Boating: How to Boat: Basics
Freshwater Boat Launching Suggestions
INTRODUCTION
Backing a trailer, launching a boat and trailering it are perhaps the most
intimidating aspects of boating to many newcomers. Done properly, it can become
quite easy. New boat owners often need instruction in proper launching and
loading methods.
All boaters need to practice common courtesy at the ramp! Poor ramp etiquette
is a common problem in some parks. Park officers spend much time at the ramp
directing traffic and cooling tempers. Proper ramp etiquette can be the start
or finish of a pleasant boat outing.
Below are some tips and procedures to keep your outing successful and pleasant.
PREPARING FOR LAUNCH
Before backing your boat and trailer to the ramp, prepare the boat for launch.
Find a quiet spot in the parking lot away from the launch lane traffic. Some
ramps provide lanes to "prep" the boat for the water ("make
ready" area).
Remove all tie-downs except the winch hook attached to the bow eye of the
boat. Remove any outboard or stern-drive tie-downs or supports. Anything that
can be detached from the trailer should be placed inside the tow vehicle.
Stow needed gear and required equipment in the boat (Personal flotation devices,
fire extinguisher, signaling devices, etc.). Make a thorough pre-launch check
of accessories (engine compartment blower, bilge pump, lights,battery switches,
etc.) to ensure they are working.
Place any maneuvering aides equipment (boat hooks, paddles, fenders, anchors,
etc.) within easy reach. Store lines where they are handy. It is a good idea
to secure at least one mooring line to a bow cleat.
Turn on the blower (if equipped).
Check the boat over carefully one more time. THE BOW EYE WINCH LINE SHOULD
STILL BE SECURED and the engine raised, though ready to be lowered. The
blower is running and must run a minimum of 4 minutes before starting the
engine. Everything else is ready to launch.
AT THE RAMP
Wait patiently in line at the launch ramp. When it is your turn, stay in a
single lane! Pull your rig onto the ramp and back the trailer until the wheels
are at the water's edge. Be slow and deliberate. This boating activity requires
a degree of precision developed only with practice. (Practice during low use
times in a parking lot or other large area.)
The launch procedure can be accomplished solo, but it is much easier with
two people. The second person signals the tow vehicle driver when the boat
and trailer are in position. Place the tow vehicle in GEAR or PARK.
Put the emergency brake on.
The second person can board the boat and lower the outboard or stern-drive
unit to its normal operating position. Be sure the lowered unit is not touching
the ramp.
The exhaust blower, on stern driven boats, must run for four minutes to clear
any combustible fumes from bilge spaces. (Do this while the boat is being
prepared for launch.) Sniff the engine compartment as an added precaution.
If you smell gasoline fumes, DO NOT start the engine.
When given the signal, the vehicle driver backs slowly to a position where
the engine's cooling water intakes are submerged. This assures the engine
will receive adequate cooling water during warm-up, so no internal damage
occurs.
Start the engine. Let it warm up. This prevents the engine from stalling at
critical times when leaving the trailer.
Once the boat engine is running, check to see everything is operating properly.
Ease the engine into and out of reverse a couple of times. If it doesn't stall,
you are ready for the big step -- backing off the trailer.
Unhook the bow winch hook. If using a fixed bunk or adjustable trailer, have
the tow vehicle driver back the trailer into the water until the boat begins
to float free of the bunks or bolsters. This may mean backing the tow vehicle's
rear wheels into the water. It should now be possible to shift the boat into
reverse and slowly back off the trailer. If not, your helper might have to
push back at the bow. If this effort does not help, have the boat driver sit
in the stern of the boat while someone pushes the boat back. If none of these
procedures work, the trailer and boat may need some adjustment.
A multiple-roller trailer differs somewhat in that as soon as the bow hook
is released, the boat should roll off with very little effort. You need not
back this type of trailer in nearly as deep as a bunk trailer. Use caution.
The drive unit or outboard must remain in a slightly upright position so it
will not hit the ramp as the boat rolls off the trailer.
Control the launch of a roller trailer with the boat's forward and reverse
throttle. Once off, lower the drive unit.
ON THE WATER
Please ... don't abuse the courtesy dock areas! Courtesy docks at ramps are
for loading or unloading people. Do not tie to these docks! Do not block the
ramp from others who are waiting in line. Instead, quickly load additional
people into the boat, then back the boat away from the ramp to await the return
of the tow vehicle driver. When they return, ease to the end of the ramp dock
to pick them up.
If you boat alone, pull into temporary areas away from the ramp before proceeding
to park the vehicle and trailer.
RETRIEVING YOUR BOAT
For boats with additional operators, drop off a person who is experienced
in trailering to pick up the vehicle and trailer while the boat and occupants
wait offshore. Do not block a ramp with an unattended boat or vehicle.
The line is formed by cars and trucks with trailers, not by boats already
in the water waiting to be retrieved. Please wait your turn in line.
When first in line, back the trailer into the launch lane. The boat operator
can slowly drive onto the trailer. Secure the winch hook to the bow eye. Winch
the boat up to the stop and secure the winch. Be sure the boat is centered
on the trailer and the lower unit is raised before pulling out.
Proceed to an uncongested area of the parking lot to further secure the boat.
Use additional tie downs and support for the motors lower unit. Remove the
plug to drain out any water in the boat. Do not replace the plug if the boat
is to be left out in the weather.
ADDITIONAL BOAT TIPS
- Beware of slippery conditions at launch areas.
- Check the local weather forecast before going out.
- Take time to help others if they are by themselves or having trouble.
- Be careful about leaving children unattended in vehicles on ramps while
launching.
- Reminder -- trailer plates expire on the owner's birthday.
- Please, use common courtesy when launching and retrieving. Wait your turn,
stay in one lane, keep the water lanes clear of your waiting boat until your
trailer is in the water.
- Dispose of trash properly. Remember what you take out, you should bring
back.
- Recycle plastic, aluminum and fishing line whenever possible.
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