Whether you are launching a boat for the first time, or you just need to get some things out of your garage, backing up a trailer can be tricky.
One tried and true method, at least in our family, is to utilize the thumb test.
The Thumb Test for Backing Up a Trailer
It goes like this.
Place your hands on the bottom of your steering wheel (in the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions)
Extend your thumbs pointing away from each other, your left thumb pointing left and your right thumb pointing right.
Now, if you want the trailer to move left, look at your thumb that is pointing left and turn the wheel to follow where it is pointing. (Follow the thumb.)
To make the trailer go right, do the opposite. (Follow the thumb on you right hand. )
Using this trick, and taking it slow, you should be able to get your boat in the water, even if this is your first attempt.
