Practice backing up a trailer online!

So I'm a novice boater and it still terrifies me backing up a boat. Found this cool little "simulator" online. Helped me figure out some things. Hopefully it can help someone else out too :)

https://www.practice.co.nz/media/256...ersinggame.swf

That was fun but I think actually backing a boat is easier. When I back a trailer for real, I grab the bottom of my steering wheel and pull it in the direction I want the trailer to go. It takes a bit of practice to learn not to over steer. BTW I still am not the greatest at backing a trailer but each time out I get better at it.

Cool!

Yeah I think the hardest part is learning to not over steer!

Go to a business that is closed and use their parking lot to practice backing in between the parking lines. After backing in pull out circle the lot and do it again. Always use your side mirrors and please install some "blind spot mirrors" which will help you more than anything to see what you can't see with your regular mirrors and prevent many accidents.

put one hand at 6oclock on your steering wheel....move your hand left if you want the trailer to go left(and vice versa). Don't over-correct....and just go slow. You'll have it down pat in no time.

I've been a professional truck driver for 35 years. I can honestly say that backing a small boat, U-Haul, or utility trailer is harder to back up than a 53 ft. semi trailer. A longer tongue on the trailer helps it swing slower. Just take it slow and practice..

Go to your local lake during the week when it's not crowed and practice backin in the ramp, pull around and repeat. This is how I taught my best friends son.....3 hours and 20 miles at the ramp and he was good.

:roll:

I gave up on that simulator and flipped the vehicle around and drove head first into the water. Seems easier in real life. I'm learning quick after the guy who owns the empty lot across from our cabin put up rebar stakes to keep me from pulling onto his lot to back the boat in the garage. Now I have to park an 8' wide boat in a 9' garage while starting at a perpendicular angle, which is also on a hill. After this summer I will probably be able to back up a trailer blindfolded.