this will ensure your boat starts correctly and does not have any issues when trying to start.Įnsure that no person is near the engine when starting and that no person or boat is in your path before you put the boat in reverse. Turn on the bilge blower to remove any petrol fumes that may have accumulated in the bilge. be careful of shallow water, always check to see how much depth you have before lowering to ensure maximum safety and to prevent damage caused to your boat. Lower the lower unit (for boats with outboard and inboard-outboard engines). Failure to do so may cause serious injury to any persons assisting and cause substantial damage to your vehicle, boat and trailer. Be cautious about backing in too far otherwise your vehicle might become stuck.Įnsure that your vehicle’s hand break is on before leaving your vehicle to attend your boat. A good rule of thumb is to back in until the water is just above the hubs of the trailer. How far to back the boat trailer into the water depends on numerous factors – what type of trailer you have, depth of the water, what type of boat you have, etc. With a 4WD or SUV it can be easier to see when reversing if you lower the tailgate or open the rear hatch/door or window. This is achieved easiest with two people: one driving and one guiding you down the ramp. Revers your boat trailer down the ramp slowly. play it safe and protect your boat and everyone involved in launching your boat. You don’t want your boat slamming into the jetty causing potential damage to your boat. Have your dock lines and fenders ready to go for immediate use.

You don’t want your boat sliding off your trailer before it is in the water! Undo and store the hold down straps, but leave the winch hook connected to the bow. Undo the hold down straps connecting your boat to the trailer. Not only is this very embarrassing, it can cause alot of damage and money to your boat. This is very important! You do not want your boat sinking at the boat ramp. Unplug the trailer towing light assembly from the vehicle’s electrical system before your reverse your vehicle into the water. Unplug the trailer towing light assembly before reversing your trailer into the water. NEVER let children or pets play or be unattended at a boat launch ramp, you do not want any issues or disasters before your day has even started. If your going to be bringing along children, forbid young children and pets from playing on the boat launch ramp as this is a roadway that transitions into a waterway and can be extremely dangerous! Keep children and pets supervised by an adult in a different area than at the boat launch ramp. Planning Your Launch : If your going to bring guests, brief them on where to go and what to do before you launch your boat.

As a tip It may be a good idea to have a written checklist before you launch. We are all here to enjoy our day and enjoy our boats. Other people want to launch as well, theres no point holding people up and getting into an argument at the ramp. You should be ready to drive your boat off the trailer right after it’s backed down the ramp. Prepare the boats engine, fuel, safety gear, fenders, etc. Prepare as much of your boat as possible while it is still on the trailer, and while still on dry land. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to imagine there’s at least one dock and a boat ramp. This technique may have to be adapted to the type and style of the boat ramp and dock your launching at. How do you launch your boat? Here’s a correct way to launch any boat that you can tow behind your vehicle on a boat trailer.

Trailering wood runabout straps