IDA GROVE, Iowa — Recent spikes in the price of gasoline have put the brakes to the sales of larger tow vehicles. However, boaters are still committed to visiting their favorite lakes this summer, and many have downsized to smaller, more fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs. ShoreLand’r, a leading manufacturer of boat trailers, recommends that consumers who own mid-size trucks and SUVs double check the tow ratings of their vehicles before hitching up and hitting the road. More than 40 states have laws requiring boat trailers with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of 3,000 pounds or more to be equipped with hydraulic surge or electric brakes.Trailer brakes can enhance the towing capabilities of smaller tow vehicles by giving them an ability to stop more easily and safely, particularly in a panic situation. A trailer equipped with hydraulic surge or electric over hydraulic brakes not only improves safety, it also makes towing less stressful.ShoreLand’r has been installing hydraulic surge brakes as standard equipment on all of its trailers rated at 3,000 lbs. or higher since 2000. Electric over hydraulic brakes are standard on the company’s trailers with carrying capacities over 9,500 pounds. If you own an older trailer, it’s a good idea to make sure it is properly equipped prior to towing. Even if your trailer is outfitted with hydraulic surge brakes, take some time to inspect and service the brakes before the boating season gets underway.“Many boat owners don’t realize how difficult it can be to stop their trailer and tow vehiclein an emergency stop without trailer brakes,” says Don Rusch, Vice President Marketing for ShoreLand’r. “The small cost of adding trailer brakes protects the much larger investment in their boat, trailer and tow vehicle. Even more important is added protection and peace of mind you get for your family and your passengers.”Trailer Brakes Are Critical For Smaller Tow VehiclesHydraulic surge brakes are fairly simple in their design, requiring no special trailer-to-car hook ups, or hand controls inside the car. The heart of the system is the surge actuator located in the hitch coupler on the trailer tongue. When the tow vehicle applies its brakes and slows down, the forward force of the trailer against the hitch activates a hydraulic cylinder that transfers pressure to the trailer brakes.Many larger trailers feature electric over hydraulic brakes. With this type of system, an actuator applies the trailer brakes whenever the brake pedal is pressed. There is also a manual control inside the vehicle that allows the driver apply only the trailer brakes and control the amount of braking.This is particularly helpful when backing down a ramp, or in the event of a panic stop, the driver can use the manual controller to maintain safer operation.Brake maintenance is easy to do yourself, or it is usually an inexpensive service offered by your local dealer. Here is what the experts at ShoreLand’r recommend for basic maintenance:- On drum brakes, inspect the brake lines and wheel cylinders for leaks or cracks. If any are found, they should be repaired by a qualified repair facility. Also check the brake shoes for wear and replace them if needed.- On disc brakes, check the disc rotors and brake pads for scoring and wear. The rotors can be removed and turned down by any local brake shop.- On both styles, drum and disc, you need to regularly inspect the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, located in the surge actuator. Keep it filled to within 1⁄2-inch from the top. Be careful not to overfill because brake fluid can damage the paint on your trailer.Once this basic maintenance is complete, take the whole rig (boat, trailer and tow vehicle) out for a test drive. Find an open and level stretch of road or a big parking lot. Drive at a slow rate of speed and apply the brakes lightly to see how well the trailer brakes work in unison with your tow vehicle. If things seem to work fine, try it again at a higher rate of speed. When you are confident that the brakes are working well, try a panic stop at a moderate rate of speed. Not only will this test your hydraulic trailer brakes, it will give you an idea of what to expect in an emergency.During the braking tests, if any problems arise or you feel the trailer brakes are not working properly, have it checked immediately by your dealer or a qualified mechanic. The brakes may just need an adjustment or the hydraulic lines might need to have any air removed. The good news is that both operations are simple and inexpensive.These maintenance tips are good advice regardless of the size of your tow vehicle. Make the most of this summer’s boating season by getting your boat trailer ready now.ShoreLand’r offers a complete line of trailers for every boating need from PWCs to offshore cruisers. For more information on the complete line of ShoreLand’r boat trailers and the location of the dealer nearest you, visit www.shorelandr.com, or call 1-800-859-3028.
IDA GROVE, Iowa — Do you know the minimum safe stopping distance of your vehicle and boat trailer towing package? Are you familiar with your state’s trailering brake laws? Many consumers are neither aware of their state’s brake laws, nor the serious potential hazards of towing a boat without trailer brakes. Yet many trailers continue to be sold without brakes in states that specifically require them. In most cases this is simply due to a lack of consumer awareness and a lack of enforcement of the laws.While most states require brakes on trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,000 pounds or more, there isn’t much consistency or a national standard across the United States. Typically it becomes the dealers’ judgement and responsibility to install brakes in those states that require them and in many cases, this is simply not happening. ShoreLand’r is leading the boat trailer industry by making trailer brakes standard equipment for increased towing safety. In 2000, ShoreLand’r announced that they would install hydraulic surge brakes on all of their trailers rated at 3,000 lbs. or higher GVWR. Today, they continue to be the only manufacturer to factory install brakes as standard equipment on these size trailers.“Many consumers don’t realize how difficult it can be to stop their boat and trailer package and tow vehicle in an emergency stop without trailer brakes. The small cost of adding trailer brakes can protect a much larger investment in their boat, trailer and tow vehicle,” says Don Rusch, Marketing Manager for Midwest Industries. “We believe that as an industry leader, we must address the need for factory-installed brakes on these trailers to ensure a greater margin of safety for the consumer.” For more information about brake laws in your state contact your local Department of Transportation office, or visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/webstate.htm for links to individual state DOT offices.ShoreLand’r offers a complete line of trailers for every boating need from PWCs to offshore cruisers. For more information, visit www.shorelandr.com, or contact Midwest Industries, P.O. Box 235, Ida Grove, IA 51445, Phone: 800-859-3028, Fax: 712-364-3361.
If you’re in the market to buy a boat, chances are that you’ll buy a used boat instead of a new model, according to a recent survey by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Almost 60 percent of those responding to the survey indicated that they bought their current boat used.The good news is that there are plenty of bargains available for anyone interested in a used boat. However, the challenge to prospective buyers is making sure the boat, motor and trailer package they’re buying is a sound investment.Because the boat and motor represent the biggest part of any purchase, they receive the greatest amount of time and diligence in the inspection and appraisal process. And well they should, but oftentimes the trailer the boat is resting on receives just a cursory glance prior to the sale.The experts at Midwest Industries, manufacturer of ShoreLand’r boat trailers, say that if the boat and trailer are not properly matched, trailering a boat to and from the water, launching and retrieving can be the most stressful part of boating."With the right trailer under your boat, you’ll never know it’s behind you as you tow it to the lake," says Butch Williams, sales and technical specialist at Midwest. "However, if the trailer isn’t properly set up and adjusted, you’ll notice problems right away."For example, too little tongue weight can cause excessive swaying while towing. Also, if the bunks or rollers aren’t properly adjusted, launching and retrieving can be difficult even under the best of conditions. And worse, if the boat’s hull isn’t adequately supported, the trailer can actually damage the boat.So how do you know that the trailer is right for the used boat you’re buying? ShoreLand’r has some tips for inspecting a used boat trailer that should help you avoid any major problems.First, check to see if the trailer is NMMA-certified. There are industry guidelines that make sure a trailer has been built with safety, quality and structural integrity. Also, check the weight limit the trailer can safely handle. Compare this number with the listed weight of the boat and motor. Exceeding the trailer capacity is not only dangerous, it’s illegal.Next, inspect the trailer carefully. Things to look for are rust or corrosion, cracks in the frame or evidence of major frame damage or repair. Also inspect the leaf springs for cracked or broken leaves. Check the for excessive or uneven tread wear on the tires. If less than a quarter-inch of tread remains, you’ll need to replace them. Also, if the trailer has bearing protectors, see if the grease reservoir is full. If so, the spring-loaded piston will be approximately 1/8-inch from its seated position.Trailers either have bunks and rollers, and they seldom need replacement, but a quick inspection will show if there are any problems. Is the boat level on the trailer? If not, take a close look to make sure the bunks and roller are properly adjusted. Is the hull well supported from front to back?Hook up the trailer to your truck or car and make sure all the lights are working—brakes, running lights and turn signals. Burned out bulbs are easy to fix, but rewiring a trailer can be a chore. Also, check out the winch and straps for frayed edges. It may need to be replaced.After your inspection of the trailer, if you have any concerns, you should take the boat to a dealer and have him check out any problems you might have noticed. Most dealers will be happy to give you a second opinion and can also cure any trailering problems you might incur. Axles can be adjusted for better tongue weight and bunks and rollers can be positioned for easier launching and retrieving. You may decide that you want to upgrade to a better trailer, and your local dealer can help you select the right trailer for your "new" used boat.There are a lot of great bargains and investments in the used boat market. Just remember that a good trailer will go a long way toward protecting your investment. For more trailering tips, product information, or the location of the nearest dealer visit the ShoreLand’r website at www.shorelandr.com.
If you’re like a lot of boaters heading to the lake this weekend, launching and retrieving your boat at the ramp can be the most difficult aspect — especially if the ramps are crowded and you have an audience. The key to stress-free launching is a combination of planning, coordination and a little practice.Here is a boater’s guide to launch ramp "Do’s and Don’ts" from the Information Bureau at Midwest Industries, manufacturer of ShoreLand’r trailers. These simple rules will save time, headaches and perhaps some embarrassment for you. Your fellow boaters will also appreciate your efficiency.Before you launch. Before getting into line or approaching the ramp, take time to transfer coolers, fishing gear, safety equipment, anchors and other essentials from your tow vehicle to the boat. Remove tie-downs securing the boat to the trailer, but make sure the winch line is still hooked to the bow eye.This is also a good time to install and tighten all drain plugs, especially the ones at the bottom of the transom. Hook up fuel lines, if necessary, and pressurize the fuel line with a couple of pumps on the primer bulb. Check batteries to make sure they’re charged.If your trailer lights are not waterproof, unplug the wiring harness between the trailer and your tow vehicle. This will prevent damage to your lights and blown fuses. Raise your outboard or stern drive so they won’t scrape on the ramp. Next, be sure to tie at least one and preferably two docking lines to the boat, so that someone helping you will be able to control the boat after it’s launched.The last thing to do before getting in line is to take a few minutes to check out the launch ramp. Take note of how steep the ramp is, how deep the water is and whether the ramp itself is dry or slick with algae. Is there a dock to tie up to after launching or will it be necessary to beach or anchor your boat?Check out the parking area, too. Some facilities have enough room for your vehicle and trailers. Others require that you park the trailer in one area and your vehicle in another. Knowing this in advance can save time and confusion.Launching your boat. When it’s your turn to launch, now is not the time to practice your backing skills. You should have already spent a few hours in an empty parking lot polishing your skills beforehand. If someone in your party is more experienced, let them handle the launching. On multiple-lane ramps be sure to stay in your lane. If it’s your first time at the lake this season, don’t get discouraged if you’re a little rusty. Just stay cool, go slowly and keep your sense of humor.Experience will tell you how far to back down into the water. A good rule of thumb is to stop when the step in front of the trailer fender is even with the water level. Set the parking brake on the vehicle and you’re ready to launch.A properly fitted trailer will allow a boat to launch itself. But be careful on steep ramps because a roller-trailer might launch your boat before you’re ready. To begin, grab the winch handle before switching the ratchet mechanism to "Off" and then let out line. Otherwise you may not be able to stop the spinning handle before the boat takes out all the line.Sometimes you may need to give the boat a push to get it started, but if you’re still having trouble, try backing the trailer another foot into the water. In some cases if the ramp isn’t too steep, you may want to power the boat off the trailer using the outboard or stern drive. Just make sure there’s enough water for prop clearance and that the intakes are submerged. Apply power slowly and smoothly and just enough to get the boat moving off the trailer. Once the boat is afloat, tie it to the dock, park the trailer and let the next person have access to the ramp.Retrieving your boat. At the end of the day, retrieving your boat is pretty much the reverse process of launching. There are a few precautions to keep in mind. As a courtesy to other boaters, don’t tie up the ramp while retrieving your vehicle and trailer. Tie your boat to a dock or circle around the lake until the trailer has been positioned on the ramp.When running the boat onto the trailer, concentrate on keeping the boat centered. Most trailers are designed to keep the boat centered. A little power will be needed to get the boat as close as possible to the winch stand. Don’t over-power your boat when loading. It can cause erosion at the end of the ramp resulting in a sharp drop.Once the boat is within a few inches of the winch stand, snap the winch strap to the bow eye and take up any slack. Tilt your outboard or stern drive all the way up and be sure the winch mechanism is on the "On" position before pulling up the ramp. Otherwise you might be surprised to find your trailer at the top of the ramp while your boat is at the bottom.Once you’ve cleared the ramp, pull out of the way to transfer gear, secure tie-downs, pull the drain plugs and other chores. Before hitting the road, hook up your lights and safety chains, make one last inspection for loose gear in the boat, and you’re safely on your way. With a little practice launching and retrieving your boat will take only minutes and your efficiency and speed will impress everyone else waiting in line.
A few years ago, Bryan Petersen traveled 40,000 miles around the world in a 24-foot rigid inflatable. He overcame hurricane-force winds, pirate attacks and encounters with sharks and crocodiles. As harrowing as that two-year voyage must have been, what’s even more impressive to casual boaters are the 50,000+ miles he towed his boat since 1995 as part of a boat show and lecture tour.Each year Petersen tows the Sunrider, a soy diesel-powered boat to shows and exhibits in over 40 cities and 12 states. He recently swapped his old ShoreLand’r trailer for a new one. Not because his old trailer was worn out, but it just didn’t have that "new from the showroom" appearance.His older trailer had survived over 35,000 miles of cross-country travel which is far more than most boater owners will ever accumulate. When asked what kind of problems he had encountered in his travels, his answer would surprise most people."Other than replacing a few tires, I never had any problems with burned out bearings, broken axles or springs, or cracks in the frame," Petersen says. "Although most of my travel is by Interstate highway, it’s impossible to avoid occasional pot holes or road debris. The trailer was so reliable that I never worried about it beyond normal maintenance."While most boat owners would never think of towing their boat 1,000 miles or more, the experts at ShoreLand’r Trailers, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of boat trailers, say the rules of the road are the same whether you’re towing close to home or cross country.Here are some tips for making sure your boat and trailer are ready to roll before heading for the lake this summer: