In the article Successfully Launching Your Boat I discussed the three basic phases of safely launching your trailered boat. They are making pre-launch preparations, actually launching the boat and then finally getting it back out again.
Proper preparation is the key to safely launching your boat. The time spent getting ready prior to launching your boat will save time at the ramp and reduce the pressure to rush the process at the last minute. Think of it as a courtesy to your fellow boaters and a way to ensure good karma. Your turn will come someday as you patiently wait for the inept driver making their fourth attempt at backing the boat trailer down the ramp.
An inspection of your boat prior to using it again is important. There is always the possibility that an outdrive was damaged, a thru-hull fitting has failed or damage has occurred to the hull. Damage can occur while you use the boat or trailer it to the water.
Before you try to back down the launch ramp, take a few steps to ensure the boat comes off the trailer as it should. Raise your outdrive or outboard motor to prevent it from striking the ramp surface. Remove tie-down straps and binders. Believe or not, people have launched boats that are still firmly attached to their trailers. Make sure the boat winch is engaged and attached to the eyebolt on the bow of your boat. Boat trailers come in a few different styles. One version out there is a trailer that uses rubber rollers to hold the boat on the trailer and allow it to slide of the trailer easily. Roller trailers work as intended. If you forget to attach the winch to the boat, the boat will roll off the trailer as you back down the ramp. This usually occurs when there is a long line at the launch and several people are carrying cameras.
While you are waiting to launch your boat, check the fuel level, vital fluids and that you remembered all your safety equipment. Check that you installed the drain plug. Some launching checklists mention this item at every step. If you don't put the plug in, it is going to be a short voyage.
Launching a boat is always easier with a friend. It has also started many domestic conflicts. Have one person back the boat down the ramp and another holding a pre-attached line to guide the boat off the trailer. Boaters launching at many lakes need to have an operator in the boat ready to drive it away from trailer once it is in the water.
Now you know how to prepare for life at the launch ramp. Go home and practice backing the trailer a few more times!
Pre-Launching Preparations
- Prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp as a courtesy to others and to prevent rushing during the launch.
- Ensure that there has been no damage to the boat caused by the trip to the harbor.
- Raise the lower unit or outboard so that it will not hit bottom during launching.
- Remove trailer tie-downs and make sure that the winch is properly attached to the bow eye and locked in position.
- Put the drain plug in securely.
- Connect the fuel tank, check fluid levels and safety equipment.
- Disconnect the trailer light plug to prevent shorting of electrical system or burning out a bulb.
- Attach a line to the bow and the stern of the boat so that the boat cannot drift away after launching and it can be easily maneuvered at the courtesy float.
- Visually inspect the launch ramp for hazards such as a steep drop off, slippery areas and sharp objects.
- When everything has been double checked, proceed slowly to the ramp remembering that your boat is just resting on the trailer and attached only at the bow.
- The ideal situation is to have one person in the boat and one observer at the water's edge to help guide the driver of the tow vehicle.
