 In this exclusive month long piece, KingfishConnection.com will ask some of Yamaha's best professionals for some tips on how to trailer long distances between tournaments in a safe and secure way.
KC.com: When preparing to trailer a boat over a long distance, what can teams do to ensure their boat will arrive there safely?
Jack Bracewell (Eren's Addiction Too): We travel a fair amount throughout the tournament season. Currently we compete in SKA division 3 and division 9. With tournaments spread from Savannah, GA to Carolina Beach, NC our trailer is very important. I’m a stickler for being prepared. Every Tuesday or Wednesday prior to a tournament, I check air pressure in all tires. Make sure to not overlook the spare. While air tires, I check the tires for unusual wear, cuts, or anything out of the norm. I also grease the wheel bearing via Buddy Bearing on each wheel.
For the Biloxi trip, I will replace all wheel bearing and grease seals. While doing this I check and make any brake repairs necessary.
Be sure to check the overall condition of your leaf springs and axles, especially if they’re a couple years old.
As for making the boat road ready, if we’re traveling a long distance I remove the curtains. I typically wax the boat twice each year. One of those times is just before the long trip to Biloxi. Just before getting on the road, I spray the t-top with silicon spray to aid in bug removal.
David Albritton (Gatorfan): We always check three things on our trailer prior to making long trips. First, ensure your tires are in good shape. This includes the spare. Don’t start a trip with a bad tire. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the Interstate changing a tire in heavy traffic. Second, ensure your bearings are properly greased. I check the bearings for rising temperatures at every stop. Carry a grease gun just in case the temperatures start to rise. Last, we carry spare bulbs just in case we have a trailer light go out. This can help eliminate being pulled over by the local authorities.
Ralph Smith Jr. (Team Knock Down): Brakes, brakes, and more brakes. Need I say more? Make sure that your brakes are in great working order! Also, make sure that you tie EVERYTHING down!
KC.com: What are some rules of the road that teams need to be aware of when trailering large center console boats?
Jack Bracewell (Eren's Addiction Too): I like to travel with other boats. We spend plenty of time preparing our rigs for the road, but you never know when you may have trouble and it never hurts to have an extra hand. We also watch each others rigs when traveling.
David Albritton (Gatorfan): Stay aware of changing conditions. Slow down when it starts to rain or the traffic gets heavy. The fastest way to being in an accident is trying to stop 10,000 lbs of boat, motors and trailer when conditions are less than ideal.
Ralph Smith Jr. (Team Knock Down): Rules on the highways may vary greatly, so check the rules for the states that you are travelling in, especially North Carolina!
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