How To Launch A Boat
by Chris Miley
Launching your boat 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 attempting to launch your boat before you know how to reverse a
trailer.
So, 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. 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
manoeuvre, 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 jack-knife.
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 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 jack-knifing your trailer or
rear-ending anything you are probably ready to
launch your boat at a boat ramp. If possible, select
a quiet weekday morning for your first launch.
The first rule when launching a boat is
being prepared before you pull onto the launching
ramp. That means having all your gear safely stowed,
the boat key in the ignition, the boat drain plug
in, the tie-down straps off, the trailer lights
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!
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.
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.
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 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, try to launch quickly as a
courtesy to your fellow boaters.
The same rules 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.
Before you pull your boat out of the
water ensure the engine has been tilted up.
Many launching problems will be avoided
by making sure everything on your boat is in working
order before you leave home! |
