BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Module 03 - Before Heading Out

Transporting Your Boat

Transporting your boat safely isn’t difficult–it’s a matter of choosing the right towing equipment, using common sense when loading and unloading your boat, and being confident with the techniques for driving safely with a trailer.

How to choose the right boat trailer

To determine which style of trailer is right for you, consider the following:

Are the width and length of the trailer suitable for the size of your boat?
Is the weight capacity of the trailer suitable for the weight of your boat?
Is the towing capacity of your vehicle suitable for the weight of your boat?
Do all the trailer’s operating lights work properly?
Does the coupler match the size of your vehicle’s hitch ball?
Is the trailer equipped with mandatory ‘closed-loop’ safety chains?
Does your trailer require trailer brakes, according to your local or provincial regulations?