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Towing a Boat

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Villan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Villan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Towing a Boat
    Posted: 19 Feb 09 at 2:17pm

Take corners wider and slower than usual, don't be afraid to straddle both lanes if its a tight corner at traffic lights.

Remember to leave about 20 ft further than you usually would do when overtaking, and if you get flashed in SAY THANKS! Few flashes of your hazards, or right/left/right indicate.

Leave more room to stop, and remember that you are a magnet for idiots the SECOND the hitch touches your towball!

Check your lights, and make sure your board has the minimum legal things (WORKING brake and indicator lights, and a RED reflector. (Triangular i think for legality) ) Check they work every time you hitch up.

Find an industrial estate near you, go one evening with the boat on the back, and find an empty yard. Lots of reversing practice. Compound reversing around walls is easier than it looks! But of course, don't be afraid to unhitch if you need to. It may look good if you get it right, but when you dont, you will look like an idiot! (If in doubt - GOAL .. Get Out And Look! )

Good luck, Let us know how it goes!!

Edit - Oh, and remember whatever you are towing, its your responsibility to make sure its SAFE. If something comes of, its an endorsable and fine'able offence!!

(You wouldn't think I've been driving for only 6 months ... )



Edited by Villan
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RS400atC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote RS400atC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 09 at 2:03pm
Originally posted by hollandsd

Any hints and tips when towing?

Dan

 

If its the RS600 you're towing, it's wider than people expect. Make sure that the wing bars are very visible from both ahead and behind, black progrip is hard to spot at night! Try to avoid busy times/places with suicidal pedestrians and cylcists, give yourself lots of time and space. Learn to reverse if you get the chance to practise, but be cool about unhooking if it gets difficult.

Double check the coupling is secure, some can seize and not latch securely.

Make sure the trailer tyres are good and at a sensible pressure. Tie everything down carefully, a lot of damage can be done by booms etc vibrating against the deck or whatever.  If its the first time you tied on that boat, stop and check tie downs after a few miles, its surprising how things work loose.

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hollandsd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote hollandsd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 09 at 1:37pm

yeah just thought it was a little odd, aparently not then.

 

Any hints and tips when towing?

Dan

 

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Xpletive View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Xpletive Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 09 at 1:35pm
It is normal for the vehicle insurance to cover for damage caused to a 3rd party BY a boat being a load carried on or towed by the insured vehicle, assuming there is nothing else preventing the driver from towing a load. It is up to individuals to check their cover before taking the risk. The boat insurer only provides cover re any damage TO the boat.
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Merlinboy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Merlinboy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 09 at 1:30pm
Most car insurance companies will not cover what you are towing. 
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hollandsd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote hollandsd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 09 at 1:14pm

I have just got my new car and was looking at the insurances for towing, there are strange quirks that i have noticed.

Noble marine cover the boat fully comp but dont cover any 3rd party damage

Tesco Car insurance cover the 3rd party damage but not the boat.

 

What happens to people who dont have a boat insurance provider that will provide the same service as noble and what happens if the car insurance company will not over the same as my tescos does, or even worse a combination of both.

 

Dan

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