Any boat owner is familiar with how challenging boat maintenance is. Apart from the watercraft, you also need to take care of its accompanying equipment. Boat trailers are part of this.
For new owners, here is a boat trailer maintenance checklist. From checking the condition of the tires and inspecting brake pads to lubricating couplers and covering the lights, here is an inspection checklist you need to know.
Table of Contents
A Schedule Template
You can use this guide to know how often you should check the conditions of your boat trailer. You can turn this into a PDF version for easy reference.
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Always |
1 day |
2 days |
4 days |
Seasonal |
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Check oil or fuel. Always use fresh |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Check the propeller and skeg |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Check engine systems (e.g. swivel and steering) |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
Check for faulty wires and detached connections or parts (e.g. winch traps, wiring harness, emergency retention) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Check fluid level and leaks |
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
Check fuel lines and water flow of the water pump |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
Lubricate all grease points |
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|
|
X |
X |
|
Check coupler mechanism |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Check batteries if still working |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Rinse brake pads |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Clean bilge and interiors |
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|
X |
X |
X |
|
Repair trailer lights |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Check wheel bearings if not strange noises and no rust |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Check tires and wheels for pressure, age, and uneven tread |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Spot rust or corrosion in any of the parts |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
Tires and Wheels
Like any other trailer, the wheels are the most important part. Having a busted tire, a bent axle, or rust wheel bearings can pose a hazard on the road. The last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere with a boat, unable to move without a spare tire.
Here is a list of proper trailer care:
1. Have Wheel Bearing Protectors
A good kind of wheel bearings maintenance is to add protectors. They have grease fitting that prevents water from coming into contact with them. This avoids rust and maintains pressure. Apart from protectors, you should also repack the bearings every three to five seasons.
A strong sign that you need replacement is when you start hearing squeaks, grinding noises, or when the wheel can’t spin easily.
2. Check the Tire Condition
Tires can wear out with age. You will notice this when it starts to lose its firmness. This is dangerous as it can fall out anytime. This is why you should have a Special Trailer type of tire–the most suitable for trailers.
It is good to note to choose the tires suitable for your boat and needs. Bias-ply and Radial tires are the most common in the market. The former is more affordable and can support trailer sway. However, it is more suitable for short trips only. Radial, on the other hand, can carry heavier loads and decreases the chances of heat build-up.
Make sure to always bring a spare tire in good condition, together with a tool kit (e.g. jack). Changing a boat trailer’s tire can be challenging but manageable.
3. Monitor the Tire Pressure
Each month, tires tend to lose a pound or two of pressure. So, make sure you inflate each one to the maximum limit. This lessens the risk of it losing pressure easily.
Before hitting the road, check your tires if they are all firm. This helps in avoiding accidents. The tread should be less than ¼ inch.
Trailer Lights
When hooking up the trailer, make sure the lights are all working. While the bulbs don’t age easily, older versions tend to burn out. Replace them right away if it happens.
Troubleshooting boat trailer lights’ damage is also feasible. To avoid corrosion, use dielectric grease.
You should also keep the lights covered when not in use. Weathering and salt from roads can damage sockets and the little pins. Check for any cracks, faulty wires, and loose lenses as well.
Trailer Brakes
Saltwater can easily corrode the brakes and their parts. Here are ways you can avoid this.
Rinse Off Salt Water Right Away
After launching the boat into the ocean, sea, or lake, rinse the brake pads right away. If your trailer has a connection for a hose, equip it with a freshwater hose. This makes rinsing more convenient.
Inspect the Pads or Shoes
Brake pads, rollers, and shoes can develop rust over time too. Inspect them every few seasons, including the fluid reservoir. A quick “auto repair service near me” search online helps in contacting them should you find anything wrong.
You can combine the brakes inspection with other checkups (e.g. tires). This helps in saving costs and the effort of experts in examining your boat.
Steering System
Maintenance of a trailer involves the engine and steering systems. After all, these can be considered the core parts.
The steering system should feel firm and not loose or too hard when you move it. Weathering and prolonged use can have an effect on its condition. Search for any kinks (hydraulic and mechanical), excessive play, and leaks or hydraulic bleed systems.
Take note that other grease points of the trailer are the winch, trailer ball, and ball mount.
Electronics and Connections
Apart from the trailer lights, connections should be in working condition before any trip.
The following should be properly attached to their corresponding parts: tie-down parts, grounding circuit, electrical plug and socket, and breakaway switch.
Frequently check if there are any cuts, corrosion, or damages to the wiring, signals, lug nuts, and break control. After all, a rusty trailer part is sure to affect its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What maintenance is needed on a boat trailer?
It is important to have a boat or yacht maintenance checklist. This helps you look over everything to inspect, especially for new boat owners or non-mechanical experts.
Generally, maintenance involves inspecting for damage and resistance on moving parts, replacing faulty lights, wires, and tires, and lubricating grease points.
There are other steps to execute. For instance, outer board maintenance requires flushing out the engine and burning all fuel in the carburetor. Check the water pump as well for good water flow. Any problem like leaks or weak water flow should be resolved.
How often should you service a boat trailer?
A boat trailer service depends on the condition of your watercraft. Some owners prefer DIY. But certain damages are worse that they require experts to repair.
The best way to know the frequency is to check the service manual. It should contain all the necessary information about trailer maintenance. If you can’t find it anymore, you should contact trailer servicing every six months.
However, regular inspection is advisable. You may already see corrosion or other damages within six months. At this time, repair it or contact a service company as soon as possible.
How much is the annual boat maintenance cost?
The service cost differs. On average, it is around $2,000 in a year. It ranges from $700 to $5,000, especially if you hire a professional or book an auto repair service.
Different maintenance types have varying costs. Common types are the following: washing and cleaning ($3-#5 per foot), bottom paint ($15 – $50 per linear foot), winterization ($300-$600), waxing ($12-$25 per foot), and boat trailer ($100 per year).
Also, outboard motor maintenance is about $300 for basic service.
Conclusion
A boat trailer maintenance checklist is crucial for new and tech-savvy boat owners alike. The list is quite tedious, similar to the actual maintenance.
Doing all these on your own can save you money. However, for those unfamiliar with the mechanics of maintenance, it is best to contact an auto repair service. It may be costly (depending on the trailer’s damage) but it is worth it especially if you want your trailer in its best condition.
Ten years of enjoying countless trips on boats never made me love them any less! So I am here to put all those experiences into good use for other boaters who want to have a safe and fun trip with their friends and families.