How to Choose a Boat Towing Service
Choosing a boat towing service can be a daunting task. You need to consider your budget, ask around, and make sure you have the proper equipment. You also need to know how to look after your trailer hubs. Call emergency boat towing Austin for the best towing services.
Shorten the towline
Choosing a boat towing service will require a tow line that is adjusted properly to suit the motion of the two vessels. A slack tow line can be dangerous, and can cause the towed vessel to accelerate or turn backwards. A long tow line can help prevent a boat from sheering off and a short tow line can help control a tow’s position in a channel.
A long towline helps reduce shock loading on the towed vessel and prevents the bows from blowing off course. A tow rope made of nylon is recommended, as it provides shock-absorbing qualities. A short towline is appropriate in calm waters, but can become a hazard in rough waters.
A tow line should be tightened when the towing speed is achieved. This will help prevent the tow from snatching back and creating a dangerous slingshot. If the tow line is too long, it may cause the towboat to sway too much and damage both vessels.
Ask for a membership
Whether you’re out fishing on your boat or boating with friends, a towing service membership is a smart idea. This allows you to receive priority service from towing-assistance organizations, which can be a life saver.
There are several towing-service companies to choose from. Each offers a variety of tow services and membership options. It’s important to understand what you’re getting for your money. A towing membership does not come with a guarantee of rescue, but it can provide peace of mind.
The major towing companies provide 24/7 dispatch services. The response time can vary depending on the number of boats on the operators’ fleet. They also provide applications for smartphones, which pre-program your boat’s information. These are free on the Google Play Store.
One company, TowboatUS, offers a towing service membership. These memberships cover most of the services offered by Great Lakes captains. They include jump starts, fuel delivery, and refueling. They also provide two additional ways to call for help.
Consider your budget
Choosing the right boat towing service is important. You’ll want to consider the size of your boat, your budget, and your needs. If you’re purchasing a new boat, you’ll also want to take into consideration your budget as well as the features and options available in your chosen vessel.
The most obvious up front cost is the financing for your boat. You’ll also have to consider your maintenance budget, and perhaps invest in some of the optional equipment. You’ll also have to consider where you’ll store your boat. Putting it in your backyard might not be the best option, so a marina or dry slip might be the answer.
If you’re lucky enough to own a bigger boat, you might also need to consider the cost of storage. There’s nothing worse than not being able to use your boat because it’s too far away from home. Having it close by means you can launch and retrieve it when you need to.
Care for your trailer hubs
Whether you’re a novice boat trailerer or an expert, knowing how to care for your trailer hubs will ensure your trailer performs at its best. Boat trailers have an important role in your boating experience, and the last thing you want is to lose your day on the water. With a little common sense and some basic tools, you can avoid the most common trailer problems.
One of the first things you should do is clean your trailer brakes. The pads and shoes should be inspected every few months to make sure they are in good shape.
You should also check your trailer lights. If they don’t work, you’ll need to replace them. If the light connector is damaged, you can buy a new one from an auto parts store. A new light system is relatively inexpensive. You can also check the connection between the wiring plug and the trailer. If the connection is corroded, you can use contact cleaner to lubricate it.