Kelowna, BC -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/21/2013 -- Look for Certified Trailers
The National Marine Manufacturers Association has developed a trailer certification program to help boat trailer manufacturers comply with established industry standards and federal safety regulations, and to help inform the public of such compliance when purchasing trailers. Trailers are certified in the areas of identification plates, capacity ratings, couplings, safety chains, lighting, winches, brakes, registration procedures, and conspicuity systems.

Inspectors visit the manufacturer and physically inspect each boat trailer model for compliance to all certification standards.

A manufacturer participating in this program must certify all models as fitted with all factory supplied equipment on a model year basis.

View complete list of certified trailer manufacturers »

Getting Started
If you've never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider. First is the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV. You can find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual. Generally, small family sedans are not suitable for towing, although a small, aluminum fishing boat may not present a problem, provided you have appropriate towing equipment installed on the car. Most standard pick-up trucks and SUVs can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but again, consult your vehicle owner's manual for limitations.

Weighing In
Your boat's owner's manual will list the "dry weight" of your boat. That's the weight of the boat, less fuel and gear. Make sure when you're assessing your vehicle's towing capacity; you add several hundred pounds to the dry weight of the boat to account for those extras.

Muscle Power
As the weight, length and width (beam) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it. A small boat may be easy for one person to handle at the ramp, but larger boats, generally those more than 25 feet, may require additional hands. Don't be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if you need it. Trailer boaters are always happy to help.

Consult Your State Laws
Trailering laws vary somewhat from state to state and often are based on weight and beam.

Check the regulations that apply to you »

Basic Trailering Checklist
Never tow your boat trailer before you check to be sure:

Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size
Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to hitch of tow vehicle
All fasteners are properly tightened
Boat is securely tied down to trailer (winch line is not a tie down)
Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened
Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained
Load is within maximum load carrying capacity
Tires are properly inflated
All trailer lighting is working properly
Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working (if trailer is so equipped)
Be sure to check local and state requirements regarding brakes and any additional equipment that may be required

Boat Trailer Maintenance
Trailer hubs and lights get dunked twice every time you go boating. You need to pamper them as you would your boat- this is an essential element of boat trailer maintenance. Do an occasional inspection by popping off the cap with a screwdriver. If the bearings are dry, add grease. It's simple. Conduct routine maintenance by having a friend or family member occasionally stand behind your trailer and make sure the brake lights, taillights and turn signals are in good working order. As with your boat, a thorough freshwater wash down of your trailer after each use will extend the life of your hubs and lights. It's also a great boat maintenance idea to invest in a spare wheel, just in case.

About Action Marine
Action Marine provides boat moving / boat hauling so you transport your boat to new lakes and have a whole new adventure. Check out our Slip Swap Pool enter into the pool and trade moor age with other boat owners.