There are many people out there that live on the water and dock their boats and jet-skis directly outside their homes. Unfortunately, not all of us are this lucky! There is a whole other population of folks that have to hitch, tow, and haul their water crafts miles and miles to their desired lake-front locations. People who travel seasonally like this are most likely experts at boat towing; however, there are others that are just starting out, and require a little more guidance.

Once you learn the ins and outs of hitching a boat to a truck or trailer, read on to learn about towing a boat properly and safely for your next road-trip and water vacation.

Safe Boat Towing

When it comes to towing a boat, once of the most difficult and crucial points of training is learning how to make a turn. Driving in a straight path can seem easy enough, but taking that first left or right can have rookies stumbling over what to do. The first important factor to remember is that the turn is going to require a much wider range. Keep checking your mirrors and be sure to accommodate enough space for the turn; this means being aware of other drivers and vehicles, and knowing the amount of space given for the turn. If the turn is too narrow, you may have to find another path, or have friends get out and direct you through the turn manually. These helpful reminders can get you through this obstacle and reduce the amount of mailboxes and street signs you take out!

When it comes to backing up with a boat in tow, visibility is the key factor. Before hitting the gas to back up, double check your mirrors. It may be helpful to get out of the vehicle before backing up, to assess the area and space available for driving. Once you have a very good idea of what is behind you, check your mirrors once more to be sure the back is still clear. From here, begin to move slowly and make small adjustments with the steering wheel, until you reach your desired destination. Ideally, experts would suggest avoiding backing up altogether, but we know this isn’t always the case.

Last, always remember that your brakes will be affected when towing a boat or other water craft. Braking will be different because of the added weight to your vehicle. Be sure to accommodate space and time to allow for proper braking times. Just remember, the heavier the load, the longer it will take for your vehicle to come to a stop.

Indianapolis Boat Towing Services

For more information about towing a boat and towing safety, call and speak with an expert at Zore’s Towing in Indianapolis, IN today. We have been Indy’s leading towing company for over 30 years. Trust us for accurate and professional information and guidance regarding proper towing. If you need a tow, we offer the most competitive boat towing rates in the city. Call us today at 317-247-8484, or visit our Indianapolis Towing Services website anytime.