BOAT TRAILER MANUAL

Boat trailer manual

This manual is intended to explain your boat trailer and help you use it safely and enjoyably . Please read this manual carefully before using the trailer.
This manual is designed to help you choose the right trailer. It will also teach you how to connect a trailer and explain how to launch and retrieve a boat.
Information is also provided on uncoupling the trailer and on operating and maintenance instructions. If anything remains unclear, despite carefully reading this manual, please contact us.

How do I choose the right trailer?

• The most important thing is that the weight of the boat (together with the engine and accessories such as a convertible top) is less than the maximum load capacity of the trailer. You can often find the weight of your boat and engine by Googling. Usually, the weight of your boat is sufficient, plus 10 percent for the engine and accessories.
  Next, check whether the boat's length is less than the trailer's maximum boat length. This is less important than the weight.
• The boat may be moored at the The rear of the boat trailer may extend a maximum of 5 meters, measured from the rearmost rear axle. For a multi-axle boat trailer (tandem axle), the boat may extend a maximum of 4 meters, measured from the rearmost rear axle. The extension may not exceed half the length of the boat trailer. Therefore, for a 6-meter boat trailer, the boat may not extend more than 3 meters beyond the rear axle.
  
  • If the boat extends more than 1 meter beyond the light box, it must be equipped with a "long-load marker board." A marker board is a square sign measuring at least 42 by 42 centimeters with parallel diagonal red and white stripes. The stripes must be at least 7 and no wider than 10 centimeters. The red stripes must be fluorescent or retroreflective.
    After sunset , a red light must be displayed at the stern of the overhanging boat. The boat that overhangs at the front must be equipped with forward-facing lights that emit white light. The distance between the outermost point of the boat and the light must be no more than 10 centimeters. The white and red lights must be clearly visible to oncoming and following traffic, respectively.
• At the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority), you can look up the length, width, and height of braked boat trailers with a gross load capacity of more than 750 kilograms. You can also look up the load capacity, which is the permitted maximum mass – the trailer's unladen weight. The permitted maximum mass and axle loads according to the RDW/vehicle registration certificate may not be exceeded.
  
• The maximum length is 12 meters, in combination with a car the maximum length is 18 meters.
• The maximum height is 4 meters.
• The maximum The boat trailer's width is 2.55 meters. The trailer, including the boat, may not exceed a total width of 3 meters. The boat may therefore extend up to 22 centimeters over the side. Marker signs must be installed if the boat extends over the side by more than 10 centimeters .
  The "width" marking signs consist of square signs measuring 42 by 42 centimeters. Rectangular signs measuring 28 by 56 centimeters or 14 by 80 centimeters are also permitted. The signs must feature alternating diagonal red and white stripes, each 7 to 10 centimeters wide, with the red stripes being fluorescent or retroreflective.
  Four marker signs must be placed on the front and rear of the boat, perpendicular to the boat trailer's longitudinal axis (not diagonally). The signs must be placed as wide as the boat (not wider or narrower). The signs must be placed at a height of at least 25 centimeters and no higher than 1.9 meters (or 2.3 meters if no other option is available).
  After sunset, you must display a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. The lights should indicate the boat's maximum beam. You can choose the height yourself.

A trailer must always be adjusted to the boat to ensure the boat can be loaded and transported without damage.

• It's important that the boat's weight (often at the rear with an outboard motor) is positioned as much as possible above the load-bearing part of the boat trailer (i.e., not above the light box with the license plate). With a self-leveling trailer, this is often not necessary, making it ideal if you're inexperienced or transport multiple boats.
• Finally, check whether your vehicle has sufficient towing capacity for the trailer and boat. You can request this from the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority). You will then receive a statement for the maximum braked mass (for a boat trailer with brakes) and the maximum unbraked mass (for a boat trailer without brakes).
• Boat trailers are suitable for a B driving licence provided that the weight of the car, trailer and boat is less than 3,500 kilograms.
• If a boat has a deep keel at the bottom, such as a sailboat, additional outriggers are often necessary. If you have a RIB or inflatable boat, it's important to install trumpet rollers or beams and another bow support.

Adjustment under your boat
If you've chosen to have Marinaut adjust your boat trailer, it's important that you test everything yourself as soon as possible to ensure it's functioning properly and satisfactorily. Marinaut has, of course, thoroughly tested the trailer and your boat's launching, but every waterfront is different, and factors such as fluctuating water levels, a full or empty fuel tank, and the height of the tow bar can all affect the proper functioning of a boat trailer. If you've chosen to adjust it yourself, we cannot guarantee the proper functioning of the loading system.

Connecting/disconnecting a boat trailer

Step 1 : Check whether the tow ball coupling is open (X position).

Step 2 : Check that the trailer's coupling height is approximately 5 cm above that of the towing vehicle. If necessary, this height can be adjusted using the support wheel.

Step 3 : Reverse the tow vehicle toward the parked and braked trailer until the ball coupling is almost directly above the towball on the vehicle. For safety reasons, make sure that no one is allowed between the trailer and the tow vehicle.

Step 4 : Remove any wheel chocks from the trailer.

Step 5 : Release the trailer handbrake.

Step 6 : For overrun systems with a "KH" or "GF" handbrake lever, simply pull it forward to its starting position. No further locks need to be released or buttons pressed. For overrun systems with a retractable handbrake lever, first pull it out to its maximum length. The handbrake can then be easily released. Finally, slide the handbrake lever back to its shortest position.
For overrun devices with an "HF" gear lever, the button on the handbrake lever must be pressed before the lever can be released. The effort required to press the button can be reduced by pulling the handbrake lever slightly at the same time.

Step 7 : Pull the trailer with the ball coupling exactly over the ball.

Step 8 : Slowly lower the drawbar until the ball coupling is audibly seated correctly on the ball; this will be audible with a click. Check the marking on the drawbar coupling to ensure the coupling is properly engaged. Once the ball coupling is correctly seated, the pointer will jump to the green field of the marking, which is marked with a "+".

Step 9 : Now the support wheel can be turned up and fixed in the top position.

Step 10 : Wrap the breakaway cable once around the ball neck and then hook the carabiner to the cable.

Step 11 : Plug the trailer's light plug into the tow vehicle's power outlet and check that all the lights are working.

To connect, do the same in reverse order.

Connecting a boat trailer: what you need to know:

• After connecting, the pointer should be used to check whether the ball coupling is correctly positioned on the ball: If the pointer is in the green "+" field, the ball coupling is correctly closed and locked, and the ball on the car still has sufficient wear reserve.
• Only in this case is a secure connection established between your vehicle and the trailer, and are they permitted to participate in traffic. Don't forget to release the trailer's handbrake and attach the breakaway cable to the towball neck.
• The breakaway cable is designed to trigger emergency braking of the trailer if the connection to the towing vehicle is interrupted for any reason.
• If the pointer is in the red "-" field, the coupling has been closed incorrectly and the trailer must not be driven under any circumstances.
  There could be three reasons for this:
  1. The ball on the towing vehicle is already heavily worn and does not provide sufficient support for the ball coupling. A new ball has a diameter of 50.0 mm. If this diameter decreases due to wear, even partially, to below 49 mm, the ball on the towing vehicle must be replaced and no longer used.
  2. The ball coupling itself is severely worn and no longer provides sufficient support for the ball. In this case, the ball coupling should be replaced by a qualified garage.
  3. The ball coupling's locking mechanism has been activated, but there is no ball in the coupling. The ball coupling is loose on the ball and is not securely connected. The coupling will come off the ball as soon as the vehicle is driven. Open the ball coupling as described in point 2.1 and try again to properly engage the ball coupling on the ball.
• If the pointer is in the red "X" field, the ball coupling is not engaged. The ball is loose on the towball and would jump off when driving away. Under no circumstances must the trailer be driven in this situation!
  The clutch mechanism may be stiff due to lack of lubrication.
• The ball coupling's rotational range around the vehicle axle is a maximum of ±25°. Horizontal rotational angles are possible within a range of ±20°.
  Caution! Exceeding the rotational ranges will overload the components, and the ball coupling will no longer function properly.
• The towball coupling handle indicates the permissible support load for that particular towball coupling. Driving with a negative support load is prohibited, as this negatively impacts the trailer's stability. A negative support load can easily be avoided by changing the loading of the trailer.
• To ensure optimal driving and braking behaviour of the trailer, it is essential that the coupling heights of the towing vehicle and trailer match. According to DIN 74058, the coupling point on the trailer must be 430 ±35 mm above the point where the wheel rests on the ground. To check the coupling height, the trailer and towing vehicle must be perfectly horizontal and loaded to the full permissible weight. Furthermore, the wheel pressure must comply with the manufacturer's specifications.
• The nose weight is the vertical force exerted by the boat trailer on the tow bar coupling. The identification plate on the tow bar indicates the maximum permitted weight on the tow bar (usually 50 to 150 kilograms).
  If the maximum load under the trailer coupling deviates from the maximum nose weight, use the lower value.
• The permitted nose weight of a loaded boat trailer must be at least 5% of the attached weight. So, for a boat with a weight of 1,000 kilograms (including trailer), at least 50 kilograms of nose weight is required . The desired nose weight is usually between 50 and 80 kilograms. To quickly determine this, you can use 75 kilograms. Check the nose weight with the boat on the trailer. A good guideline is a nose weight of 5% to 7%. The load under the coupling with a permitted maximum weight of more than 750 kilograms must be at least 1% of the vehicle's permitted maximum weight. So, for a maximum weight of 1,300 kilograms, the load must be more than 13 kilograms.
• If the nose weight is too low, the boat trailer won't lean enough on the tow bar. This results in insufficient stability of the combination. This can cause the boat trailer to sway in crosswinds and overtaking trucks, which is Very dangerous . If the combination does start to sway, brake as hard as possible.
• With too high a nose weight, the car can oversuspend (and then lack sufficient grip at the front wheels). If you then have to brake hard, the car with the boat trailer attached may jackknife. The load under the coupling of a boat trailer with a maximum permissible weight of up to 750 kilograms may only be directed downward and may not exceed 50 kilograms.
• You can measure the nose weight with a nose weight gauge (drawbar scale) or a standard bathroom scale. It's important that the trailer is horizontal (level). If you're using a bathroom scale, place a plank on the scale to distribute the force over a larger surface area. Then place a piece of wood upright between the hitch and the plank and rest the trailer on it.
• If the centre of gravity of the boat is above the centre of the axle (tandem axle) or the centre of the axle (single axle), then the coupling pressure is correct in most cases.
  If the nose weight isn't optimal, you can increase or decrease it by moving the boat forward or backward. You can adjust this by moving the winch support.
• Install the breakaway cable. The breakaway cable ensures that an unbraked boat trailer remains connected if it unexpectedly becomes detached from the car. If a braked boat trailer is attached, the cable will automatically brake and come to a stop (the breakaway cable will break away in the process).
• After connecting the lighting connector, check that the boat trailer's lights are working. If your car has a 7-pin socket, you can use an adapter to connect it to the boat trailer's 13-pin connector. This adapter is a 7-pin to 13-pin adapter, rather than a 13-pin to 7-pin adapter.
• Raise the nose wheel. For smaller nose wheels, ensure the nose wheel fits into the notch so it locks into place, and clamp the nose wheel against the trailer.
• Check your tires annually for dry cracks due to age or damage from hitting curbs. Check the correct tire pressure for safety, to save fuel, and to reduce tire wear. The maximum air pressure is indicated in small characters on the sidewall of the tire in kPa or psi and applies to a cold tire (after a few hours of driving and out of the sun). Many tires can handle 3 bar.
  Also check the tread (at least 1.6 mm). The tires should not be older than 6 years, as standing still also causes them to age. Protect them from UV rays from sunlight.
• The car's maximum towing capacity is calculated based on the weight of the trailer with boat (and engine). So, take the load into account.
• If the boat trailer is unbraked, click the license plate onto the light box (light box at the rear of the trailer).
• The boat should never protrude beyond the front of a trailer hitch. When turning, it will collide with the car.
  

Inspection of new boat trailers

After the first ride, or at the latest after 50 kilometers, the wheel nuts should be checked.
Before every ride, check:
- condition of the tires/enough air pressure?
- Lighting function: Always check before driving that all the lights around your boat trailer are functioning properly and are clearly visible. Therefore, make sure that no cargo or parts of the cargo obstruct your view. Also, make sure your license plate and its lights are clearly visible. - Drawbar support wheel up and fixed? (The support wheel should always be parallel to the direction of travel.)
Is the ball coupling securely locked? (The ball coupling must be properly closed around the towball. You can see this from the adhesive or notched marking on the towball coupling (see 2)). The trailer may only be driven when the pointer points to the green field with the "+" marking!
- breakaway cable hooked up?
- handbrake released?
- with height-adjustable pulling device: are the hinges securely in place?
- security of the bolts?

Principles for safe trailer use

• External changes in the centre of gravity due to incorrect loading must be avoided at all costs.
• Heavy objects should be stored as deep as possible within reach of the axles.
• Do not overload the vehicle through irresponsible or rough riding or improper handling. Impacts and knocks should be avoided.
• On highways and motorways, you may drive a maximum of 90 kilometers per hour, but only if the permitted maximum weight of your boat trailer is less than 3500 kilograms. Your speed must be adjusted to the roadway and the load or trailer load. This is especially true for curves.
• Record the chassis number for theft recovery. If the boat is on the boat trailer, ensure a CCV/SCM-approved coupling lock (even if it's connected to a car) to prevent theft of the trailer and boat (and, if parking long-term on public roads, also a wheel clamp – incidentally, in most municipalities you are allowed to park the boat trailer on public roads for a maximum of three days). These measures are often also required by insurers. Sometimes, the boat is also required to be secured to the boat trailer with an approved lock.

The boat trailer is covered by your car insurance's third-party liability coverage if you cause damage. This only applies when the boat trailer is connected to the car at the time. Take out trailer insurance if you cause damage when the boat trailer is not connected, in case of external damage (such as fire), or in case of theft. Fully comprehensive coverage for a boat trailer worth €2,000 costs approximately €72 annually. Check whether the boat trailer is covered by your home contents insurance, as this is the case if there is no registration requirement.

• A boat trailer must be equipped with at least:

• • 2 white retroreflectors on the front
  • Amber yellow retroreflectors on each side
  • 1 red rear fog light
  • 1 (white or yellow) reversing light if the permitted maximum mass exceeds 750 kilograms
  • Approved and clearly visible rear license plate
  • 2 red brake lights
  • Pneumatic tires with a minimum profile of 1.6 mm
  • License plate illumination
  • 2 red triangular reflectors on the back
  • 2 red taillights
  • 2 red or orange turn signals at the rear
  • 2 white city lights at the front if the ahw is wider than 1.6 meters
  • additional marker lights are mandatory if a boat trailer is longer than 6 meters and/or wider than 2.1 meters,
• Boat trailers with a maximum permitted weight of up to and including 1,500 kilograms must have at least one auxiliary coupling.
  Boat trailers with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 1,500 kilograms must have a breakaway brake, or if this is more than 50 percent of the car's curb weight. For example, a boat trailer with a maximum permissible weight of 1,400 kilograms is more than 50 percent heavier than a car weighing 650 kilograms.

Launching the boat:

• Important: Close any open lens plug (usually located at the bottom of the mirror (back)).
• Remember to remove the trailer's light bar before loading or unloading. Hang the plug so that it cannot become submerged.
• Prepare any tilting mechanism by disconnecting it.
• Make sure the outboard motor is tilted to prevent the propeller from hitting the ground.
• Back the car and trailer up to the slipway with the windows open for communication. At the slipway, someone will check that the boat is launching properly and that it doesn't hit any rocks or other obstacles, either in or out of the water.
• The trailer doesn't need to be submerged too deeply (up to the wheel axles; it's best if the axle stays dry). Use the winch to lower the boat. Be careful, the ratchet can injure you if it's released. If the boat won't come off, unwind a section of the winch strap with the ratchet. Secure the ratchet and push the boat. If this doesn't work, you can drive the trailer deeper into the water. If you try again, there's a chance the boat will already be floating and will want to come off.
• If necessary, there will be a person in the boat (boarding at the front) to keep control and to use two lines to keep the boat on course and to manoeuvre alongside the shore.

Launching your boat for the first time is always exciting. It's important to be well-prepared for this adventure. A boat weighs a considerable amount, almost always more than a person can carry. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure the boat trailer and its equipment perform their duties properly.

Preparing your boat for launching

• Inspect the ramp for proper condition and only use it if you are convinced it is suitable for your car, trailer, and boat.*
• Loosen all tension straps and belts and store them safely if necessary.
• Check that the winch is on the brake and that any safety chain is secure.
• For launching your boat
• Drive the trailer slowly down a sloping boat trailer ramp, paying close attention to a few things:
• Is the underwater ramp long and strong enough to support the trailer wheels?
• Is the ramp too steep? This is due to potential damage to the underside of the trailer. Don't drive the trailer too far down the ramp! If the first keel rollers—the rollers supporting the keel in the center of the trailer—get wet, it's often far enough to safely and safely launch and disembark your boat. We strongly advise against driving your boat onto or off the trailer. The risk of damaging your boat or trailer by driving onto or off the trailer is very high.
• Engage your vehicle's handbrake. It's even wiser to further secure your vehicle with a rock or block of wood behind the wheels. Of course, you can also use the trailer's handbrake for extra braking power, if available.
• In this case, don't forget to remove it again when your trailer needs to be driven up again.
• Use the hand winch or electric winch to slowly roll your boat into the water. When conditions require and permit, you can assist your boat by guiding it from a gangplank onto the landing. NB! Despite the anti-slip structure and/or additional anti-slip stickers, gangways or walkways can be slippery!
• Once your boat is safely in the water and you have unhitched it, you can drive the trailer back up.
• When sailing in salt or brackish water, it is wise to immediately rinse the trailer with fresh water to prevent accelerated corrosion.
  
  

Taking the boat out of the water:

• Taking your boat out of the water
• Drive the trailer slowly down a sloping boat trailer ramp, paying close attention to a few things:
• Is the underwater ramp long and strong enough to support the trailer wheels?
• Is the ramp too steep? This is due to potential damage to the underside of the trailer. Don't drive the trailer too far down the ramp! If the first keel rollers (middle rollers) get wet, it's often far enough to safely and safely get your boat in and out of the water. We strongly advise against driving your boat onto or off the trailer. The risk of damaging your boat or the trailer is very high.
• Engage your vehicle's handbrake. It's even wiser to secure your vehicle with a rock or block of wood behind the wheels. Of course, you can also use the trailer's handbrake (if available) for extra braking power. In this case, don't forget to release it when your trailer needs to be towed back up. With the winch strap/cable in hand, walk across the gangway to the bow of your boat and attach the hook to the towing eye. Use the manual winch or electric winch to slowly pull your boat out of the water. If conditions require and permit, you can assist your boat by guiding it from the gangway. (CAUTION! The walkway may be slippery despite the anti-slip texture and/or additional anti-slip stickers.) Once your boat is safely and securely moored on your boat trailer, you can drive the trailer back up. When sailing in salt or brackish water, it's wise to immediately rinse the trailer and your boat with fresh water to prevent accelerated corrosion and damage to your boat.

 

• Remove the light box and ensure that the plug does not come into contact with water.
• Make sure two lines are ready on board. If necessary, arrange for someone in the boat to keep an eye on things.
• Attach the winch strap to the trailer eye.
• Maneuver the boat using the lines directly behind the trailer. Ensure the bow is directly in front of the bow roller and winch the boat onto the trailer. A centering kit (2 or 4 rubber wheels) ensures the boat lands straight on the trailer and doesn't drift away due to current or wind.
• If the winch strap doesn't wind up properly or is wet, you can unwind it later when the boat is horizontal on the trailer.
• Always secure the boat to the winch at the front to prevent it from shifting backward during transport. The winch strap runs from the trailer eye through the rollers of the winch support (if equipped) to the winch.
• Please note that the trailer must always be adjusted to the boat. (You can do this yourself or, if you have no experience, have it done by a water sports company.) Positioning the boat correctly in relation to the boat trailer, or adjusting the rollers, outriggers, bow support, and axles. and therefore braking system is of great importance.
• It's important to adjust rollers to the boat's size so that the greatest pressure is on the keel and the bilge (the corner where the floor meets the side). Keel rollers (the lower rollers) support the weight. If a keel roller isn't supporting the boat, adjust it higher (you can do this while the boat is on the trailer). The bilge rollers provide the correct vertical support for your boat. It's best to adjust them quite low before loading the boat onto the trailer (so that the boat rests on the rollers). Then, adjust the bilge rollers as high as possible. If a keel (boat) is higher, the stern, in particular, can be secured more tightly by using outriggers instead of rollers.
• For wide boats, add an additional set of winding jacks for extra stability.
• Remember to secure the boat to the trailer with two or more ratcheting lashing straps. A length of 5 meters is usually sufficient, with a working tension of 1,000 kilograms. Otherwise, the boat could come off the trailer due to, for example, wind or a collision. To protect the boat, you can use special corner protectors, foam rubber, a cloth, or cardboard between the lashing strap and the boat.
• Ensure the straps are evenly distributed. Place a strap a quarter of the boat's length from the bow (front). This strap should be tensioned diagonally from front to back.
  Also place a tension strap a quarter of the boat's length from the transom (back). This tension strap should be tensioned diagonally from back to front.
• Use special eyebolts whenever possible . If a boat has special points, such as a cleat, through which a tie-down strap can easily be passed, then that's the best option.
• Make sure you pull the strap of the tension belt as far as possible Pull the ratchet through the ratchet before using it. This prevents too much strap from getting caught in the ratchet.
• Check that the boat cannot move sideways, otherwise the boat is not properly secured to the boat trailer.
• Always secure a RIB boat to the polyester hull rather than over the tubes (to prevent wear and leaks, and therefore a loose RIB).
• Reinstall the light bar and check that the lighting works.
• Secure hatches and loose equipment as these items could otherwise fall or blow out of the boat.
• Rinse the trailer if it has come into contact with salt water, especially the inside of the brake drums.
• Drive a distance with the trailer and brake as necessary to prevent brake problems.
• Consider purchasing an anti-sway coupling (stabilizer coupling). This will help you restore balance to your trailer should it unexpectedly sway due to factors such as crosswinds or poor road conditions.
• Open the bilge plug at (usually at the bottom of) the transom (back) of the boat so that any water present can drain out.

Your boat in and out of the water with a crane

Sailboats, as well as heavier motorboats, sometimes prefer to be launched and retrieved from the water using a crane. Naturally, the right solution has been developed for this type of boat. The emphasis with these loading systems is on ensuring the boat is stable on the various outriggers and supports and, of course, on easy positioning of the lifting straps.

Points of attention and tips when lifting are

• Make sure all tie-down straps/belts and the winch strap or cable are released and safely stowed. When lifting a boat, it's important to position the lifting straps so that the boat's center of gravity is properly balanced.
• A sailboat trailer can be equipped with a centering system to guide the keel. This option significantly reduces the risk of damage.
• Rest the boat's keel gently against the keel rollers at the front and slowly lower the boat until it rests on its support blocks under the keel and/or hull.

Some boats can't stand on their keel or, conversely, can't lean on a hull. Consult your boat builder to determine the best fit for your boat. At Marinaut, we can flexibly adjust your trailer's setup to the weight your hull and keel can support.

Securing your boat

To ensure a pleasant and safe driving experience, it's crucial to properly secure your boat to your boat trailer. The weight of your boat, combined with its speed, can cause significant damage if it accidentally becomes detached from the trailer. Furthermore, a wobbling and sliding boat can significantly impact the handling of your boat trailer.
Some points to consider when securing your boat:

• Just like with your car, you are not allowed to have any sharp parts below a height of 2 meters.
• Tighten your winch strap/cable firmly so that the bow of your boat is snug against the bow support. Note that with an electric winch, there is often enough force to deform the bow support, pull the eye out of the boat, and/or break the cable. So don't over-tighten; "on" means "on," and "tight" means "tight." We always recommend using an extra safety chain in case the winch, winch strap, or cable fails during the ride.
• Use at least two additional tie-down straps/belts to keep your boat securely in place. Place these straps all the way across the fore and aft decks and secure them to the tie-down eyes on your boat trailer.
• Tighten the straps firmly and check regularly while traveling that they are still properly tensioned. Make sure any excess rope or strap is safely stored or tied up so it can't drag on the ground or get caught in the wheels.
• Make sure that any loose cargo within the boat itself does not shift and that the boat is evenly loaded on both sides.
• Deviations in left and right weight negatively affect the handling of your boat trailer.
• Don't just put another boat on your boat trailer. Sometimes this will work fine, but often boats are too far apart. which means your trailer will no longer meet requirements, the trailer may become seriously damaged and dangerous situations may arise.

International driving with your boat trailer

A boat trailer may be driven throughout Europe, provided it is loaded and towed by a suitable vehicle according to the registration number. However, each individual country, or sub-region within a country, may impose additional requirements and obligations on your boat trailer and your car-trailer combination. These are local laws and regulations that countries and sometimes even municipalities may impose, and which you must comply with at all times. For example, in Germany, the use of wheel chocks is mandatory, and in France, you are allowed to drive 130 kilometers per hour on the highway with a trailer, weather permitting. To avoid misunderstandings and unsafe situations, as well as (heavy) fines, it is advisable that when traveling internationally with your boat trailer, you carefully review and comply with local laws and regulations. Vehicle laws and regulations can change over the years, and you are responsible for keeping yourself informed. You can, of course, have any (mandatory) modifications made to keep your boat trailer up-to-date.

Uncoupling the boat trailer:

• If available, put the boat trailer on the handbrake.
• Place wheel chocks on sloped surfaces to prevent the trailer from rolling away. Then release the boat's handbrake to prevent the brake from sticking. This is a common situation during long-term storage. It's also best to place braked trailers on a bottle jack so the wheel is slightly off the ground to prevent prolonged one-sided loading.
• Disconnect the breakaway cable and lighting plug.
• All KNOTT towball couplings are equipped with a safety indicator. This consists of clearly incised symbols, covered by a red, green, and red label with the same symbols, and a pointer. If the label is damaged, it must be removed and the incised area used, or the label must be replaced. The dividing lines between the label and the incised area must align.
• To open, pull the clutch handle up and then swing it forward. (The clutch will automatically remain in the "open" position with the pointer pointing to the red field with the large "X").
• Move the clutch handle up and then forward to release the clutch. Then turn the nose wheel up, and the clutch handle will remain in the up position, disconnecting the boat trailer.
• STOP! Under no circumstances should the trailer be driven in this position.
• NB! Do not place your fingers in the open tow ball coupling! Even slight pressure on the ball cap can activate the spring-loaded locking mechanism and cause injury to your fingers.

Storing your boat trailer

If you're parking your boat trailer for an extended period, it's advisable not to engage the handbrake, but to block the wheels, for example, with wheel chocks, to prevent them from rolling away. It's also advisable not to leave your boat trailer in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can dry out the rubber parts and cause UV damage to rollers, rubber, and plastic parts. When storing your boat on the trailer, it's always a good idea to protect the nose wheel from constant load pressure and to regularly roll the wheels to protect the tires from wear and tear.

General rules and tips

Boat ramps can often be a constant coming and going, which can make you feel compelled to quickly get your boat out of the water. Because accidents can easily happen, we feel it's important to remind you of a few general rules and tips.

• Always ensure a good overview, know how long your car and trailer are and use that knowledge when manoeuvring.
• Trailer ramps are often incredibly slippery, so make no mistake. You won't be the first, and certainly not the last, to get soaked or, worse, seriously injured. Use your boat trailer correctly to get in and out of your boat safely.
• Be careful with (small) children, as they often dart around you and the boat and trailer. Make sure bystanders maintain a safe distance and certainly don't stand behind or between a reversing vehicle.
• Check that your boat's stopper/plug is properly installed. This is often opened in storage to remove rainwater and spray. If a boat fills with water and has to be towed onto a trailer to prevent sinking, for example, this can cause serious damage to the trailer because the boat will be much heavier than the trailer is designed to carry.
• Never drive your car onto the green (moss-covered) slippery section of a trailer ramp. The risk of losing traction and sliding down the ramp or not being able to get back up is very high.
• Always use a proper towing vehicle with the right capacity to get the job done. Leave your waterproof LED lights on; especially in the dark or at dusk, you'll see the trailer in the water much better from your boat.
• Always lock your trailer securely, even when connected to your car. After a wonderful day of boating, there's nothing more frustrating than returning to find your boat trailer stolen.

Always use a proper trailer ramp; low grass edges or a few tiles in the water don't necessarily qualify as a trailer ramp. Remember that each shore can carry loads of several thousand kilograms (car, boat, and trailer).

CVO (Certificate of Conformity)

Your boat trailer is a European product, so you can obtain a license plate in any country. To obtain this license plate, you need a Certificate of Conformity (CVO). This CVO is included with the boat trailer and is 100% unique. A CVO is only issued once, so keep this document in a safe place. With this CVO, you can apply for a license plate in each country through the national issuing authority. Additional regulations may apply in each country.

Maintenance and Service for your stainless steel boat trailer (if applicable)

Stainless steel is often mistakenly mistaken for rust-resistant steel. However, stainless steel is actually rust-resistant and therefore not entirely maintenance-free. To minimize maintenance, products are available that can provide long-term protection against external influences.
External influences, such as flash rust, but also acids and salts, can cause rust deposits or staining. However, these can be easily removed with a scouring pad and/or stainless steel cleaner.
CAUTION: If deposits, in any form, remain on stainless steel for a long time, this can cause damage to the stainless steel to a greater or lesser extent. This can compromise the safety of the trailer.

What can you do yourself?

The most important thing you can do is keep a close eye on your boat trailer and report any changes in its performance in a timely manner. This will prevent high repair and/or additional maintenance costs. You can easily perform the following minor maintenance tasks yourself a few times a year.

• Checking the tire pressure
• Grease the ball coupling, but never an anti-sway coupling
• Rinse your boat trailer with tap water to remove dirt, mud and brine
• Always rinse the trailer thoroughly immediately after using salt and brackish water
• Lubricate the brake cables by spraying grease into the grease nipples or spraying penetrating oil where the inner cable enters the outer cable
• Lubricating the handbrake lever, applying some grease to the gearing
• Check the wheel bolts, they must be firmly tightened (110 Nm)
• After the first ride(s) of a maximum of 500 km in total, it is mandatory to check and carry out the following:
• Check wheel bolts (110 Nm)
• Adjust the brakes, the initial wear (running in) has occurred and this needs to be adjusted once.
• For further maintenance intervals to ensure optimal use of your boat trailer, please refer to the maintenance schedule in this manual.
  
  What major maintenance work needs to be done on your boat trailer?
  To ensure your boat trailer continues to perform flawlessly year after year, it's essential to have it serviced annually. The following maintenance items should be addressed:
• Checking the tires and rims
• Lubricating the wheel bearings or changing the oil in the wheel bearings
• Check brakes, replace and adjust brake pads, discs or shoes if necessary
• Check lighting, check spiral cable and check contacts for corrosion
• Check the various metal chassis parts for damage and possible corrosion, and check the bolt connections for the correct tension.
• Check axles (suspension)
• Check and lubricate the nose wheel, overrun brake and the various rods and cables
• Check the loading system (the various rollers, supports and winch straps) and replace if necessary
• Treat various materials such as stainless steel, zinc and powder coating with preservatives to extend the lifespan and visual appearance of your boat trailer.

MOT for your boat trailer

At the time of writing, it's not yet mandatory in the Netherlands to submit trailers under 3500 kilograms for an annual or biennial MOT, as is the case with cars over a certain age. However, the law is actively working on this. Given the many accidents that occur annually, often due to neglected maintenance and the large number of unprofessionally manufactured and maintained trailers driving around on Dutch roads, this is certainly not an unnecessary luxury.
In other countries, there are often already APK obligations.

• Safety and warranty regulations
• Make sure you have read and understood the manual.
• Do not remove or deface any safety features, markings, stickers, or other signs. Use your boat trailer for its intended purpose: transporting boats within the limits set out in the Certificate of Conformity (CVO), the vehicle registration number, and the law.
• Never exceed the load capacity or the maximum permissible nose weight.
• With a boat trailer you can drive 90 km per hour in the Netherlands, if you have a speed 100 certification this is 100 km per hour in some countries.
• Beware of entrapment when securing winch straps, tie-down straps, and/or other fasteners. Be aware of slippery conditions caused by water, mud, sand, ice, or other factors when using a gangplank or catwalk.
• Never use the walkway while driving. It is strictly forbidden for people or animals to sit on or in your boat while driving with your boat trailer.
• Regularly driving your boat trailer is better than long periods of inactivity. It's advisable to protect the axles and nose wheel from continuous stress during inactivity by jacking up your boat trailer.
• Keep yourself informed about changing laws and regulations regarding trailers and don't be caught off guard.
• It is better to store your boat trailer on a paved area than on a grassy field, for example.
• Before launching your boat, allow your axles, brakes, and wheel bearings to cool in the open air. This will significantly extend the life of these moving parts.
• When dismantling or scrapping your boat trailer, hazardous substances and recyclable materials may be present.
  

Injury

You don't want to think about it, but unfortunately, accidents can easily happen. Because boat trailers are often manufactured entirely modularly, the various components are relatively easy to replace.

Insurance

Insuring a trailer, including your boat trailer, isn't mandatory, but it is recommended. Your boat trailer is automatically covered by third-party liability (third-party damage) when it's connected to your car. However, this doesn't automatically mean your trailer is fully comprehensive or comprehensively covered if your car is. You can purchase separate theft and/or damage insurance for your boat trailer.

Operating and maintenance instructions for KNOTT chassis components with operating instructions:

The following operating and maintenance instructions and operating instructions pertain to KNOTT chassis components. They are part of the warranty ; in addition, the manufacturer's operating instructions must be observed. To maintain safety during operation and in traffic, maintenance work must be carried out at the prescribed intervals. Maintenance, repairs, and replacement of wear-and-tear parts on the chassis and in the brake system must only be carried out by a qualified workshop. Only original KNOTT replacement parts may be used.
a) to guarantee the function and safety,
b) to maintain warranty and guarantee claims,
c) maintain operating authorization in accordance with national and international regulations
The brake system, in particular the overrun device, the wheel brakes, and the drawbar, have been tested in accordance with applicable EC guidelines and may only be used in the approved combination. KNOTT chassis consist of the drawbar coupling, the overrun device, the transmission, the wheel brakes in conjunction with KNOTT rubber, torsion, and steel torsion spring axles, and, if applicable, the drawbar, tie rods, or side members.

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A boat trailer is designed to transport vessels within the limits set for the various types of trailers. These limits can be found in the price lists and on the various identification plates. They are also stated on the accompanying Certificate of Conformity (CVO). Exceeding these limits is punishable and can result in hefty fines, or even worse, serious damage to the boat, car, person, and/or animal.
It's advisable not to simply change the boat and trailer combination, as this almost always requires a new adjustment of the loading system, axle system, and/or brake system. Changing the towing vehicle (car) may also require a readjustment due to the legally stipulated maximum nose weight.