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hooked up and working.
If you are new to trailering your boat, it is best to practice before actually getting in a situation
where you are not sure of your ability. If possible use a trailer without a boat to practice with as
you can see the trailer’s movement without the boat. Also, your vision will not be impaired by the
boat’s presence.
Keep in mind that the trailer will turn sharper than your tow vehicle which means if you operate
your tow vehicle normally, your trailer will be running off the road, over curbs or impacting rigid
objects. Therefore, make your turns slightly wider than normal and glance at the position of your
trailer through your mirrors to avoid damage and injury.
When backing, remember, the bottom of the steering wheel will move in the direction the trailer
will ultimately go. Backing consists of two parts, breaking the trailer by turning the vehicle’s
backward motion in the opposite direction from the ultimate trailer direction, then following the
trailer toward the correct direction with the tow vehicle. It is prudent to go to a large paved area
with little traffic to practice these maneuvers before attempting them on the boat ramp.
Remember to check to see if the tow ball is the same size as the trailer coupler. Never use a
different size.
9.9 Launching Your Boat
When you arrive at the ramp, prepare your boat before getting in the ramp line.
•
Make sure the hull plug is in place.
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Place a line on the bow and stern cleats to be at the dock ready.
•
Have fenders out and on the proper side.
•
Raise the engine so it will not be damaged during launching.
•
Make sure the battery switch is in one of the “on” positions, and the boat key is in the ignition.
•
Remove any tie-down straps.
•
If someone is with you, hand them the free end of the bow line and have them follow the trailer
as you enter the ramp.
•
Back the boat into the water until it barely floats.
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Lower the engine, pump the fuel bulb until firm and crank the engine.
•
Let it idle for a few minutes to warm up before getting under way.
•
Remove the winch line and back off the trailer.
9.10 Retrieving Your Boat
There are several ways to retrieve your boat. The method described herein requires two persons.
Drop someone off to back the trailer into the water, or do it yourself. If doing it yourself, makes sure
you make it easy and safe to exit the boat after it is loaded onto the trailer.
Back the trailer into the water until the bunks are completely submerged, or until the middle roller is
just touching the water. (This depth should provide enough to float the boat until the last minute
and yet provide enough resistance from the trailer to stop the boat short of the winch stand.)
Drive the boat onto the middle of the trailer. This is assuming it is a trailer designed for drive on.
Speed should not be over one or two knots. Fast enough to maintain steerage but slow enough to
be easily controlled.
Once the boat has touched the trailer, a little forward throttle should secure the boat on the trailer
and allow you to put the engine in neutral and have the winch line attached to the bow eye. The
boat should now be easily winched onto the last several feet of the trailer.
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