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.
After your day on the water is through, it's time to retrieve your boat. In many ways, the process is easier. Boat trailers are easier to back when you don't have the boat blocking your view, normally the big rush at the ramp is in the morning, and once you secure the boat to the trailer, you just need to pull it straight ahead to leave the ramp.
It is common to see wind pick up and the weather change in late afternoon. Keep in mind that conditions at the ramp may be different from when you started. This is especially true at launch ramps not within marinas or protected by breakwaters.
The process of removing your boat from the water is the reverse of what you did to launch it. Areas of special concern are ensuring your outdrive or outboard motor is raised, the trailer winch is securely fastened to the boat and taking care to make certain the boat is resting properly on the trailer. Pull the boat slowly out of the water. Many launch ramps have a sharp break in grade right at the top of the ramp that can cause trouble if you are going too fast.
Try to park your boat trailer away from the launch ramp to finish preparing the boat for travel. Attach tie-down straps, remove the drain plug (keep it in safe place...), and check safety equipment. Safety chains should be secure, taillights working, and loose items stowed.
You have come full circle and completed a safe boating trip. Now start planning for next weekend!
Retrieval
- The steps for removing your boat from the water are basically the reverse of those taken to launch it.
- Keep in mind that the following conditions may have changed since you launched your boat:
- Change in wind direction and/or speed.
- Change in current and/or tide.
- Increase in boating traffic.
- Visibility.
- Unload the boat away from the launch ramp.
- Maneuver the boat carefully to the submerged trailer, and raise the lower unit of the engine.
- Winch the boat onto the trailer and secure it.
- Drive the trailer with the boat aboard carefully out of the ramp to the washdown area for cleanup, reloading, and an equipment safety check.
- Remove the drain plug to allow water to drain from the boat.
