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WHITBY FREE PRESS, BOATING, APRIL 20,1988, ýPAGE Al Trailering and towrng the right way By Pat Morris Wildwood Ford Sales Following some basic advice about boat trailers and towing could save a boat owner unwanted expense and grief. There are no special require- ments for trailering combined loads of 1,000 lbs. or less, considered light duty. Front wheel drive or rear wheeI drive vehicles perform equally -well, and the only requirement is a well-balanced load and 10 to 15 per cent tongue weight. But towing more than 1,000 lbs. poses a heavy duty situation. Unless properly done, trans-' mission repair bis of $1,500 or more are flot uncommon. In addition te a balanced load and the correct tongue weight, a propeiiy equipped vehicle is necessary. Many automobile and truck, manufacturers offer special f tangue towing packages on new vehicles that may include such items as an externaL transmission oil cooler. hiulher numerical rear axie ratio, heavy duty shocks,, j front and rear stabilizer bars, heavy duty springs and limited slip differetial. Items- vary accordinig to manufacturer and model, and, some will, also include trailer wiring harness, heavy 1; duty battery and heavy* duty signal flasher. As for trailer' hitches, any standard bumper hitch is adequate for loads of 1,000 lbs. or less. But for a heavier load, a load equalizing hitch is strongly recommended. This type fastens directly to the frame or unit body, Transferring the tongue weight forward on the towing vehicle te spread out the load and help control steering. With the exception of light duty rigs, rear wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles are preferred. With heavier loads, the downward force of the trailer tongue tends to lessen the weight on the front wheels and reduce the traction and steering control of.front wheel drives, particularly on the incline of a boat launch raxnp. Short wheelbase four-wvheel drive vehicles have the added advantage of improved traction on uphili grades, uneven or soft terrain. Many four-wheel drive utility vehicles will not only handie most towing situations but the family as well. And what may be surprising to many is that a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission generally has a higher trailer towing rating, in some cases, 2,500 lbs. higher. If shopping for a towing vehicle, be sure to get advice from a knowledgeable salesperson. If in doubt, consuit a dealer's truck specialist._____ By the anadian Coast Guard Place the strap over your head and ma$e sure that the cushion is tied tightly to your body. For use on pleasure craft flot longer thah 5.5 m or as a throwable device on pleasure craft flot longer than 8 m. Take good care of your lifejacket or PFD. It should not be used to kneel on or as a bumper for your boat. Check its buoyancy regularly by wading out untîl the water is waist deep; bend your knees and see how well you float. You should allow your flotation device to dry in the open air, flot close to a direct heat sotirce. It should be kept in a dry, well-veritilated, easily accessible place. Clean with a miid soap or running water. Strong detergefits or gasoline should not be used. Do flot dry dlean. Notice ta parents Children should be encouraged to wear their ifejacket or PFD at ail rimes. They should learfi how to put them on and try them out in the warer. Some lifejackets and PFDs are designed specially for children; select the one that best suits your childs size and weight. Recause of the way their body weight is distributed, children do flot float well in a face up position and tend ro panic easily. GOLDFISH Your host H-ARVEY GOLD CHARTERS WHiTBY 6661606 Use and care of lifejacicet s Salmon &Trout Fishing Charters May thru September Small Groups and Children Welcome