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A Strapping Lad

Andy Whitcomb

8/16/2011

These trailers are supposed to be empty.

While visiting Pennsylvania recently, I noticed something that might cause a touch of concern for boat owners: frequent sightings of vehicles towing empty boat trailers.

I have a feeling that most of those “missing boats” are out on the water being maximized for use by their owners during the warm, summer months. Or is there some sort of a boat trailer show at the Venago County Fair? What may cause that aforementioned concern – in Pennsylvania specifically – is the fact that the state’s rural roads are twisting, steep, and narrow. Combine that with the evasive maneuvers required to dodge wildlife coupled with the precautions one must take when towing a boat trailer in general – with a boat on and without – and needless to say, it’s best to go at moderate speeds when driving and make sure your trailer is prepared for transportation.

Whether you live in the country or the city, it’s always a good idea to periodically review boat trailering procedures (this is a good checklist) to make sure everything is locked in and secure. I use heavy-duty ratchet straps and carry extras on my boat trailer. Though I check everything several times, when towing, I can’t help but constantly check the mirrors to make sure my trailer is where it’s supposed to be.

Boating, Pennsylvania

Andy Whitcomb

Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.

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