36. Boats - Preparation for Towing
| Key Points |
Ensure trailer is locked when not in use, Speed
limits whilst towing are 60 MPH on motorways and 50 MPH everywhere
else. |
Prior to getting Boat
- Ensure DO and Boat Officer is aware.
- Get boat keys and electronics.
- Ensure tower is experienced and insured.
Preparing the boat
- Connect tow bar/jockey wheel to trailer, using two bolts.
- Connect braking cable.
- Remove trailer wheel clamp.
- Remove wheel blocks and trailer supports.
- Jack up jockey wheel.
- Manoeuvre the boat out - freeing stuck brakes.
- Raise engine as soon as possible.
- Check:
- Tyres - inflated (30 psi) and tread.
- Spare wheel.
- Trailer bakes.
- Boat is secure.
Hitching and towing
- Align boat to tow bar, jack up jockey wheel, position over ball.
- Insert trailer key, turn and pull to release lock.
- Ensure that the metal pin is pulled out.
- Ensure trailer is secured to tow bar
- Retract jockey wheel as far as possible
- Fit emergency brake - cable over tow bar.
- Connect trailer board cable and test towing lights.
- Erect ‘A’ frame and attach trailer board.
- Ensure correct rear number plate is shown.
- Raise engine fully and engage engine support mounts.
- Check tie down lines x 2 at stern and check secure flat ribbon connection
at bow.
- Check RIB tubes are inflated.
- Don’t overfill boat and secure all equipment in it.
- Place orange bag securely over propeller.
Equipment Checklist
- Black box containing: boat keys - isolator, hitch lock, ignition,
dead mans handle, wheel clamp lock, Allan key, GPS/Sounder & EPIRB.
- Fuel Tanks - 2 metal and 2 plastic containers (spare), spare connection
tube.
- Spare engine oil.
- A Flag.
- Anchor and 50m line (warp) and buoy.
- Oxygen kit.
- Jump leads.
- Siphon tube.
- 1st aid kit (boat box).
- Toolkit (boat box).
- Flare pack (boat box).
- Pump/bellows for Tubes.
- Oars.
- Oxygen Kit.
- Wheel-jack and nut wrench.
- Bucket/bailer, bilge pump.
- Mooring Lines and spare ropes.
- Equipment for shot lines.
- Buoyancy aids
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