The Captains's best road trip tips - How to make the most of your next trailerboat adventure.

TRAILER FAILURES

The extra weight packed into a trailerboat adventure is the real killer of trailers. Sure, you want to take every lure and camera you own, as well as the coffee machine, but those extra items could be the straws that break the seafaring camel’s back.
Be sure to check compliance plates on trailers and take a pre-trip over the weighbridge to check your load. If you’re considering buying a new trailer, think about the extra weight required for an extended trip. The dealers selling a BMT (boat/motor/trailer) package won’t care about the extra weight you’re carrying, as that drives the cost up. Also consider the legal ramifications of an overloaded trailer, including fines and possible insurance payouts should something go wrong.

We strongly suggest a brutal gear cull back to the bare essentials. Maybe even send some gear to your destination in advance or acquire it at the meet-up point. And think about the fact that a trip from Melbourne to Cape York covers more ground than most trailers will do in a lifetime, so you should commission a certified engineer to assess your trailer.
Winch posts and crossmembers on older trailers should be beefed up. Boats should be chained and strapped down in more places – and every trailer should have two spare wheels with good tyres, two spare bearing kits – and pit crews trained in the art of bearing replacement. Greasing bearings in the oppressive heat on dusty roads with road trains thundering past isn’t much fun. Don’t forget the five P’s: Perfect Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

CATERING CALAMITIES

On The Captain’s journey to the tip of Australia, it wasn’t the biting/stinging creatures that almost killed us. It wasn’t even the coral-encrusted bomboras or the unforgiving Coral Sea. No, sadly it was something totally within our control - our rations.

Our food, the stuff that keeps us alive, was too hard to find in the boats and way too extravagant for a remote seafaring journey. Our sarong-wearing chef had planned a saffron-encrusted side of lobster – with a salad that resembled Carmen Miranda’s headwear. We forgot the KISS principle. Keep it simple, stupid. The lack of rations affected everyone’s energy levels and moods. Our cameraman got cellulitis (blood poisoning), we all had cramps and nightmares – and there was even a mutiny or two.

Next time, we’ll make all boats responsible for their own meals. These should be simple dishes based on pasta, rice and couscous, combined with dehydrated vegetables, a variety of sauces and the freshest fish you’ll ever eat. And a range of packet freeze-dried meals from the local camping store make a great backup or emergency meal. Nipping to Woollies isn’t an option on many trips, so make sure there’s a simple meal waiting, so after a hard day on the hook-up you can retire to your quarters on a full stomach.

WET, WET, WET

Sleeping quarters don’t usually rate high on the list when planning epic trailerboat adventures. That’s because fishermen are too busy packing gold bombers and Halcos to worry where their weary bones will collapse in the evening. But a good night’s sleep is critical to making the most of an adventure, particularly when you’re under physical/mental duress.

The first consideration is where to sleep. Land is always an option, but you may have to deal with a simultaneous assault of green ants from the ground and bats from the sky. Staying in a tent or swag also means transporting one, setting it up and getting your feet wet.

A mothership could be a good option if you can live in the stench of fuel. Find somewhere airy and bring spare sheets to lay on.

The other option is staying on your own boat and risk waking up smelling like a tuna’s armpit. On the upside, sleeping on the boat means staying away from things that bite, you’ll be the first to wet a line in the morning and you’ll be on deck should anything happen to your anchorage overnight.

Now you’ve picked your abode, keep it dry! These days, we use wet bags for storing sleeping gear, clothing and pretty much anything else that hates the wet stuff. Other bedding basics that can help include stretchers for air flow and mosquito nets to keep the bities away.

We stow all our cameras, chargers, phones and laptops in Pelican cases. When travelling on a boat we keep the cases low on the deck toward the transom where there’s less bounce. Not only do they keep your gear safe and dry when motoring between reefs, they also provide a handy seat or casting platform for grubby fishermen – and a bit of cover from the incessant tropical downpours. If travelling to the tropics, invest in quick-dry apparel or clothing that is comfortable in the wet.

CAPTAIN’S PICK

Finally, when it comes to picking your crew for a trailerboat adventure the selection criteria should read, “capable, affable and can handle their rum”. Guys and gals who make good coffee in the morning, tell jokes and can see the funny side of things in the middle of an emergency are worth their weight in lobster.

Finally, good communication keeps everyone on schedule and spirits high. VHF and HF radios, charged phones and sat phones are key communication items that help keep order – and may just save your bacon! A clear plan, reviewed daily with involvement from all the crew, helps to keep things on an even keel.

5 TOURING TIPS FROM THE CAPTAIN

1. Trailers should be over-engineered to carry extra loads long distances over rugged roads. 

2. The minimum requirements for any trailerboat adventure are good food and a good night’s sleep.

3. Dry bags are clutch for keeping the wet stuff out. 

4. Play it safe with rations and use the KISS principle (Keep it simple, stupid). 

5. Pick a crew that’s capable, affable - and can handle their rum. 

See you on the water

Now that you're sorted for your next trailerboat adventure, it’s time to take the plunge. You’ve got this. And NRMA Boat Insurance  has got you.  

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions.