Boat Launching will become a simple task with a little practice. However, if you are new to boating you might want to hitch up your boat trailer and head to an empty parking lot to gain some practice. I don’t recommend arriving at the boat ramp and attempt any boat launching before you know how to reverse a trailer.
Let's dive right in and look at boat launching.
How
to Approach Boat Launching
So, before getting into
boat launching itself let’s look at some of the principles
of reversing a trailer …
Start with your vehicle and the trailer as straight as possible and about a trailer’s length from
the area into which you want to reverse. Watch the trailer out of the
driver’s window while reversing slowly, and start turning the
steering wheel to the right.
Be gentle with the steering – it is easier to add more steering than to correct it too much. Some guides to reversing suggest grasping the steering wheel at the very bottom.
Over-Turning
This should prevent you
from over-turning the wheel. And if your steering wheel is in a
straight position to start with, you will know throughout the
reversing maneuver, without having to look, that at the lowest point
your steering wheel is again straight.
As soon as the trailer
starts to turn you can begin straightening up while still reversing.
Don’t leave straightening up too late or the trailer will
jackknife.
Other
Direction
Eventually you begin steering in the
other direction while still reversing. Bring the vehicle’s nose
around to follow the trailer and keep an eye on where the trailer is
in case it needs correction.
Continue to reverse in a straight
line using the side mirrors. Reverse slowly and carefully. When more
of the trailer appears in one mirror, steer towards that mirror to
start the trailer going the other way.
Remember that a correction only requires a small steering movement.
Pulling
Forward
Pulling forward to straighten the trailer
is often an easy option before continuing to reverse.
Once you are able to back up a few hundred feet without jackknifing your trailer or rear-ending anything you are probably ready to attempt boat launching at a boat ramp. If possible, select a quiet weekday morning for your first launch.
First
Rule of Boat Launching
The first rule of boat
launching is being prepared before you pull onto the launching
ramp.
Before boat launching that means having all your gear safely stowed, the boat key in the ignition, the boat drain plug in, and the tie-down straps off. As well the trailer lights should be disconnected and a safety line connected to the boat's bow.
It can be very frustrating watching someone loading fishing or picnic gear into their boat. Or apply sunscreen to their kids while their boat is parked on the launch ramp!
Winch
and Chain
While boat launching keep the
trailer's winch strap and safety chain connected until you reach the
water's edge. It will only take a few seconds to disconnect them
prior to launching.
During boat launching back the boat
down the launch ramp and stop before the stern of the boat hangs over
the water. Unlock the winch strap and remove pins or other devices
used to prevent the outboard motor from tipping down.
Now back the boat down until the trailer wheels are submerged.
Boat
Launching and Float Off
When the boat is ready to
float off the trailer, have your boating buddy hold the bowline. Or
tie the line to your vehicle or winch handle.
Once the boat
launching is complete and the boat has floated free of the
trailer either beach the boat or tie it off to the dock with the
bowline.
A confident boater will
have someone start the motor and move the boat away from the dock
until the driver has parked the vehicle and is ready to
board.
Either way, when boat launching, try to launch
quickly as a courtesy to your fellow boaters.
Same
Rules
The same rules for boat launching
apply when putting your boat back onto the trailer. But there are a
few hazards you should be aware of. Especially if you're tired or
feeling rushed.
When you tie up at the dock, have your vehicle
keys in your pocket, retrieve your vehicle and claim a spot in line.
Tilted Up
Before
you pull your boat out of the water ensure the engine has been tilted
up.
Many boat launching problems will be avoided by
making sure everything on your boat is in working order before you
leave home!
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