Why is tongue weight so important when towing your boat?

Tongue weight is crucial when towing a boat because it affects the stability and control of the tow vehicle and trailer. Ideally, tongue weight should be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight; this ensures proper weight distribution, preventing swaying or fishtailing during travel. Insufficient tongue weight can lead to instability, while excessive tongue weight can overload the tow vehicle's rear axle, impacting braking and handling. Properly balancing the load enhances safety and performance on the road.