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.
Actually launching your boat should be easy. You are prepared, right? Most public launch ramps are busy places. As you approach the ramp, watch for traffic and observe any directional signs. Watch other boaters as they line up for the ramp and follow their example. Some facilities will have employees present to help direct traffic.
Depending on the region, some launch ramps can be very long and possibly very steep. Now is the time to demonstrate your superior skill in backing the boat trailer down the ramp. Practice really does help. Take your time backing down the ramp and have a friend help guide you.
As the trailer enters the water, keep your rear wheels out of the water. Wet brakes are less effective. Salt water will cause damage to the brake components and it can leak into the rear differential as well. Backing too far into the water can block your exhaust tailpipe and stall the engine. This is not a good thing.
Set the parking brake and insure the transmission is in park. Place manual transmissions in the lowest gear that is in the direction of roll. This would be reverse! If it is possible to leave the driver in the vehicle, this is your safest option.
Now you need to get the boat ready. Lower the outdrive or outboard motor into the water. Ensure fuel lines are connected and primed. Look for leaks. If your boat has an engine compartment blower installed, turn it on to reduce the chance of explosion. Start the engine and check to see if cooling water is circulating properly.
Now is the time to unhook the winch from the boat. Failure to follow this advice will could place your photo in the local paper. Back the boat slowly off the trailer under power or use a hand line to guide it back on the courtesy float.
Drive the tow vehicle and trailer off the ramp as soon as you can. The next person in line will thank you. Most marinas have loading areas or transient moorage docks. Try to load your equipment there and not at the launch ramp.
Congratulations on safely launching your boat. Enjoy the water!
Launching
- Drive to the ramp and observe the directional signage.
- Back the boat and trailer down the appropriate ramp.
- Keep the rear wheels of the tow vehicle out of the water. This will generally keep the exhaust pipes out of the water. If the exhaust pipes become immersed in the water, the engine may stall.
- Set the parking brake and insure the transmission is in park.
- Lower the motor and prepare to start the engine (after running blowers and checking for fuel leaks).
- Start the boat motor and make sure that water is passing through the engine cooling system.
- Release the winch and disconnect the winch line from the bow when the boat operator is ready.
- At this point, the boat should launch with a light shove or by backing off the trailer under power.
- Return the towing vehicle and trailer to the parking lot as soon as the boat is launched so the next person in line may proceed.
- Finish any final loading of your boat at the transient mooring float, away from the launch ramp so that others may continue to use it.
