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 Prior to launching your boat prepare it in the ''ready area.'' Make sure all tie downs are removed and gear is stowed. This will mean that you will be spending a minimum amount of time at the launch ramp. As soon as your boat is in the water pull your vehicle out of the launch area to make room for the next boat. This process always goes much smoother if you have a ''buddy'' to help with the launch and attend the boat while you park the vehicle and trailer. |
Make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the weight of your boat before
you hitch it up. In some areas it is difficult to go anywhere without
going uphill in one or more directions. It is always better to have a
vehicle with more power than not enough. A quick check of your vehicle
manual or a call to the dealer will tell you if you are OK.
When hooking up your boat, have someone stand by the trailer tongue and
guide you to it. It makes hitching up a lot easier and saves time jumping
in and out of the vehicle. Always cross the safety chains under the tongue.
The purpose of the safety chains is to support the trailer tongue in
the event it becomes unhitched allowing you to bring the vehicle and
trailer to a safe controlled stop. If the chains are not adjusted properly
and the trailer tongue would strike the ground a severe accident could
result. If you have surge brakes on the trailer, attach the breakaway
cable according to the directions you received with your trailer. Check
the brakes before you leave and again after launching and retrieving
the boat. Remember, wet brakes do not provide the stopping power of dry
ones so allow a little dry-out time before you head home
Make sure the coupler is securely attached to the ball, and use a lock
or pin to ensure the coupler cannot dislodge from the ball when traveling.
Plug the wire harness in and have someone stand behind the boat and watch
while you operate the brakes, turn signals and taillights to see that
they all function on the trailer. Check to see that the bow strap is
connected and snug and that the transom tie-downs are secured.
Adjust your vehicle mirrors so you can see 100 feet behind the trailer.
Stop occasional on the way to the water to check that everything is still
secure. Check the wheel hubs on the trailer to be sure they are not overheating.
At the launch ramp make sure you are ready to launch before you get in
line. This is not the time to be loading gear from your vehicle into
your boat thatâs bad manners. If you are new to towing a trailer
practice backing the trailer in a parking lot so you get familiar with
it before you are on the ramp with an audience. There is nothing that
will get your day off to worse start than having trouble at the launch
ramp while a line forms behind you.
Inspect the ramp before you launch. Steep ramps can present a serious
problem for some two-wheel drive vehicles. If you don't think you can
make it, don't try. You may be able to launch the boat but may not be
able to retrieve it. On a wet, steep or sandy ramp, try keeping one foot
on the brake and one on the gas. Release the brake slowly as you apply
power. This can help let the tires grab before moving and could prevent
you from sliding down the ramp. If you have four-wheel drive, use it.
Once the boat is in the water and secured all that is left to do is park
and secure your vehicle and trailer. It is advisable to install locking
devices between your trailer and the hitch and any removable style hitch
and its receiver. These units are cheap, easily obtainable and will discourage
a thief from stealing your trailer while you are spending the day on
the water. Nothing is worse than returning from a pleasant day to find
your trailer left without you.
Like everything we do outdoors they become more enjoyable as we learn
how to do them properly. Launching and retrieving a boat can be a pleasure
or about as much fun as having a kidney stone. Some common sense and
extra care is often the only difference.