MASTERCRAFT TRAILERS
26-10
If your trailer begins to fish-tail as you accelerate to highway speed, back off a little and it should cease. If it
begins again as you accelerate, stop and check your load. If it is not evenly distributed side-to-side, or it is too far
back so that the hitch load becomes too low, the result can be this condition. Re-distribute the load before
continuing.
Launching
Every MasterCraft owner develops their own favorite launching technique. Until you do, here are a few
helpful tips:
• Check the ramp first. Whether you’re launching from an unimproved or surfaced ramp, check it out
before starting your launching procedure. How steep is it? Is the surface firm enough to support the weight
of the trailer rig and tow vehicle? Is it wide enough? How deep is the water at the end of the ramp?
• Prepare for launching. Install your drain plugs and detach the trailer tie-downs.
• Back your trailer down to the ramp. If possible have someone stand to one side of the ramp to direct
you. Backing up a trailer can be tricky. A good way to simplify the procedure is to grasp the steering wheel
with one hand at its lowest point (6:00). When you want the trailer to go right, move your hand on the wheel
to the right; to make the trailer go left, move your hand to the left.
• Back your trailer into the water until the trailer tire wheel well is about two inches from the
top of the water surface. Set the parking brake and shift into park (automatic transmission) or first gear
(manual transmission). Shut off the engine. Unlock the Boat Buddy latch and winch hook; then back the boat off
the trailer.
To re-load the boat on the trailer, simply reverse the above procedures, including setting your Boat Buddy
latch to the proper position, and drive your boat on the trailer at a slow pace. Before loading, we recommend you
clean any dirt or sand off the rollers and bunks. Sand on these can abrade the boat’s bottom while trailering.
Be certain all the boat tie-downs are properly fastened before departing from the launching ramp area.
Storage
When your MasterCraft trailer will not be in use for several months, you can help it continue to give you
good performance by taking the following steps:
• If at all possible, park your boat-trailer rig in a protected area such as a garage, carport or similar shelter.
• If you must park the trailer outdoors, install a boat cover that is tight enough for adequate protection but not
air-tight.
• Service or re-pack the wheel bearings.
• Jack up the trailer and place blocks under the trailer frame to take most of the weight off the trailer springs
and tires.
• Loosen the tie-downs and winch strap, but be sure the boat is still resting properly on the hull supports.
• Remove the drain plug and elevate the trailer tongue slightly (just an inch or two) to allow water to drain out
so the boat will be dry. Tie the plugs to something obvious–like the steering wheel–so you will remember
to replace the drain plugs before your next trip.
• A good time to touch up rust spots, nicks and chips is when the trailer is in storage.
Some launch ramps may be slippery when wet. Use great
care when walking, standing or loading and unloading
boats on or around any launch ramps.
Wet brakes may not hold and/or may cause brakes to
have diminished performance characteristics. A few brak-
ing applications at a slow speed will help to dry them out,
but extra care must be used when braking after brakes
have become wet.
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