LARSON Bass - Page 132

TRAILERING AND LAUNCHING
SECTION
8
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 8 - 10 l Bass
• Check that the bilge drain plug is in place and all other plugs that allow
water to leak into the boat are in place.
• Remove all tie-downs from the boat.
• Attach the bow and stern docking lines.
• Attach boat fenders if necessary.
• Disconnect the trailer’s light harness from the car.
• If applicable, trim or tilt the engine/outdrive up to avoid damage.
• Make sure the bow winch and strap are securely locked and fastened.
• Make sure the bow winch safety chains, if equipped, are in place.
• Make sure all required documentation and safety equipment are on board.
• Verify that batteries are fully charged and in good condition.
• Check fuel level; add fuel if necessary.
• Always launch with the help of another person.
• Make sure there is no one on the ramp behind the boat.
• Keep the trailer/vehicle combination as straight as possible and at 90
degrees to the shoreline.
• Back slowly down the ramp until the transom of the boat is a few inches in
the water; then stop the vehicle.
• Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission). Apply the brakes and/or parking brake. If possible,
use wheel blocks.
• Position the mooring lines within reach of the dock.
• Disconnect the bow winch strap and safety chains, if equipped, from the
bow eye.
• Manually back the boat clear of and off the trailer into the water and
secure to the dock using mooring lines.
• Remove any wheel blocks and release the vehicle brakes. Pull the trailer
slowly out of the water, and secure and park in a designated area.
• Board the boat.
• Lower the engine/outdrive, if applicable.
• Run the bilge blowers as required, if equipped.
• See the Engine Operator’s Manual for starting procedures.
• Remove dock lines from the dock and proceed slowly away from the dock.