How to Trailer a Pontoon Boat

pontoon boats provide relaxing fun in the water but can be challenging to load and unload.

Relaxing at the lake provides many great memories for families and friends. Pontoon boats give groups a great way to enjoy time on the water together. They give ample room, and quietly move along the lake at a leisurely pace. However, many boaters hesitate to purchase pontoon boats because of their size and awkwardness in pulling, loading and unloading. With practice and direction, boaters can quickly master techniques in trailering pontoon boats.

Instructions

1. Inspect the boat trailer tires to ensure they are in good shape and have proper air pressure. Test trailer brake and signal lights when hooked up to the tow vehicle to make sure they are working

2. Check to see you have adequate tie-down straps on both your boat and trailer. Use straps to tie down the bow, the transom at the stern, and the gunwale.

3. Stop away from the launch area when arriving and take time to transfer all necessary items from the truck to the boat. Walk down to the ramp area and inspect the size of the ramp, the steepness of its drop-off into the water, and other traffic in the area.

4. Have someone guide you as you back the trailer down the ramp. Slowly ease down the ramp. Place your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel so the boat will follow the direction of your hands. Keep the trailer winch strap and safety chain connected until you reach the water's edge.

5. Stop before the stern of the boat reaches over the water. Unlock the winch strap and remove devices that prevent the motor from tipping down.

6. Back down until the trailer wheels are submerged. Have a helper float the pontoon boat off the trailer. Drop the engine and start the boat's motor. Back the pontoon away from the launching area until the driver of the towing vehicle parks and returns.

7. Guide the pontoon onto the trailer and use the tie rope to pull it into place. Reattach the winch and tighten. Lift the engine up and lock it into place. Attach straps back on the boat.

Tips & Warnings

• Before backing a pontoon boat into a lake, practice on a level parking lot.

• Use side mirrors when backing the trailer. When more of the trailer appears in one mirror, steer toward that mirror to start the trailer going the other way. Pull forward if necessary to straighten the trailer.

• Never attempt to back a pontoon boat into the water by yourself. Always have at least one pair of eyes outside the vehicle assisting.

References

• Pontoon Boat Site: Trailering and Towing Your Pontoon Boat