How to launch a boat
This article will provide precise information on how to launch a boat. But first, before you launch your boat be sure that you are completely ready to quickly get into the water, drop the boat and park the trailer. We have all experienced boaters who think that a public launch site is owned by them alone. How many times have we waited for someone to pull out the towel, inflate the innertubes or rig up the fishing gear all the while, keeping the rest of us waiting. Be courteous of other boaters and we can all get on and off the water sooner. With that being said, here are some tips to launching your boat.
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- Back the boat down the launch ramp, stopping before the stern of the boat hangs over the water. Looking in your rearview mirror is a tough way to back up your boat. Instead try looking over your right shoulder, leaning over the seat looking through the back window
- Check to be sure, absolutely positive, that your boat's drain plug is securely in place.
- Remove the tie-down straps and lines and place them either in the boat or in the vehicle. Do not leave them hanging off the boat or trailer.
- Unlock the ratchet on the retrieval winch. Remove the bow retrieval line if applicable. Be sure someone is holding onto the lines before your back the boat into the water.
- Remove pins or other devices used to prevent outboard motors from tipping down (leave any moveable devices in place).
- Back the boat down until the trailer wheels are submerged or until the ramp ends, whichever comes first.
- Secure a bowline in your hand or to a dock.
- Remove the locking pin on tilt trailers.
- Push the boat off the trailer. If it binds when you push from the bow, move aft, and push from a point closer to the beam.
- Hold the boat beside the dock or in the shallow water.
- Tip the motor back, and follow motor-starting procedures.
- Motor slowly to the dock.
- Tilt the trailer back down if necessary.
- Drive the car back to a parking space, and go boating.
For more related articles on Trailers and Launching your boat:
Boat Trailering Maintenance Tips click here.Launching and retreiving tips click here.
Proper Trailering and Launching click here.
Tow, Tow, Tow your boat click here.
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Tips:
- You want to back the trailer far enough into the water to get the bottom of the boat wet without getting the car's wheels in the water. Take time to learn how far to go.
Warnings:
- If a boat doesn't move off a trailer easily, make sure you have removed all tie-down straps and lines.