Boat Towing Tips
While Miami is conveniently located on the cusp of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the open ocean may not always be where you want to take your boat. And chances are good that you probably don’t live right on the water even if the Florida coast is your ultimate destination, which means you’ll have to trailer your boat and tow it to the body of water of your choice. Safe towing is essential to protect you and the drivers who share the road with you.
Jet Ski of Miami is your Florida boat dealer, so we’ve provided you with this guide to safely towing your boat wherever you wish to use it.
Inspect Your Trailer & Towing Vehicle
One of the most crucial things to do when towing is to make sure that your towing setup is in peak condition. A vehicle that’s in disrepair or a trailer that’s got low tire pressure could create a disaster on the highway. Check tire pressure and condition in both vehicles, then make sure that your towing vehicle has a full tank of gas and clean oil. Inspect all electrical connections to make sure they’re secure. Always take care of maintenance before your trip.
Secure Your Boat to Your Trailer
When preparing to tow, you’ll need to securely fasten your boat to your trailer. Ratchet straps and rope are good ways to tie your boat down and hold it in place. Jostle it a bit from side to side when you’re done tying it down to make sure that your boat doesn’t shift out of place.
Prepare Yourself
Be certain that your boat is ready to hit the water by double-checking all your supplies. Your boat should have life jackets for every passenger, a throwable life ring, at least one fire extinguisher that’s functional, signal flares, an emergency radio, a first-aid kit, rope and a GPS unit. Make sure that your licensing is up to date and that you have all your insurance handy. You’ll want to check that your towing vehicle’s car insurance covers towing so you’re not on the hook in the event of an accident.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to towing a boat, you may want to take your trailered boat to an empty parking lot to practice driving with it. You’ll want to work on reversing, turning, braking and parking. Set up cones to make an ersatz boat launch that you can practice backing into so that you don’t hold up the line at the water. Practicing in advance will ensure that you’re confident when it’s time to launch.
Drive With Caution
Once you’re on the road, you should travel at five to ten miles below the posted speed limit when towing. Give yourself more following distance so that you have enough space to stop suddenly. Stick to the right-most lane of traffic and signal all lane changes well in advance. Watch for other drivers’ sudden maneuvers.
Looking to buy a new boat? Visit our dealership in Miami to check out our fine selection of new and used boats for sale. Jet Ski of Miami proudly serves Hialeah, FL.