When it comes to trailered boats nine out of ten trailering
malfunctions and accidents can be directly traced back to a failure to dedicate
some time to the most basic preventative maintenance. Wheel bearings, suspension
parts, lights, and a host of other components require constant attention
to help insure any trailering trip smooth and hassle free. Special attention
to the tow vehicle's hitch is a good idea, as that is the only link between
the tow vehicle and trailer.
Also consider the fact that one needs a special
license and classification to drive things like motorcycles, school busses
and vehicles with air brakes like semi-trailer trucks, gravel trucks, etc.
But just about anyone can go out and buy a $30,000 boat and trailer, attach
it to his/her car and simply drive away. No special training is required
beforehand and no special license classification is needed.
Anyone who has
ever hauled a boat around for a number of years knows that it may not be
too difficult to drive in a straight line at low speeds. But when it comes
to things like driving at highway speeds, passing other vehicles, high winds,
backing up, etc... the task becomes much more difficult than one might think.
For more potentially life-saving information along with
how to take a boating safety course or get a free vessel safety check from
the Coast Guard Auxiliary visit
http://www.uscgboating.org/.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the
United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary
directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and direct
law enforcement actions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of
the United States Coast Guard. For more information visit
http://www.cgaux.org/
if you are ready to join visit
http://join.cgaux.org/.
(photo credit: U.S. Navy)
