Boating

Where would boating—or boaters—be without the boat trailer? Actual numbers for the amount of trailer boaters are scarce. However, the National Marine Manufacturers Association states that 95 percent of registered boats are less than 26 feet in length, and many of those are trailered regularly to local waterways. Add to that the number of boats kept in the water but that get to and from their seasonal slips on a trailer, towed by the marina or boatyard that cares for the boat. Yep, this whole boating thing would be different without trailers. Unfortunately, boat trailers all too often fail to receive the attention they require to remain reliable. We boaters will lavish piles of money and weeks of time to make our boats right. But trailers often lack that kind of…

How did you get into boats and boating? My father had a boat, so I’ve loved boating all my life. I had my own boat at 4 years old, which I would take 5 or 6 meters from the shore, where the water was calm and shallow. Why do you use RIBs for all your adventures? I think of RIBs like a Jeep in the desert; they are very safe boats for tackling challenging conditions. Plus, I owned my first RIB when I was only 17. What is the most dangerous situation you’ve encountered during a voyage? When I crossed Greenland, I was afraid of the ice because the ice sheets were huge, and I was afraid of doing damage to the motors. These are not conditions one normally encounters in a small outboard-powered boat.…

Helicopters, photographers, cruisers, ‘toons and chase boats: every issue of Boating is a major production, and Icom helps the team communicate during the controlled chaos of a big shoot. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the magazine, and tips on how to optimize your Icom marine radio like the Boating team does. SCAN ME Scan the QR code below to gain access to each new episode that includes advice/tips from our editors on maximizing use of your marine communication. MADE POSSIBLE BY…

1. Your trailer’s been sitting out back. You pull it out of the weeds and pump air into the tires. What are some things you should be checking when doing this to avoid problems when towing? A. Cracking and checking on tire sidewalls can lead to blowouts on the road. B. Grass and weeds stuck to the trailer frame. C. Loose lug nuts can cause loss of a trailer wheel. D. Jack up the wheels and rotate, listening for bad bearings. E. A, C and D F. All of the above 2. You’re looking at new trailers, and your friend tells you to buy one with roller hull supports instead of bunk supports. Is she right? A. Rollers make it easier to launch the boat from shallow, steep and otherwise difficult launch ramps. If you consistently use ramps…

SWING JACKS THE LIFT: Hand-crank jacks such as West Marine’s 1,500-pound-capacity swivel-mount model ($114.99; westmarine.com) bolt on or are welded to the side of the trailer tongue and stow in the horizontal position while towing. This is the most popular style, and most models have one or two wheels. THE LETDOWN: Not all trailers have enough space on the forward portion of the frame to accommodate the radius of the tilting action. Tongue weights max out at about 2,000 pounds. PRICE RANGE: Between $55 and $250 depending on load capacity and the type of foot or wheels. FIXED JACKS THE LIFT: Fixed tongue jacks such as the Fulton 2,500-pound heavy-duty drop-leg, bolt-on model ($139.99; trailerandtruckparts.com) offer greater load capacities than swing jacks to accommodate heavier trailer boats. Adjustable drop legs enable greater lift height. Some…

Grady-White’s versatile Freedom 325 combines the luxuries of a dayboat with the sea-keeping and utility of a sport-fisher. One console hides a private head and a shower, while the other houses a comfortable daybed, ensuring comfort during long days or the occasional overnight afloat. Plus, the standard hardtop—larger than others we’ve seen—comes with an overhead rail and flush-mount electronics area, plenty of rod holders, LED lighting, and a retractable Sure-Shade system. The portside dive and boarding door offers great convenience; deep seating areas aft, near the helm and in the bow ensconce family and friends; and the push-button extendable lounge is impressive. There are also boarding platforms astern, a high-end audio system and, for anglers, a 254-quart fish box, a 32-gallon livewell, rod holders, and a patented foldaway aft bench to open…