One of the trickiest and most stressful parts of boating can be launching the craft. If you are launching a boat alone and have no other help, this stress will only worsen. Most of us find the idea of launching a boat without a buddy system to be intimidating.
However, once you understand how to launch a boat correctly, you’ll be able to tow that boat behind a trailer and explore any body of water that has a ramp. You can learn how to launch a boat on your own if you read this article.
Step 1: Preparation Is Key
Prepping Your Boat Prior To Launch
Making your first attempt on a weekday, or at the very least a day when the ramp won’t be too busy may be helpful if you are just learning how to launch from a ramp. This will help you avoid feeling rushed as you complete your tasks.
Launch ramps can be either public (like at a county park, for instance) or private (like at a private campground, gated community, or marina). In either case, there might be a small launch fee, so take care of that as soon as you get there.
If you’ve never used a certain ramp, it may be beneficial to park out of the way and go down to look at the ramp and dock. You’ll be aware of the dock’s condition, the angle of the ramp, and how deep the water appears to be.
By doing so, you can plan ahead before the boat gets soaked. As you launch, you can choose where to park the car and trailer by keeping an eye on the traffic around the ramp.
At a public ramp, it is customary to launch as quickly as possible. In light of this, get ready to launch your boat as soon as it touches the water. Place your car in a staging area away from people who are actually launching.
Start Your Pre-launch Checklist At Home
- Make sure the boat motor is functioning properly. Connect a garden hose to your motor to ensure proper operation for added security.
- Gear up and double-check everything! This includes any necessary supplies for your trip, such as food and water, trailering equipment, boat gear, and safety gear.
- Ensure the installation of your boat plug is correct! Seriously, this is a crucial point.
Step 2: Approach The Boat Ramp
You can concentrate on the final few steps needed to launch your boat safely now that all the laborious tasks are behind you. As you start to set up your launch, pull your boat up to the edge of the water. Put the car in park and engage the parking brake. You must tie a dock line from your boat’s bow to your tow vehicle before detaching the bow from the winch cable.
To ensure you have the right length of rope, measure the distance between your car and your boat. You can maneuver your boat safely to the dock once it is in the water by using this rope in place of having an extra person in the boat. Securely fasten one end to a bow cleat and the other to your car.
Step 3: Launch The Boat
You are now prepared to detach your boat’s winch cable from the bow. Before reentering your vehicle for launch, double-check that the dock line is firmly fastened to both ends. Once you can see the boat rising from the trailer as you are backing it into the water. Press the brakes firmly to aid in the complete release of the boat from the trailer once it starts to float.
Once your boat is free, pull the dock line that is attached to your car’s end and park the car while ensuring that your parking brake is engaged. Secure your boat to a dock cleat after safely navigating to the dock or another access point using the dock line. Return to your car and park it after the boat has been cleared. Voila!
Enjoy The Day As Step Four!
While planning and preparation help to greatly increase the likelihood of a trouble-free departure, there are always variables that could cause problems. We advise you to familiarize yourself as much as you can with your boat, the trailering system, and your prepping procedure in order to reduce the risk of a potential disaster.
Pro Tips For Launching A Boat Alone
- Practice on Dry Land: I always advise people to practice using their rearview mirrors in a sizable empty parking lot. To get a natural feel for the movements, try backing your trailer into a spot several times.
- Carry Two Sets of Keys: Whether I’m launching a boat by myself or with a friend, I always operate under this general principle. Carry an extra set of keys in case the ones you’re using to secure your boat to the dock end up in the water.
- Accept Help When It’s Offered: I’ve discovered that most people are always willing to lend a hand. Someone in line behind you may offer to assist you when it’s your turn to launch your boat. Accept this favor and don’t be hesitant to extend the same courtesy to others.
Common Mistakes Anglers Make When Launching A Boat Alone
Anglers putting their boats in the water too far is the most common thing I observe. Additionally, they must jump into the water or boat to grab their boat when it begins to float away.
Choosing to launch a boat on a ramp you’re unfamiliar with is another common error. If you intend to launch a boat by yourself, it is best to be picky. Choose one that you feel at ease using, and make sure to practice launching from it. As you become more accustomed to your routine, you’ll be able to line up your truck and trailer with the ramp like a pro.
