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11
May
2019
At some point, most boat owners will have had to become familiar with the experience of towing. For some this can be quite daunting. Irrespective of confidence and competence there are some legalities to observe.
First of all you need to check if your driving licence permits you to tow. It is the drivers responsibility to check they have the correct one. In a nutshell if you have passed your test after 1st January 2017 you may need some additional instruction.
If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:
- drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM
- tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. You should view your driving licence information to check. You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
Secondly, irrespective of when the driving test was passed there are specific rules on weights of trailers that can be towed and the combined weight of car and trailer. For the boating enthusiast then the gross weight of the boat, engine and trailer combined is the key figure, although what also should be factored in as ancillaries such as fuel, anchor and line, water etc.
And this is just the start! Another critical, if not legal, consideration in the vehicle you intend to use. All vehicle manufactures must record the maximum gross weight that can be towed, but the boat enthusiast also needs to factor in the terrain they will cover. Invariably this is of a softer type (e.g. sand) and hence the propensity to use powerful 4x4’s such as Landrover, Range Rover and Land Cruisers. In essence a lot of the need for leisure pursuits has contributed to the creation of the modern SUV vehicle.
From a practical point of view, a further factor is aways to plan your route when towing, Sat Navs don’t make allowances for trailers, direct routes may not always be the best, narrow lanes and weight restrictions can offer perils.
Practicing reversing is highly recommended, this is a skill that can be mastered in a relatively short period by a driver but the initial confusion over counter-steering is something that is best understood on an area devoid of obstacles.
The experienced mariner who trailers their boat will confirm spending time preparing for a journey is seldom wasted. Is the boat securely fastened to the trailer? Are all wheel bearings, tyres and brakes safe for the journey? Is the winch fully functioning? Do the lights work? Is a prop bag needed? Is the correct number plate fitted to the lighting board? And when you get there, will the boat start and run correctly?
In essence, when faced with the need or desire to tow, it cannot be emphasised enough the importance of planning.