Pre-Launch & Underway; Trailering - Glastron Boats User Manual

PRE-LAUNCH & UNDERWAY
Boat ownership carries with it certain responsibilities to
yourself as well as your passengers and the general pub-
lic. Safety, common sense operation, careful maintenance,
and compliance with the law will not hamper your boating
pleasure, but will make boating more enjoyable.

TRAILERING

Selection of a trailer for your Glastron boat is extremely
important. Your trailer should be able to accommodate the
weight of the boat, engine, and any other equipment that will
normally be carried. Take the time to have your boat weighed
while it is empty, and again when completely loaded includ-
ing a full fuel tank. You will save a great deal of trouble by
staying within the maximum load limits of the trailer.
Check the certification label on the frame of the trailer for
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The total weight
of your boat, engine, fuel, gear, and trailer should not
exceed the GVWR. Your Glastron dealer can help you
select an appropriate trailer for your boat.
For older trailers, proper adjustment of the side support
pads is critical each time your boat is loaded. Newer trail-
ers feature side supports that are self-adjusting.
Periodically inspect your trailer to make sure the side sup-
ports are in adequate working condition.
IMPORTANT: The side supports should only be tight
enough to keep the boat from leaning side to side. Any
unnecessary pressure will damage the hull.
If your towing vehicle is equipped with a weight-distribution
hitch, it must be capable of handling the GVWR. The
weight on the trailer should be evenly distributed and can
be checked by determining the tongue weight.
Tongue weight is measured as a percentage of the total
weight of the loaded trailer on its tongue. Ideal tongue
weight is not less than five percent (5%) and not more than
ten percent (10%) of the GVWR. For example, if the
weight of the loaded trailer is 3000 pounds, the weight on
the tongue should be more than 150 pounds but less than
300 pounds. Excessive tongue weight will cause the front
end of the towing vehicle to sway. Insufficient tongue
weight will cause the trailer to sway or fishtail.
W ARNING: Improper trailer size and improper weight
distribution can cause swaying and fishtailing that can
result in extensive damage to the trailer, the boat, and
the towing vehicle. Swaying and fishtailing are espe-
cially dangerous at higher speeds where they can
become uncontrollable. Damage caused as a result of
improper trailering is not covered under the Glastron
Boats Warranty.
All trailers with a GVWR of 1500 pounds or greater are
required to have brakes. Requirements may vary, so check
with your Glastron dealer for additional information.
Trailering Guidelines
1. Be sure that the rollers or bunks displace a large
amount of hull surface, and be sure the boat and
equipment distribute evenly on the trailer.
2. Make sure your boat is properly tied down and a safety
chain is used.
3. Check local and state laws concerning any trailer
requirements.
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