Boat Ramps in Toms River

Things to Consider When Trailer Boating

Trailer boating is becoming more popular, allowing flexibility and accessibility to many areas, especially where demand for dockage is at a premium. Successful trailering requires: proper trailer selection, proper trailer hitch selection, and an adequate towing vehicle.

Coty Marine
301 Route 37 East
Toms River, NJ 08753
PHONE: (732) 830-1000

Gilford Park Yacht Club
700 Riverside Drive
Toms River, NJ 08753
PHONE: (732) 929-9838

Kettle Creek Marina
202 Kettle Creek Road
Toms River, NJ 08753
PHONE: (732) 255-5890

PRE-LAUNCH CHECKLIST
The most critical part of trailer boating is the launch. There are five steps that need to be completed before launching the boat:

Raise the lower motor or lower unit to avoid damage during launch;

Release tie down lines except the bow winch;

Secure fenders in place if they are necessary;

Install the drain plug;

Attach a line to the bow cleat or other location that can be used to secure the boat while parking.

ARRIVING AT THE RAMP
Parking is limited at some ramps. Contact the operator of the ramp for parking and other pertinent information.
Waiting in line or prior to backing down the boat ramp, is the perfect time to move everything from the tow vehicle that will go on board (i.e. coolers, clothing, equipment, etc.). If you wait until the boat is in the water it will increase the wait time for others behind you.
Once the boat is in the water unhook it from the winch. While the person with you walks the boat to the dock, move the tow vehicle and trailer up the ramp and park in an appropriate area. This allows others behind you to access the ramp.
If you notice someone is having difficulty at the ramp, offer some assistance. If it is your first time with a boat in tow, practice backing your boat and trailer between
plastic cones or between a pair of parking spaces prior to arriving at the ramp.
If you are joining a friend on his or her boat and arrive in your own car, park it away from the ramp in a standard parking area. The trailer parking spaces are only for tow vehicles and trailers.
Have an established routine at the ramp. Knowing what needs to be done and how it should be done reduces time spent at the ramp.
When you return to the boat ramp, drop off the person going to get the trailer to the ramp and wait for them out on the water. When the trailer has been backed into the water, then bring your boat into position for retrieval.
After the boat is on the trailer, secure the safety chain to the bow eye and move up the ramp away from other ramp traffic. Secure the tie downs and place all equipment and coolers back into the tow vehicle.

Ten Checkpoints For Your Trailer

Tires: Make sure to inflate tires to the proper PSI and inspect for
spider web cracks on the sidewall. If cracks are present, replace the
tires. The tire tread depth should not be less than 2/32”. Otherwise the
tires are considered worn. Keep a spare tire. During the off season
take the tires off the trailer and place it on blocks.

Frame: Inspect for corrosion and rust by crawling under the trailer.
If necessary, sand to remove corrosion.

Lights: Plug the trailer into the tow vehicle’s electrical system and
turn the vehicle on. Turn the lights on and look for any bulbs or lenses
that need to be replaced. Two persons are required to examine the
trailer’s brake lights and reverse lights. While one person depresses the
brakes, the other inspects inspect the lights on the trailer.
To check the reverse lights, place the vehicle in reverse and
have a second person look at the trailer lights to see if they
are working properly. Make sure you have the correct
replacement bulbs on hand.

Bunks/Rollers: Inspect the bunks for wear on the
carpeting or on the rubber padding beneath the carpet.
Each roller should be turned individually to determine
whether it has become locked. Inspect the rollers for wear
and make sure none have to be replaced. Poly rollers
generally last longer than rubber rollers.

Safety Chains: Look for wear and inspect the
S-hooks for possible bending. Replace S-hooks with
screw-pin shackles that have a wire running through the pin’s eye. This
connection is more reliable than the S-hooks.

Bearings: Inspect the grease in the hubs. If the trailer is wintered
outdoors, replace the grease. If the grease seal needs to be replaced, replace
it with a double lip seal. Look over the bottom of the boat inside the trailer tires
for grease. If grease is present, the bearings need to be cleaned and
replaced.

Brakes: If you are not sure what to do, take the trailer to a dealer and
have an expert look them over. Inspect the fluid level in the master cylinder,
and clear any debris around the cap before opening it, so that nothing
contaminates the fluid. If it is low, you may have to bleed the system to
remove air from the lines. Pull the wheel and inspect the disc/drum to determine if you need of new pads/shoes.

Tool Kit: Make sure your tool kit includes the proper wrenches,
screwdrivers and a trailer jack that fits your trailer, as well as blocks that can
provide support for your tow vehicle’s rear wheels.

Winch: Inspect the cable to see if there are any broken wires or worn
areas. Clean and lubricate the winch. Finally, make sure you have a strong tie
down for the bow and stern of the boat and that both are properly secured to
the trailer.

Hitch: Apply grease to the ball and inspect the hitch locking mechanism.