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Rowing trailer loading and towing checklist

Taking boats to a head or regatta? Here is a checklist for the people loading and the person driving.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

The driver

  • Licence: check that the driver's licence covers the vehicle and trailer combination. The rules changed in recent years; check GOV.UK for the current position.
  • Vehicle: towing capacity, nose weight and mirrors suitable for the load.
  • Insurance: the vehicle and trailer are insured for towing.
  • Your club may have its own rules on who can tow.

Loading

  • Load heavy boats low and balance the trailer so the nose weight is right.
  • Pad and tie every boat at each support, with enough ties per boat.
  • Secure riggers, oars, slings and loose kit.
  • Mark any overhang clearly and check it is within the legal limits.

Before you set off

  • Lights board working, number plate fitted.
  • Tyres, wheel nuts and breakaway cable checked.
  • Hitch locked and jockey wheel up.
  • Walk round once more, and recheck ties after the first few miles.

How BoatLog helps

BoatLog shows which boats are available and which are out of service before you plan the load, lets the captain book boats for the trip, and makes it easy to log damage from the journey when you unload.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: See which boats are out, available or out of service before you plan the trailer.
See which boats are out, available or out of service before you plan the trailer. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

Do I need a special licence to tow a rowing trailer?

It depends on the vehicle, the trailer and when you passed your test. The rules changed in recent years, so check the current guidance on GOV.UK and your club's own rules.

How should boats be tied onto a trailer?

Padded at every support and tied down at each one with enough ties per boat, with riggers and loose kit secured separately.

Who checks the trailer before a trip?

The driver is responsible for the trailer being roadworthy. Many clubs also have a nominated trailer officer.

Related

Guide: UK rowing calendar 2026–27: the major heads and regattas The major UK rowing heads and regattas for the 2026–27 season, with each date marked published or expected, and what your club needs to prepare. Guide: Pre-outing boat checks: heel restraints, bow balls and quarantining kit A quick pre-outing boat check for rowing clubs: heel restraints, bow balls, hatches, fin, lights, and what to do with a boat that fails. Guide: Henley qualification and the 2028 two-entry rule How qualification works at Henley Royal Regatta, and what the two-entries-per-club limit announced for 2028 means for club, student and junior crews.

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