8-5Table Of Contents www.SkeeterBoats.com
RUNNING
Launching
As a courtesy to other boaters, prepare your Skeeter boat for launching before using the ramp. Each
launch may have particular differences, such as ramp angle, prevailing wind, waves, and water
currents. If possible, watch a couple of boaters launch their boats rst to notice any problems. While
every boater develops a preferred launch procedure, here is a recommended general procedure:
1. Perform the Pre-Operation Checks shown on page 1-13 that can be performed on land, including
operating the blower for at least 4 minutes.
2. Remove all trailering tie-down lines from the boat and attach your docking lines and fenders, if
used.
3. Back the trailer down the ramp as close to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If possible, have a
second person stand aside as an observer. Stop when the wheels are at least halfway submerged.
Set the parking brake.
4. Remove the bow line from the bow eye.
5. Back the trailer farther into the water until just the tops of the fenders show, then reset the parking
brake. Board the boat and start it. If possible, remain on the trailer until the engine is warm and is
responding to throttle.
6. Back the boat out into the water, watching carefully for people, other boats, or obstacles.
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1. Back the trailer down the ramp as close to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If possible, have a
second person act as an observer while standing to the side of the boat. Stop when the tops of the
trailer’s fenders are about 3 in. (7.6 cm) above the waterline.
2. With the boat moving at the slowest idle speed, guide the boat onto the support rails. Use throttle
only if necessary for steering ability.
3. Make sure the boat is centered on the support rails and is headed straight for the bow stop
(bumper board). Ease the boat forward until the bow rests against the bow stop.
4. Attach and tighten the winch line.
5. Pull the trailer up the ramp out of the way of other boaters. Attach the bow and stern tie-downs.
Reconnect the trailer lights.
6. Follow the Post-Operation Checks on page 10-5.
WARNING
Using too much throttle can cause the boat to jump over the front of the trailer which can
result in injury to the boat operator and bystanders. Use only enough throttle to
maneuver the boat into the correct position.
CAUTION
• The winch line is not designed to pull the boat onto the trailer.
• The winch line should not be the only line securing the bow during trailering. Use the
chain along with the winch to secure the boat to the trailer.
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