Towing your boat

When towing your boat there are a few rules that must be followed to ensure that you can have a comfortable and easy ride to your boating destination.

• The speed limit is 60mph on both motorways and dual carriageways, and a 50mph limit on single carriageway roads. Also you must not use the outer lane of a three or more lane motorway unless instructed to do so
• For small trailers without breaks, the weight should be no more than 50% of the cars kerb weight or 750kg, depending on which is less.
• For large trailers with breaks, they must not weigh more than 85% of the cars kerb weight. It is also a legal requirement for the breaks to work, whether they are used or not.
• You must be licensed to by holding a group A or category B, which allows you to tow a boat trailer up to a maximum weight of 8.25 tonnes.
• You must have at least third party insurance for both the tow car and the trailer.
• The number plate on the trailer must be identical to the tow car.
• No sharp or dangerous points of the boat must be on show. You can use a bucket or reinforced carrier bags to cover propellers and masts.
• All indicators and lights must work on the trailer before setting off.

As well as following the sensible rules, it is also always an idea to do a third less speed as normal due to the fact that you are transporting a larger item than usual and avoid any sudden movements.