility while backing up to attach a trailer. A rear-vision camera can help you align your tow bar with the trailer hitch quickly, efficiently, and safely. There are also water-proof camera solutions that can be fitted to the rear of a boat trailer to ensure you see perfectly while you are reversing down the ramp.
Check You Have the Right Safety Equipment
It’s vital that you have all of the necessary safety equipment on board before you get to the ramp. Not only can you be fined for not having the appropriate gear, having it on board can save your life if conditions turn sour while you are out on the water. In addition to the mandatory safety items such as life jackets, a fire extinguisher, flares, and a GPS emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), an AED defibrillator is also important to have on board. Make sure the tailer has safety chains and tie-down straps to secure the boat properly to the trailer when driving.
Check the Condition of Boat and Trailer
You should also observe the condition of your boat and trailer before heading to the ramp. You should check:
- the boat’s fuel levels, and battery charge and condition.
- the boat trailer’s tyres are properly inflated and have sufficient tread.
- the trailer’s lights, straps, and electrical connections are in good working order.
Did you know? You can install at tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on boat trailers too. This is an easy way to ensure your boat trailer tyres are always properly inflated.
Abide By Boat Ramp Etiquette and Safety Rules
When launching or retrieving your boat always be considerate of others and pay attention to the local etiquette and rules at the ramp where you are launching. Be prepared and practice a good routine so that your boating experience is efficient, safe, and enjoyable.
Safety Dave – Your One-Stop Safety Shop
For recreational and professional purposes, we stock a huge range of high-quality safety gear for all applications. If you are looking for a defibrillator for sale, fire safety equipment, reversing cameras, first aid gear or TPMS, we have everything you need at unbeatable prices. Shop online with us today or get in touch with our team by calling 1800 072 338. We will be more than happy to discuss your needs and recommend a tailored safety solution!
