Here's a checklist I made up as part of a trailering safety course as requested by Telwater.
The checklist isn't exhaustive and was left open for additions. It would have formed part of a practical instruction.
After I emailed them the checklist I didn't hear back.
Safety Checklist
Trailer Boat Safety, to & from launching facility.
Pre-departure visual inspection and checks:
q Correct trailer tyre pressure as recommended by manufacturer
q Winch strap/wire pulled up and ratchet engaged
q Safety chain connected
q Tie-down strap attached and tightened
q Motor support bracket to trailer secured
q Aerials down, loose items secured in boat
q Bimini/canopy down
q Bungs in
Hitching trailer to tow vehicle checks:
q Tow ball is securely fitted to tow bar
q Trailer coupling fitted over tow ball
q Coupling handle all the way down
q Spring loaded catch down in locked position
q Jockey wheel in travelling position
q Safety chain connected
q Lights connected and checked for operation
q Manual hand brake off
q Disc brake over-ride system operable
q Hydraulic/electric brake system connected
Setting off to launching facility:
q Inform passengers of any proposed reversing manoeuvres
q Ensure clearance both sides before reversing
q Mirrors adjusted for best view when reversing
q Ensure path is clear before reversing
q Passengers to wait near the front of the vehicle where the driver can see them, or in vehicle itself
q If required, one passenger to check for oncoming traffic on roadway
Launching the boat:
q Position vehicle, boat and trailer in rigging area, and clear of ramp approaches
q Tie-down strap removed
q Motor support bracket to trailer removed
q Aerials up, bimini/canopy up
q Battery switch on
q Mooring lines, fenders prepared
q Bungs in
q Motor tilted up
q Passengers informed of launching procedure
q Passengers not involved in launching to stand away and off ramp area
q Path clear for reversing
q Maintain vehicle in a position parallel to laneways when reversing
q Stop trailer with axle above water surface for push-off launching
q Safety chain removed
q Winch ratchet disengaged
q Winch strap/wire payed out by hand for push-off launching
q Care taken with winch handle spinning backwards at speed
q Mooring line from boat’s bow loosely turned twice on winch post for added safety when lowering boat back off trailer
q Disconnect winch hook when boat is floating
q When boat is clear of trailer and secured to shore or structure, park vehicle and trailer in parking area
Retrieving the boat:
q Position trailer as when launching
q Unload passengers
q Motor trimmed up
q Manoeuvre boat to trailer with assistance
q For ease of manoeuvring, attach mooring lines to bow and stern quarter of boat.
q Align boat with centre rollers and attach winch hook
q Engage winch ratchet
q Winch boat onto trailer ensuring keel lines up with centre rollers
q Winch boat tight up to winch post and attach safety chain
q Ensure passengers and others are clear of trailer and ramp area
q Park in rigging area clear of ramp approaches
q Tie-down strap secured
q Motor support bracket secured
q Aerials, bimini/canopy down
q Loose items secured
q Bungs out
Wash down and storage:
q Apply manual hand brake
q Support trailer on a stand to reduce load on jockey wheel
q Ensure bow is higher than stern to allow drainage
q Flush motor as per manufacturers recommendations
q Remove salt from boat surfaces
q Loosen tie-down strap
q Loosen winch strap/wire
q Store motor in tilted down position
q Follow manufacturers recommended lubrication schedule
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