Transporting Your Boat
Canadians love lakes -- and we love boats, too. It’s estimated that there are two million recreational boats in Canada, and that annually, approximately 46 million Canadians take a ride on a boat. There are plenty of organizations that deal with boating safety, and anyone who plans to pilot a boat should contact them and comply with laws and rules governing the use of watercraft. But before you even get to the lake, you’ll need to get your boat safely there. Towing a trailer can be difficult; nearly half of collisions that happen while towing a recreational vehicle are single-vehicle collisions. About 30% of drivers involved in towing collisions report that they “lost control” of their vehicle.
In Ontario, you need a valid driver's licence (Class G1, G2 or G or higher) to tow a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4,600 kilograms. If your trailer and load exceeds this, you may need a higher class of licence or an oversized vehicle permit to tow it.
You’ll also need to register your trailer, which is considered a separate vehicle. In Ontario it’s a one-time registration fee that includes a license plate and a permit. Be sure to affix the license plate and keep the permit in your vehicle any time that you’re towing the trailer.
Getting Hitched
Before buying a boat and trailer, it’s important to factor in the size, power and condition of your vehicle to be sure that it’s capable of towing both the trailer and the load. Some cars are not able to tow at all, and others have a low tow rating. Consult with an expert to make this calculation.
Once you’re sure that you’ve got enough power to tow, you’ll then have to install a trailer hitch on the back of your vehicle. Most new vehicles use a draw bar receiver to which the familiar ball mount and hitch ball are attached. Receivers vary in size, and in what weight they can accommodate. Most are either 1 1/4 inches by 1 1/4 inches (1,000 pounds-2,000 pounds), or 2 inches by 2 inches (3,000 pounds-4,000 pounds). Heavier boats will require a 2-1/2 inch receiver hitch.
Next you’ll need to attach the coupler at the end of the trailer tongue to the hitch. It rests on the hitch ball and is usually secured with a latch lever. If your lever doesn’t include a locking pin, use a small padlock for extra security. Before driving, ensure that this connection is tightened securely. When the trailer is attached properly, the tongue should be level, with no tilting. If the hitch pulls your vehicle downward, you may need a load-equalizing hitch.
You’ll also need to use safety chains. These are attached to both the trailer and tow vehicle, and are used to catch the trailer tongue in case it separates from the trailer ball. Safety chains should be crisscrossed, and secured with a snap shackle.
Your trailer will also need to be connected to your electrical system in order to operate the signal lights on the trailer. Each trailer has a different kind of connector, so read your owner’s manual for directions. Very heavy loads may also require the trailer to have brakes.
Driving Tips
Before hitting the road, make sure that the load of your trailer is placed correctly. This will vary from trailer to trailer, but generally speaking, more of the trailer load should be in front of the trailer axle than behind it. Poor load balancing can cause the trailer to fishtail and sway; it can also affect the pitch of your headlights and the efficacy of your mirrors. Be sure to strap everything down, both inside and outside. Never carry cargo inside the boat.
Here are some techniques that will help you to drive while towing a trailer and boat:
- Curves and Turns. Stay close to the middle of the lane when taking a curve. When making a right turn, be sure to slow down, signal, and check your mirrors. Place your vehicle's front wheels well ahead of the curb before turning to the right. When you make a left turn, swing wide by driving well into the intersection before turning.
- Slowing and Stopping. You’ll need to leave extra time in order to slow down or stop. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front, and stay in the slow lane whenever possible.
- Passing. If you must pass, you’ll need plenty of time and room to do so. Once you have passed, be careful not to cut back in too soon.
- Being Passed. If necessary, pull over and let a line of traffic pass you. Larger vehicles may create a wall of wind that can push your trailer out of control. If this happens, don’t brake; steer the vehicle and trailer back into place.
- Backing up. Back up very slowly and carefully. If possible, have someone spotting for you.
Use care and caution when purchasing, loading, and towing your boat trailer. Arrive safe!