As with backing up a trailer, backing up and launching a boat requires preparation and a unique set of skills. These skills can be mastered with practice and perseverance. To help you get started in your career as a small boat skipper, we have prepared a list of tips you can follow to make launching your powerboat simple.
Log Plenty of Practice Time
Before you head to the slip, you should take some time to practice. Even if you are familiar with driving with a trailer, you should take a moment to understand how your particular trailer will handle and react. Start by practicing in an empty lot, where you will have enough room to maneuver and to correct mistakes.
Learn How to Steer in Reverse
As with any ball-joint hitch trailer, a boat trailer will turn opposite to the direction you are turning the car’s wheel while reversing. For example, if your towing vehicle were turning left in reverse, the rear of your boat trailer will be veering right. It is important to understand how to compensate for this before you head for the slip. An easy way for beginners to deal with this phenomenon is to grip the bottom of the steering wheel when backing up. The boat trailer will travel in the same direction your hand moves from this position.
Try the Driveway Test
Once you are comfortable controlling the trailer in an open lot, try backing into your driveway. Starting from the street, park with your trailer hitched and parallel to your driveway’s edge. Unhitch the trailer and pull it off. Back up, and re-hitch the trailer. Repeat this until it feels comfortable. The idea is to be able to get into position quickly at the slip, unload or load your boat, and clear the vicinity so that others in the launch queue do not have to wait on you. You should practice these skills entering and exiting your driveway both from the left and the right.
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed doing these drills. Practicing now will save embarrassment at the boat launch. Around neighbors you know, such temporary embarrassment can easily be forgotten over a beer.
What is the ramp made of? Is it a natural ramp such as a hill, or is it artificial like concrete or gravel?
How steep is the ramp?
Can your boat trailer or your tow vehicle safely climb and descend the ramp?
How many ramps are available? Are any of the ramps private?
Where is the staging area, and how far is it from the ramps?
How busy is the launch?
Is there assistance available in case something goes wrong?
Knowing about the conditions beforehand will ensure you are prepared when it is actually time for your boat launch. Having this knowledge available will tell you if you need a better tow vehicle, better tires on your boat trailer, or a better choice of locations for a boat launch.
Check the Conditions of Boat and Trailer
You should also check the condition of your boat and trailer before heading to the slip. It is important that you:
check the boat’s fuel levels, battery charge and condition, and hull condition;
make sure that the boat trailer’s tires are fully inflated and still have sufficient tread;
test the trailer’s lights, straps, and electrical connections;
ensure the trailer’s ball joint connector and axles have minimal wear and rust; and
know that life vests, flares, and emergency supplies are onboard.
Install a Backup Camera
Finally, you may want to consider a backup camera, which can help you spot-check the alignment of your hitch and check to see if you are running over any obstacles. Camera Source sells quality aftermarket backup cameras for cars, trucks, RVs, fleet vehicles, and tractors. Camera Source is your must-stop to find the best camera for your safety needs.
Set Up for Launch
Now that you are at the slip, stop. Park in the staging area, and turn off your towing vehicle.
Driving makes metal heat up. Should the hot metal of your towing vehicle and trailer suddenly make contact with the cold water you are launching your boat in, the metal could suddenly sizzle and produce a “tinging” noise. This comes from your brakes and wheel bearings quenching in the water, losing their temper or crystalline alignment. The resulting metal will be weak, brittle, and prone to fracturing and other malfunctions. Therefore, once you arrive at the slip, give your tow vehicle and trailer time to cool down—for best results, ten minutes to half an hour.
During this time, you should check to see if your boat is ready for launch. If the plug is not already in the boat, put it in its socket and tighten it. Double and triple check the plug; the last thing you will need is for your boat to be flooded with water after launching. Load all your necessary gear onto the boat. Check your emergency gear and floatation devices again. Finally, remove your trailer tie-downs, engine supports, and any other tie-downs, with the exception of your bow strap. Keeping your bow strap on will ensure you do not dump your boat on a particularly steep ramp.
Back Your Boat
When your turn at the launch comes, position your rig at the top of the ramp and get out of the tow vehicle. Have a helper standing by. Walk around the rig, and visualize the reversing in your mind. Be prepared to use your mirrors, your backup camera, and your rearview window over your right shoulder to steer the rig down the ramp. If there are any remaining electrical connections to the trailer plugged in, unplug them at this time.
Start by aiming the rig toward the inside corner of the boat launching area. Turn the steering wheel slowly while reversing to straighten the boat trailer, and then turn in the other direction to straighten the tow vehicle. Do not overturn or you will risk jackknifing your rig. If needed, pull forward to straighten up.
Complete the Launch
Have your helper signal you when the bottom of the boat’s outboard engine(s) is submerged. Use traction control or a low gear if the ramp is slippery. Stop, and apply the emergency brakes. Instruct your helper to test the steering and reset the trim. He/she can then start the boat engine(s) and allow it (them) to warm up. Release the bow strap and, if needed, continue to reverse slowly until your helper indicates the boat is floating. Never allow any part of your tow vehicle to touch the water. Your helper can then put the boat in reverse and skipper it to a dock tie-down.
It is possible to launch your boat without starting the engines first. In this case, you would disconnect all the straps, including the bow strap, and all the connections—except for the hinge joint and chain tie-downs. Lower your rig into the water without stopping until the water is about a foot or so from your tow vehicle’s rear wheels, and have your helper maneuver the boat away from the trailer using the tie-down ropes once it’s floating. As the boat enters the water, lightly tap your brakes to separate the boat from the trailer. This procedure is not recommended for new boating skippers, but it is faster for those with more experience.
If the ramp is shallow, your rear wheels may have to enter the water. Do not go too far, however; your tires will float in enough water, and you will lose traction. Be careful not to spin your wheels when pulling forward. Turn off traction control if needed, and avoid algae patches and other slippery areas. Finally, park your rig, and enjoy your day of boating.
Become the Boat Backup Expert
America is rich in scenic beauty, and boating is one of the best ways to enjoy spectacular views. With practice and an understanding of the physics involved in towing and boat launching, you can impress others with the ease and expertise with which you launch your boat this summer. With these tips, it is easy to look like a seasoned skipper—at least, on the slip.
