Help boat owners!

[Polystigma]

I am going to have my boat ready soon. I have already installed the GPS. However, I still need to install the fishfinder, floscan, radar, and autopilot. I started the engine for the firt time in 8 or 9 months. And it started on the first try! I can drive the boat in the water pretty good, but will need a bit of refresher practice.
My problem is I do NOT know how to tow the boat!
It is a big boat (26ft striper, diesel) and heavy too. The truck can handle it no problem. However, I do not have the knowlwdge or skills to tow it. I have parked the trailer a few times after my father and I launched. I had a tough time everytime, especially when going into reverse. My dad was a commercial truck driver and a master at towing boats and anything else. However, he ran out of time and never had the chance to teach me.
So how did you guys learn to tow your boats? I have heard of some type of course that instructs you, but am not sure? Any help would be appreciated.

Martin

PS we are gonna do some fish slayage trips.

[spearboy321]

If it was me I would go practice in a giant EMPTY parking lot and try not to jack knife it completely while turning in reverse.

[el tortuga]

I own a 26 striper also and it is a large trailer. I learned by practice. Go to an empty parking lot and practice reverse. It is not that hard and in most cases you will have tons of room to back up (i.e. - boat ramps, etc.). just remember the trailer does the opposite of the steering wheel!

Ken

[So-Cal Spearo]

Honestly, I think its just one of those things you pick up on while being on other peoples boats.

[Polystigma]

I already came up with that idea, but getting it to the parking lot would be a challange. Plus the boat is parked in my driveway. And getting it in and out of the driveway is a feat in itself! I am afraid that if I got it out I might not be able to get it back in again. It is an almost 90 degree turn from the street and my dad would even have a little trouble with it sometime. Decisions, decisions!
I do have one of those electric dolly things though. We used to get it in with that after the turn. Maybe I can use it to take the boat all the way out to the street. Then hook it up.

[Polystigma]

Originally Posted by So-Cal Spearo

Honestly, I think its just one of those things you pick up on while being on other peoples boats.

OK, then chief why dont you come down here and tow it. You have been on uncle billys boat plenty. You should be a pro by now.
Well a pro at something anyways...

[zenspearo]

Poly,

If you are iffy about putting it in/out of your driveway, the best thing I can tell you is to get a front hitch. This gizmo is like your rear hitch, except it goes on the front of your truck.

I have one on my truck, and it vastly simplifies pulling my boat and travel trailer out of very tight spots.

If you don't want to shell out the bucks or the hassle with hitching/rehitching, then your only other choice is practice, practice, practice.

Find an empty spot, put down some empty jugs of water, and try to maneuver between them.

26'--that's 3/4T truck territory or higher, preferably diesel.

G'luck.

[Polystigma]

Thank you zenspearo I will take that into consideration, never knew about a front hitch. Truck is no problem, I have a Dually F-350 diesel to tow it with.

[zenspearo]

Originally Posted by Polystigma

Thank you zenspearo I will take that into consideration, never knew about a front hitch. Truck is no problem, I have a Dually F-350 diesel to tow it with.

Dayum. You can tow the Queen Mary if you need to.

[spearboy321]

You get a tail gate for it yet? I remember when it got stolen by some tweeker LOL.

[Polystigma]

No, no tailgate yet. Too expensive! I may get one of those cargo net style ones. Or I will go on a mission and hunt down the tweekers and get it back. They have hit 3 cars this month, including my friends.

[Blake Schaff]

I learned how try drive a trailer the first day I was able to drive. My dad threw me behind the wheel of his long bead, crew cab Chevy and a trailer that would not back up, and made me drive the 1st 300 miles on the way to Colorado. The only thing difficult is that the braking and acceleration times are doubled. Passing can be kind of a trick and go wide around corners. Also when backing up it is the oppisite of what you are going to want to do. You learn by experience and that parking lot seems like a good way to learn how to back up.

[sdbr911]

Poly,

Like it was already said, it just takes practice. If you're unsure about backing and maneuvering, get a couple of friends for spotters. Have one watch to make sure you don't jacknife too far (crunch your boat on your truck because you're turning too sharp) and have one watch the back side where you can't see. When you're backing a trailer, it's almost impossible to see the back side when you might be getting close to hitting something. When in doubt, stop, get out and look. I frequently hook up and back trailers alone. If I have to get out of the truck ten times to check, I don't care. The parking lot suggestion is a good one. You will get the hang of it soon. Whenever you turn, swing wide because the boat will follow your truck a little closer to the corner. Watch your mirrors.

Also, before you tow the boat any time, do a couple of laps around and take a look at everything:

-Boat properly attached to truck (make sure the tongue is seated all the way down
onto the ball and latched into place)
-Safety chains attached with enough slack to turn
-Lights plugged in and working
-Trailer brakes ok
-Wheel blocks up
-Tongue wheel on front of trailer all the way up (or removed, I have to remove mine)
-Everything latched down on boat so it won't blow out or slide around
-You have proper paperwork/registration for truck, boat, trailer

You get the idea. Also get a locking trailer hitch so people don't jack with your hitch and you lose the whole rig.

Good luck!

[Polystigma]

Ok, thanks for all the help guys. I will try and get it out to a parking lot as soon as I can and start practicing. I know alot of the basics, since I watched my dad do it and he told me a few things. So hopefully that will make it a bit easier to learn.

[So-Cal Spearo]

Originally Posted by Polystigma

OK, then chief why dont you come down here and tow it. You have been on uncle billys boat plenty. You should be a pro by now.
Well a pro at something anyways...

dude ive been working with boats and driving boats since I was 5. Just cuz ive gone on bill boat last summer doesnt mean thats the only exp. I have had w/boats.