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trailer brakes. The harder you stop, the more hydraulic pres-
sure you generate, and the more forcefully the brakes will
be applied. The safety chain must be loose enough to permit
free motion of the actuator assembly. Brakes work poorly
when wet.
BREAKAWAY CHAIN:
The surge brake system has a breakaway chain that con-
nects to the car (this is not the same as the safety chain men-
tioned above). If the trailer gets loose from the car, the
breakaway chain will cause the brakes to engage and try to
stop the trailer. Make sure that this chain is fastened securely
to the tow vehicle. It should have some slack so that it will
not engage the brakes while the trailer is still connected to
the car. The chain should be loose enough, even during turns,
so that the breakaway lever is released (pointing all the way
to the rear of the trailer) while the car and trailer are en-
gaged. Check this each time before you use the trailer. No
teeth on the breakaway lever should be engaged in the leaf
spring. Accidental application of the lever will cause the
trailer brakes to engage, drag, heat up and perhaps burn out.
Do not use the emergency breakaway system as a parking
brake.
ACTUATOR OPERATION:
The actuator linkage and the sliding mechanisms should
work freely through the full range of travel. Do not mistake
shock absorber resistance in the system for binding. Nylon
bearings and the plated shafts do not normally need lubrica-
tion, but should be checked periodically. If you encounter
erratic or unusual braking performance, investigate the cause
immediately. The trailer should not push the tow vehicle, or
try to jackknife during stops. The brakes should release when
the trailer is pulled from a dead stop. To be sure the brakes
are releasing properly, pull gently from a dead stop and then
slowly stop so that the actuator ends up in a fully extended
position. Then, with the vehicle stopped, tap each brake drum
with a metal object. The brake drums should ring clearly
when the brakes are released.
8. TOWING THE BOAT AND TRAILER
TURNING:
Don't try to make really tight turns. Extreme turns, while
going forward or backwards, may damage the actuator or
other parts of the trailer.
TOWING WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES:
When you back up, the brakes may apply and you will get
some brake pressure. Damp brakes may tend to seize when
backing. Back slowly and steadily. You may have trouble
with brake actuation if you try to back up a steep hill or
driveway.
Make sure that the trailer is towed in a level position. It
should never be towed with the tongue lower than the rear
of the frame, as this will cause the brakes to activate and
stay on during normal towing.
Make sure your car brakes stay dry. They work poorly when
wet.
9. RAISING THE MAST
ATTACH THE MAST TO THE MAST HINGE:
Unbolt the mast from the forward rail, and untie it from the
hinged mast step and the rear wood support. The 3/8" x 4"
bolt and lock nut that holds the mast to the forward rail for
trailering also serves as the pivot pin for the hinged mast
step. With the rear of the mast supported by the wooden
support in the cockpit, move the forward end on the mast
back to the hinge area.
Insert the hinge pin (see Photo 16) and make sure the lock
nut is on tight enough that the plastic seal engages the threads.
(You will need two 9/16" end wrenches for this.) It is not
necessary to run the nut down tight on the hinge plates. Just
make sure the nut is on tight enough so that you can't turn it
with your fingers.
Photo 16 Mast hinge
LIFTING THE MAST:
Photo 17 Raising the mast
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