Learn to tow
How do you train up people to tow a long trailer, filled with expensive boats?
It’s legal for anyone with a driving license to tow a trailer filled with rowing boats (but you should check this yourself). This is somewhat scary to think about. We’ve had to explore how to train our own trailer drivers at the rowing club.
The first challenge is to find a pool of potential helpers. I had a few volunteers when I asked for volunteers. People are motivated to learn new skills, and appreciate how vital it is the sport.
We found a 1/2 day course for two people. This was a good starting point, and allowed people to learn the basics in a structured manner, then practice the key skills.
In parallel to this, the potential drivers also did ride-alongs, supporting other trailer drivers. This is a great way to learn the mindset and changes in technique needed for driving a trailer.
Our trailer drivers were already confident in loading a trailer with boats. If they aren’t, this is a vital part of training. They’re liable for incorrectly loaded cargo, so they must be able to verify it has been done correctly.
When starting, I’d recommend having a minimum of two people for each trailer trip. A second person is handy for hitching and navigating tight spaces. They can also help push the trailer if it gets stuck.