BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - Getting on the Water

Towing and Trailering Requirements

Transporting your boat safely isn’t difficult. It’s a matter of choosing the right towing equipment, using common sense when loading and unloading your boat and being confident with the techniques for driving safely with a trailer in tow.

Choosing the Right Trailer

Federal law classifies boat trailers according to the maximum weight they can support when they’re fully loaded with gear, fuel and equipment.

The trailer capacity plate indicates the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):

Class 1: GVWR- 2000 lbs.
Class 2: GVWR- 3500 lbs.
Class 3: GVWR- 5000 lbs.
Class 4: GVWR- 5000 lbs. or more

The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) can also be found on the trailer capacity plate and indicates the minimum tire rating for the load that the trailer can carry. This means that a heavy-duty load will likely require heavy-duty tires!

Federal law requires your boat trailer to have:

Current state registration.
Current state license plates.
Working trailer lights.

If the boat is more than 8.5 feet wide, it may require a special permit from your state’s Department of Transportation before it can be transported on the highway.