HOW TO LAUNCH A BOAT WITH EASE

At first glance, launching a boat from a trailer looks like a simple procedure. But, anyone who has tried it knows full well that it takes some practice to back up to the ramp, drop the boat in the water and them scramble to get out of the way of the next guy.

There are three phases.  With practice you can easily master the pre-launch, launching and retrieving a boat but it does not come automatically.

Boat trailers come in a variety of configurations. They do have some things in common.  There is a winch post and winch.  Most have fenders over the tires, and most have submergible taillights.  If the taillights are not submergible disconnect them prior to backing into the water and reconnect when taken out.

At the ramp, before you actually launch, it is a good idea to pull off to the side. Transfer gear such as coolers, fishing tackle and safety equipment to the boat.  Make sure you have at least one Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person in the boat.  Later make sure everyone wears them.  Install and/or tighten drain plugs.  Check batteries.  If necessary hook up and pressurize fuel lines with a couple of pumps of the primer blub.

Next check the ramp itself. Look at how steep it is and how deep the water.  Is the ramp slick or dry?  Is there a dock where you can tie up?  Or will you have to beach the boat after launching?

Returning to the boat, remove the tie downs. Be sure to keep the bow winch line attached to the bow hook.  Make sure there is at least one docking line attached so that the boat is controllable once it is afloat.  Two lines are better as they afford better control over the boat once it is in the water.

Before launching, raise the motor so that the prop and lower unit will have ample clearance as you back down the ramp.

Phase two is the actual launch. It is best to allow the most experienced person in your group to back the trailer down the ramp.  It can avoid damage to the boat and/or trailer from unseen obstacles.  On a multilane ramp, be sure to remain in your lane.

Backing up is easy if you just place one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and look in your mirrors. Then as you back you move your hand (and the wheel) in the direction you want the trailer to travel.

Back down until the front of your trailer fender is even with the surface of the water. On very flat ramps you may need to back it in further on steep ramps not so far.  The type of boat can also make a difference on how far you need to back into the water.

Once in position, set the parking brake on your vehicle. Grasp the winch handle before you release the ratchet mechanism.  You may need to give the boat a push.  If it still will not move out into the water, then re-lock the winch and back up the trailer a little further.  Then repeat the procedure.

Some boaters can use the motor to power the boat off the trailer. If you do so make sure there is enough clearance for the prop to clear the bottom of the water.  The intakes of the motor must be below the surface to avoid damage.

Once the boat is afloat tie it off to the dock. Remove your vehicle and trailer to the parking area immediately.

The final phase is the retrieval of the boat at the end of the day. It is common courtesy to tie your boat to the dock or circle on the water until your trailer is in place on the ramp.

As you drive your boat onto the trailer, be sure to center it. Drive up to whining a few inches of the winch stand.  Attach the winch strap to the bow eye and take in any slack.  Tilt your outboard motor up and be sure the winch strap is secure before driving up the ramp.  Otherwise you might find your boat does not follow you up the ramp.

Once up the ramp pull back into the parking area so as to be out of the way of others. Once there secure your tie downs and pull the drain plug.  Transfer gear back into your vehicle and dispose of accumulated trash in proper receptacles.  Secure any gear left in the boat to avoid not losing it on the road going home.

It is a good idea to stop at a car wash to pressure wash the boat and trailer on the way home or before another launch. Invasive species and vegetation are a problem when boats are launched in more than one body of water.  Cleaning the hull will go a long way toward avoiding transfer from one lake to another.