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Chapter 6
LOADING
T h e m o s t
important thing
to remembe r
when pulling
your boat out of
the water is that
often the ramp
will be crowded.
As you approach
t h e r a m p ,
make a visual
inspection of the tra c and people, both at the ramp
and all around you. is 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 con nes of
a crowded boat ramp. If there is any perceived danger,
stand o 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 su cient 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 a roller
is just at the water level. is allows you to hook up the
winch cable and to start cranking the boat on to the trailer
properly. is 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. is 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 a 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.
A er 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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