Before you hitch up and head for the water, taking a few minutes to inspect your boat trailer can be the difference between a perfect day and a costly, frustrating one on the side of the road. With over 20 years in the marine service and repair industry, I'm Todd Smith from Go-To Marine Tech Support, and I'm here to walk you through the essential yearly maintenance checks that every boat owner should perform.

Let's dive into the key areas you need to inspect: wheel bearings, brakes, tie-down straps, wiring, springs, and the trailer frame itself.

1. The Winch Strap: Your First Line of Defense

The winch strap, or bow strap, is what holds your boat securely to the trailer post. A failure here can be catastrophic, especially on the launch ramp. Here’s what to look for:

• Tears and Fraying: Look for any visible rips in the fabric. This is an obvious sign that the strap's integrity is compromised and it needs to be replaced immediately.
• Sun Damage (Dry Rot): A strap that was once brightly colored (e.g., yellow) but has faded to almost white is a classic sign of dry rot. The sun's UV rays break down the fibers, making the strap weak and brittle.
• The Safety Latch: Check the hook at the end of the strap. The small spring-loaded safety latch often gets bent, mangled, or the spring goes bad. If it isn't functioning correctly, it's time to replace the entire strap assembly.

Replacing the Strap: To replace it, simply unwind the old strap completely. The strap is typically held onto the winch spool by a bolt that runs through a sewn-in loop on the end of the strap. Just remove the bolt, attach the new strap, and you’re set.

Pro-Tip: If your trailer doesn't have one, get a safety chain for the bow post. This is especially critical for roller-style trailers (often called "easy loaders"). While they make launching simple, they also make it easy for the boat to roll backward off the trailer if the main strap fails. A safety chain is your ultimate backup.

2. Wheel Bearings and Seals: The Heart of the Axle

Your wheel bearings allow your wheels to spin freely. Without proper lubrication, they will overheat and fail.

How to Grease Your Bearings:

1. Safely jack up the trailer so the wheel can spin freely.
2. Locate the grease fitting (zerk) on the hub.
3. As you pump grease into the fitting, slowly rotate the tire. This is crucial for ensuring the grease is evenly distributed throughout the entire bearing assembly.

How to Spot a Bad Wheel Seal:
While you're down there, inspect the inside of your wheel and the axle. Do you see grease splattered around the inside of the rim or leaking from the center hub? This is a tell-tale sign of a bad inner wheel seal. A failed seal allows water to get in and grease to get out—a recipe for disaster. This axle will need to be disassembled and the bearings and seals replaced.

A clear sign of a bad wheel seal is grease slung around the wheel and axle.

3. The Full Walk-Around: Springs, Straps, and Frame

Complete your inspection with a full walk-around, paying close attention to these areas:

• Transom Tie-Down Straps: Just like your bow strap, inspect the rear tie-down straps for any fraying, tears, or sun damage. Replace them if they show any signs of wear.
• Leaf Springs: Look closely at your leaf springs for any cracks or signs of excess play. Ensure they are secured tightly to the trailer frame and that all the bushings are intact.
• Trailer Frame: Give the entire frame a visual inspection. Look for any cracks, especially around joints and weld points, or any significant damage that could compromise its structural integrity.

Your Go-To for Parts and Support

Regularly inspecting these components only takes a few minutes but provides priceless peace of mind. By catching wear and tear early, you protect your investment and ensure your safety on the road.

Ready to tackle your maintenance? You can get all the parts needed for your trailer repairs, along with other essential boating gear, at GoMarine.com.