Trailering your pontoon boat can seem daunting at first. There is definitely a learning curve, but it’s not rocket science. The following guide from Riverview Sports & Marine is here to help! With these tips in mind, you can feel confident taking your pontoon on the road.

The next time you are in the market for a pontoon boat, head to Riverview Sports & Marine. You can find us in Elk River, MN.

Avoid Trailering in High Winds

We all know to avoid boating in stormy weather, and the same goes for trailering your boat. In high winds, your pontoon will act as a giant sail and catch the breeze, which may threaten to push your tow vehicle off the road. Make sure to keep close tabs on the weather forecast and plan your voyage accordingly to avoid major mishaps both on the water and on the road.

Use A Dock Hook

A dock hook is simply a long telescoping rod with a hook that you can use to grab dock cleats and pull the back of your boat into position when the wind is against you. This can save you a lot of stress when conditions take a turn for the worse and you need to head home in a hurry.

Don’t Pull the Trailer in Too Deep

Beginners often make the mistake of pulling their trailer too deep into the water. You want to make sure the trailer is only deep enough that the tops of the wheel wells are just barely underwater. Try this approach: pull the trailer back until the wheel wells are wet, and bring up the front of the boat. Then, have the driver of your tow vehicle go slightly deeper, and you can then drive the boat the rest of the way up the trailer.

Use the Dock as a Drift Break

If winds or waves are pushing at your boat, you can have the driver of your tow vehicle position the trailer on the downwind side of the dock. This way the dock will provide shelter. You can also use your dock hook in this situation to prevent drifting.

Everyone Off the Boat!

Having passengers aboard your boat when trailering is going to make things a lot harder. All that additional weight is going to put more strain on your tow vehicle, and those bodies are also going to obstruct your view of the trailer and make it more difficult to tell if your boat is on straight. You’re better off unloading your passengers, along with any cargo, before trailering.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions about trailering your pontoon, feel free to ask the experts at Riverview Sports & Marine. We are conveniently located between Minneapolis & St. Cloud, MN.