205
Vessel Operation
LOADING
The most
important
thing to
remember
when pulling
your boat out
o f the water is
that often the
ramp will be
crowded. As
you approach the
ramp, make a visual inspection of the trafc and people,
both at the ramp and all around you. This is an important
time to use caution, courtesy, and common sense. While
you may feel it’s your next turn, another boater may not
be as courteous. Don’t insist on your rightful place in line;
it could lead to disastrous consequences in the connes
of a crowded boat ramp. If there is any perceived danger,
stand off until you can safely approach the ramp.
Back your trailer down to the water’s edge. At this point
it is a good idea to let a sufcient amount of line out of
the winch to reach the bow eye. Make sure you disconnect
the trailer harness to keep the bulbs from blowing out due
them being subjected to the cold water.
On roller or bunk style trailers back up until the aft roller
is just at the water level. This allows you to hook up the
winch cable and to start cranking the boat on to the trailer
properly. This method gives you a good starting point and
helps keep the boat centered on the trailer as it is reloaded.
It may be necessary to further back the trailer into the water.
This permits cranking the boat easier on to the trailer.
Once the boat is positioned correctly on the trailer have
someone hook up the winch cable hook to the bow eye.
Also, this will help keep the boat bow against the trailer
roller. Shut down the engine and run the stern drive up to
the top of the trailer position.
With the bow snug against the roller, start to crank the
boat up on to the trailer. Make sure the hull bottom or
keel stays in the center of each roller as it is being cranked
on the trailer. Double check to ensure the hitch is locked
tight on the vehicle ball. Make sure the boat is covered
properly and all loose gear is stowed.
On bunk style trailers, watch the bunks to make sure
the boat is centered as they usually do not touch any
rollers other than the aft one because the boat weight is
being supported more by the bunks as it is cranked onto
the trailer. Stop cranking the winch when the boat bow
contacts the bow roller. Be sure the winch is in the locked
position. Stand back and visually check to see that the boat
is centered on the trailer.
After pulling your boat away from the ramp, be sure to go
through all the checks involved before departure. Reinstall
the harness connector and check the lights, brakes, safety
chain, winch, hitch, and tie downs. Remove the drain
plug to exit any excess water in the bilge. Reinstall the
hull drain plug and tighten it. For longer storage periods
remove the drain plug and keep in a plastic bag tied to
the steering wheel.
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