Did you know boat sales increased to 47 billion dollars in 2020? Boating has become a favorite pastime due to its physical and mental health benefits. But if you’re a newbie at launching a boat, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn boating tips to make your first cruise a success. Understand ways to prep your boat before launching it into the water. Knowing how to launch a boat will ensure a successful first trip.
Ready to learn more? Check out the tips below.
You’ll Need to Prep Your Boat
Is it your first time launching your boat? Most launch ramps are in public. Try launching on a weekday where the ramp isn’t super busy. Take your time and avoid rushing the process.
You’ll want to go down to the park first and walk around the dock and ramp. Take a look at the area so you understand the easiest way to launch your boat. There’s usually a fee as well for launching.
Is the water deep? What’s the condition of the dock? Make a plan before you get your boat out into the water. Try to see how traffic is near the ramp and dock. Where will you park your vehicle and trailer after the launch?
Maintain proper etiquette by being as efficient as possible during the launch.
How Do You Back Down the Ramp?
After you feel comfortable enough to back down the ramp, you’ll need to align the trailer and boat. This way, you can back down the ramp. Your helper can spot your position. Do you have someone with you?
Take your time backing up. You’ll have a better reaction time if you need to correct your position. Put one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel.
Watch your trailer in the mirrors. Are you hoping that the trailer will go left? Move your hand to the left.
You want the stern of the boat to be in deep enough water to float. Start backing down the ramp. Wait until the trailer tires hit the water’s edge. Back down some more until this occurs.
Time to Load Your Boat off the Trailer
Put your vehicle in park. You should also put on your parking brake. Remove your safety chain from the bow eye and release the trailer winch. The strap should go slack. You’ll then need to unclip it from the bow eye.
You might not be able to release your boat without standing in the water. Wear boots or footwear that can get wet.
Hand your bow line to your helper. Give the boat a slight push, so it floats and slides down off the trailer.
If you don’t see it moving, you’ll need to back up some more. Your friend will hold the lines and walk the boat down the dock.
Your helper could also hold onto the stern line. This ensures the boat doesn’t end up swinging into the launch area.
Try walking the boat down the dock. You want to move so the next person can launch. If you have someone with you, ask them to operate the ship.
Try lowering the outboard or outdrive once the boat’s in the water. Begin the engine before you release the bow eye.
You will float the boat off your trailer. Your friend or relative can move the boat away from the launch area. They’ll pick you up near the dock.
Ensure that the boat’s engine will start when you use this method. After the boat’s free, you can move the trailer and vehicle out of the way.
What if You’re Alone?
Sometimes, you won’t have a helper with you.
You’ll follow the same routine until the part where you release the boat. If there’s a dock, you could back the trailer down close to the pier. You’ll need a line to secure the boat once it floats off your trailer.
Some people will attach the line to the stern cleat and the bow. You back your boat down the ramp, push it off the trailer, and hold the line. Once it’s free, you can use the trailer to step back onto the dock.
With your single line, you’ll control the boat. Your stern isn’t going to swing from the dock. You’ll walk the boat down the dock and out of the trailer’s way.
Try securing your boat to the dock. You’ll need to park your vehicle, and then you can move.
Another method is to secure the end to the middle cleat on your boat. Try to secure the one end to a cleat or pile it far down the dock. Do this after you backed down your trailer but before releasing the boat.
Pull the boat away from the trailer, then secure it to the dock. Try backing down if necessary. You’ll release the boat and hop onto the dock.
Knowing how to launch your boat will help ensure safe trips. You’ll also need to think about after the trip. Learn more by checking out this boat storage guide.
How to Launch a Boat Successfully
Did you get the answer to “How to launch a boat?” Look at working with a friend if you need to launch a boat for the first time this summer.
You’ll want to ensure you go on a quieter day so you don’t feel the pressure from all the experienced boaters.
Ensure you have the right line to secure your boat if you’re alone.
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