My Boat Trailering Checklist
When I got my first boat, the learning curve was probably a little longer for me than most. I had never known anyone who owned a boat, so I needed to try to figure out how to safely launch, operate and transport it without the help of anyone who could give me a quick lesson or two. Now after a lot of YouTube and time on the water, I have become a very proficient operator.
Through my learning curve, I developed a couple of checklist that I still use whenever I am launching or trailer my boat. I keep them on my phone so I can refer to them whether I’m home in the driveway or at the lake.
I refer to this checklist when I’m hooking up my boat to trailer it and to double check before I set out.
PFDs - ensure sufficient number and type of PFDs are onboard for my trip based on who will be onboard
Check Engine Oil - Pull the cowl off and double-check the dipstick to make sure there is sufficient oil in the engine(s) on your boat
Unplug Chargers - I use 2 different ones on mine and they are often plugged in when the boat is not on the water so it is ready to go for the next trip.
Transom Saver - Make sure the transom saver is installed and ready to go. Mine doesn’t come off between trips when the boat is out of the water so this is really just a fail safe measure for me.
Transom Straps - Before and after hooking the boat to my truck, I make sure that the transom straps are tight and in the locked position.
Trailer Pin and Cotter - My trailer has a folding tongue to reduce its length for storage, a common feature on many boat trailers. I make sure the pin that holds and locks the tongue is installed place and the cotter pin is properly inserted.
Latch Pin and Cotter - Close the latch on the trailer ball and install the mechanism it is equipped with to prevent it coming undone.
Connect Safety Chains - Cross the safety chains on the trailer tongue to the tow vehicle.
Connect Lights to Tow Vehicle - Insert the light switch into the receptacle on the tow vehicle. Test the lights to make sure they work property.
Lift and Lock the Jack - once the trailer tongue is properly connected to the hitch on the tow vehicle, raise the jack until it is no longer supporting the weight of the boat and fold it back into the travel position and make sure it is locked in place.
Winch Strap Attached and Locked - I make sure that my winch strap is attached to my bow eye, that it’s tight and that the winch is in the locked position.
Bow Safety Chain Connected - I make sure that the bow safety chain is properly attached to the bow eye.
Remove Wheel Chocks - I use wheel chocks when my boat it stored and so I just make sure that they are clear of the tires before pulling away when I’m ready to leave.
Trolling Motor Strapped Down and “Bounce Buster” in Place - I check to make sure that the velcro strap that is factory installed on my trolling motor is fastened. I also make sure my “Bounce Buster” is installed. The “Bounce Buster” is a factory component of my Minn Kota Ultrex - it’s a metal brace that attaches near the head of the trolling motor to brace it and keep it from bouncing around while travelling (on water and land).
Store Anything Loose in the Boat - I double check to make sure that all gear and equipment on the boat is properly stored and secured to make sure nothing flies off while in transit.
Trailering Cover - I, for one, always install my trailer cover when travelling. It’s not always common practice as it is a little time-consuming - when you only have a few hours to fish or when you are trying to be efficient at the ramp it can seem easier to leave it at home.
Place Vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode - Placing your tow vehicle in tow/haul mode may help with towing features and efficiency, especially with large, heavy boats. My tow vehicle, for example, locks out gears 9 and 10 in tow mode.
Check Battery Voltages - It may be a good idea to check your battery voltages before setting out if you have any doubt that the battery/batteries are fully charged. Waiting a little while extra for batteries to charge beats finding it out on the water or at the ramp.
Put Graphs in Tow Vehicle - I remove my two graphs from their mounts every trip and store them in protective cases when not in use, so I use this list to remind myself to make sure I load them in the truck before heading out.
Garage Door - If you store your boat in a garage when not in use, make sure your garage door is all the way up before pulling the boat out. I once had an, unknowingly, malfunctioning garage door that wasn’t opening all the way at all time. Luckily, I noticed it wasn’t open all the way while checking my mirrors before I pulled the boat into it.
Test your Trailer Lights - take a minute to test your trailer lights to make sure all elements (braking, signalling, etc.), are all working properly.
I hope you find this list useful. View my Boat Launching Checklist here as well.
Pro Tip: Take a minute to walk around the boat, trailer and tow vehicle and place your hand on each item on this list to confirm that you have done what needs to be done with all. If you’re like me it will help you remember and prevent second guessing yourself once you hit the road. It’s also a good idea to stop after a short distance to double-check and make sure nothing has moved, shifted or changed and to check the wheel bearings to make sure they are not getting too hot.
