How to Launch a Boat Safely

If you are looking for an exciting adventure with friends and family nothing beats enjoying a day of fun out on a boat. You have an endless amount of adventures to choose from like wakeboarding, waterskiing, fishing or just cruising. Although spending a day our on a boat is endless fun, you must first launch your boat to get out on the water. Learning how to launch a boat can be stressful for many boat owners because you do not want to see your truck disappear into the water along with your trailer. Here is a step by step process on how you can launch a boat with ease and enjoy a day of fun.

Step 1: Prepare the Boat/Trailer

Before you launch your boat, you need to make sure that you are prepared and not forgetting anything before you slip into the water. Your boat must be maintenance-ready with a tank full of fuel a battery full of charge before you even think about putting your boat in the water. Make sure your trailer straps and motor support are off and the drain plug is securely in place. All of your gear should also be on the boat before you launch. For safety, make sure you have enough life vests, food, and water for all the people who will be on the boat with you.

Bonus Tip: DO NOT prep your boat on the ramp! Other people want to launch as well and tempers will flare if you use dock time to do things you could have done in the parking lot.

Step 2: Inspect Ramp Conditions

We recommend that you inspect the boat ramp before you launch your boat to make sure there are no hazards or potholes that can cause trouble with trailer tires or tail lights. If there is stuff stuck on the ramp like seaweed or algae, it could make the ramp slippery which can impede traction. Make sure you are aware of how far the ramp extends into the water as well. Knowing all of these things will give you a better idea of how to drive down the ramp and then back up again.

Step 3: Have a Spotter

It is no secret that launching a boat is so much easier when you have two people (one person operating the truck and trailer, and one operating the boat). If you are having trouble launching your boat, use a spotter to guide you as you back into the water. Work as a team to submerge the boat hull without backing so far into the water that your trailer leaves the ramp as well. It is possible to also launch a boat by yourself. We recommend to use your side mirrors and to keep your trailer lined up with the ramp. Using your mirrors instead of turning back to see actually makes the process much quicker and more efficient.

Step 4: Launching the Boat

It is finally time to launch the boat! Begin to slowly back your boat into the water until you (or your spotter) sees the boat just barely starting the float up from the trailer. Do not remove the safety chain or front cable until the boat is safely in the water. Trim down your outboard until your entire lower unit is submerged. Make sure the safety chain is still attached to your boat when you start the engine. This will help you make sure your engine is running properly. Back down far enough to allow engine cooling water to be picked up. Once the boat is ready and in the water, remove the straps connecting it to the trailer and move your vehicle out of the ramp.

Step 5: Boat Ramp Etiquette

Once your boat is off the trailer, make sure to move your boat out of the launching area to allow other people to launch their boats. If the ramp is small, people will not be happy if you leave your boat blocking the ramp while you park your vehicle. If you are with someone else, pull the boat to the opposite side of the dock that the ramp is on so others can use the ramp while you wait for your partner to park and jump in your boat.

Conclusion:
Launching a boat can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be, Make sure your boat is prepped and ready to go before you start backing it into the ramp Once everything is ready to go, slowly back into the ramp and launch your boat. Don't worry if you are not able to launch it the first time. With a little practice, you will be able to launch your boat and enjoy a day of fun with family and friends.

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