Blog Post

A Quick Guide to Safely Hitching Your Boat

  • By Tony Mers
  • 12 Jul, 2022
A Quick Guide to Safely Hitching Your Boat

Boat owners typically don’t consider how much time they will spend hitching and towing their boats. Learning how to hitch your boat safely is essential for a boat owner. It’s different than driving your truck or car alone. Keep reading for a quick guide to safely hitching your boat.

A Quick Look at Hitching Your Boat Correctly

Safely hitching your boat is vital; otherwise, you could be dealing with a tragic event while driving down the road. Not much else will spark fear in your eyes quicker than looking in the rearview mirror to find your boat is no longer behind you. Follow these steps to connect your boat securely before you drive off to the lake.

  • Line the ball up with the trailer hitch and lower the hitch down over the ball. You may want to practice this step a few times and have someone there to help you.
  • Close the latch and insert the safety pin once the hitch is on the ball.
  • Cross and secure the safety chains to the truck.
  • Attach the brake safety line to your vehicle.
  • Ensure you’ve plugged everything in correctly before pulling away.

Take Time To Practice

Are you nervous about pulling the boat trailer? Do you need to brush up on your boat trailer hauling skills? One excellent idea is to practice hitching and unhitching the trailer a few times. This will help you feel confident about your skills before you feel the pressure at the marina or boat launch.

Practice driving with a boat trailer in a controlled environment. This practice is crucial no matter how experienced a driver you are. Practice backing up, taking curves, and turning in an open parking lot. Once you feel comfortable, take your boat out locally before embarking on a more extended trip.

Walk Around To Inspect Everything

Perform a walk-around inspection to ensure the towing vehicle and the trailer are ready for the trip.

  • Check the tire pressure on every tire.
  • Make sure you’ve evenly distributed the weight in the boat and truck.
  • Inspect the safety pin and chains on the trailer hitch, and ensure they’re securely attached.
  • Make sure you secure the winch and ratchet straps to the boat.

When you take the time to check, you’ll feel safer and more confident as you drive down the road.

Create an Ample Amount of Space

You’ll need additional space to change lanes or pull onto the highway. Place the trailers tire on the outside lane to avoid going up onto the curb when you turn. It would be best to leave a healthy distance between you and the vehicles in front because when you’re towing a boat, it increases the time it takes for you to speed up and slow down.

Owning a boat is exciting but also full of responsibility. Follow the above guide when you’re ready to hitch your boat and stay safe on the road. Contact One Call for our boat moving service when it’s time to move your boat for the season. We’re the best in the industry!

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  • Choose a shipping method: Decide whether you want to use a specialized vehicle transport service, a freight carrier, or another method. The choice may depend on factors such as cost, convenience, and the level of service required. 

  • Prepare the vehicle: Before shipping, ensure that the motorsports vehicle is properly prepared. This includes cleaning it thoroughly, removing any personal belongings or loose items, and securing any removable parts to prevent damage during transit.

  • Check for regulations and requirements: Research any regulations or requirements related to shipping motorsports vehicles, both domestically and internationally. This may include paperwork, permits, or specific packaging instructions.

  • Choose appropriate packaging: If necessary, package the vehicle securely to prevent damage during transit. This might involve using specialized crates, pallets, or protective coverings.

  • Arrange pickup and delivery: Coordinate with the shipping company to schedule pickup of the vehicle from your location and delivery to the desired destination. Make sure to provide clear instructions and contact information for both pickup and delivery.


  • Insure the shipment: Consider purchasing insurance for the shipment to protect against loss or damage during transit. Most shipping companies offer insurance options, but you may also choose to use a third-party insurer.

  • Track the shipment: Utilize any tracking services provided by the shipping company to monitor the progress of the shipment and ensure it arrives at its destination on time.

  • Receive and inspect the vehicle: When the vehicle arrives at its destination, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or discrepancies. Note any issues on the delivery receipt and contact the shipping company immediately if necessary.

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Time Savings: Drive-away services can often be quicker than other methods of transport, especially if you need to move vehicles over relatively short distances. This can be particularly useful if you need vehicles delivered promptly to meet customer demands or deadlines.

Flexibility: Drive-away services can be more flexible in terms of scheduling and routes compared to other forms of transportation. You can often arrange for pick-up and delivery at times that suit your schedule, and drivers may have the flexibility to adjust routes based on real-time conditions.

Personalized Service: Drive-away services often provide a more personalized experience, as drivers typically work closely with clients to ensure that their specific needs are met. This can include things like handling special requests or providing updates on the status of the delivery.

Comprehensive Solutions: Some drive-away logistics companies offer additional services beyond simply transporting vehicles, such as vehicle inspection, detailing, or even temporary storage. This can provide added convenience and value for businesses with more complex transportation needs.

Safety and Security: Reputable drive-away services with One Call Logistics contract experienced and vetted drivers who are trained to handle various types of vehicles safely and securely. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicles are in good hands during transit.


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