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CAUTION: Boat and mast should be securely set. If vehicle must be left while on the ramp, set
attached to trailer with adequate tie down straps. transmission in "park" or first gear, in addition to
Failure to do so could cause extensive damage or the parking brake. In retrieving your boat, make sure
serious injury! that the boat is properly placed on the trailer. Pull
trailer up steadily to prevent spinning the wheels.
MAINTENANCE
LOADING YOUR TRAILER Lights: Most state laws require two red taillights on
The weight of the boat, equipment and additional t~e rear that may be combined with the stop and turn
gear should never exceed the manufacturer's rated signals. Vehicles over 80 inches in width require
weight capacity. Proper distribution of the load is of ~Iear~nce lights. If lights are dunked:", waterproof
vital importance. Too much weight on the hitch will light fixtures should be used. If water IS allowed to
cause "tail dragging" of the towing vehicle, impairing enter, the lamp may crack and short out the entire
steering and raising headlights into the eyes of system. Water also promotes contact corrosion.
oncoming traffic. Too little or negative weight on the Alw~ys car~ spare lamps. ~he wire coupling to the
hitch, and the trailer will sway or "fishtail". The solu- towing vehicle shou~d b~ high enough to stay dry.
tion to proper distribution is often adjusting movable Never rely on the trailer hitch for ground connection.
gear. Four-pole c.onnectors should be used.
The Hobie@ mast should not extend over three feet
TOWING behind the rear light assembly. The ideal mounting
Extra caution is necessary when towing any trailer. is with the rudders up and the lights mounted to the
The heavier the rig, the more time required to tiller castings, if allowed in your area.
accelerate, pass, and stop. For this reason, the . .
maximum speed for vehicles with trailers is less On a van rack combl~atlon the rear end of the mast
than without a trailer in most states. A long rig should show a red light and flag, the front of the
requires a larger turning radius. Curbs and obstruc- mast cannot extend over three feet forward of front
tions should be given wide clearance. Most boats bumper.
o~ trailers obstruct th~:ear view o! the d~iver. When Wheels: Tires should ALWAYS be inflated to manu-
t~IS h~ppens, an ad~ltlonal ~ear .vlew ~Irror on the facturer's recommended pressure. Always carry a
right sl~e of the towing vehicle IS r~~ulre~ by lav:" spare wheel and a jack that fit the boat trailer. If
The t~aller boatman s~ould be famlll,ar with t~afflc wheel bearings are always dunked, waterproof
and .hlghway I.a:s relating .to the towing of trailers. bearings and caps should be considered. If water is
Towing ~ Hoble has .P:rtl~ular haza~ds that should allowed into the hub, lubricating grease will float
be mentlon.ed. A Hoble IS very wide. Obstac!es away and bearings will burn out or seize, causing
should be given ~Ienty of ro~m when you are pass~ng damage and a safety hazard. Waterproofed bearings
them. Fo.r long distance towing to prevent exce~slve should be inspected prior to each boating season,
drag, or In ~reas exposed to strong or gusty winds, others more often. Special care should be given
the tr~mpoll.ne should be unlaced and rolle~ around when traveling on unimproved roadways with small
the side rails to prevent the boat and trailer from diameter wheels.
being blown over. Hobie@ tie down straps or
lashings should be of sufficient size and diameter If a spare wheel is not available, a spare wheel
and placed on all four corners. bearing set should be taken on long trips in case
grease seal has been broken.
The mast support on a trailer is subject to a lot of
side-to-side motion and consequently may fatigue
where it is welded to to the trailer. All this can be FRAME AND ROLLERS
reduced by tying a line from each bow to the mast Rust should not be allowed to accumulate. Remove
support. This will stiffen the rig up and prolong the rust and repaint with anti-rust paint. Some trailers
life of the trailer. offer galvanized coating to prevent rust. Rollers
should roll freely, and should not have checks,
LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING breaks, or flat spots.
Prepare boat for launching at the top of the ramp or
parking facility. Remove all tie-down straps, check TOWING VEHICLE
boat plugs and fasten boat painter. Do not release Most vehicles are limited in towing capacity. Towing
winch line until boat is in the water. Back trailer to heavy loads places extra demands on the engine,
the left if possible; backing left gives better transmission, brakes and other systems vital to the
launching visibility. Avoid dunking wheel bearings vehicle. Towing "packages" are available through
wherever possible. Never leave the' towing vehicle most auto dealers and should be considered for
unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake heavy boats.
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