Boat ramp can be stressful if you’re not prepared and don’t have the necessary skills.
Trailer boat owners all have one thing in common – we all have to launch our boats using a boat ramp. For newcomers to boating, a boat ramp is a daunting place. And even for those of us with boating experience, the process of launching and retrieving your boat can be frustrating. There are a few things that make it easier, including sharpening your skills, following some rules of etiquette and choosing the right trailer, boat and accessories to make the process run smoothly. Let’s start by looking at the simple process of launching your boat.
Skills
Efficient launching starts at home. Most of the delays I’ve seen around boat ramps are caused by poor preparation.
Before you even hook the boat up to your vehicle, ensure the engine is working properly and that everything is onboard and secured. If you’re new to boating, make a list, or at least go through the boat and check off the essentials.
I start at the front and ensure the boat is secured by a chain and winch strap. I also check the chain’s D-shackle can be undone by hand. They can get corroded and may require some pliers or some lubricant spray. You don’t want to be doing this at the boat ramp with a line of other eager boaties behind you. Next, move around the boat and ensure the tie-down straps are secure. Again, check they’re not jammed or it can also hold you up at the ramp.
Then check the lights. There’s even a product available that checks if the lights work for you! The Ark Smart Connector takes the guess work out of checking trailer lights and allows you to quickly ensure everything is working without the need for another person. Another tip is to make sure everything is in its place inside the boat. I add any food, fishing gear, spare clothes, etc, into the boat before I leave home. That way when I get to the ramp, there’s no transferring everything from the car to the boat.
When you’re at the ramp, everything should run smoothly because you prepared at home. Ensure you park your vehicle and trailer in a preparation bay, not in the ramp itself. Every boat ramp is different and it’s important to understand the configuration of your chosen ramp. Now is the time to think clearly, and again, a list could be useful. Undo the tie-down straps and switch on the battery in your boat. Importantly, leave the chain on until you reverse the trailer into the water. Now is also the time to check your bungs are in! It’s also a good idea to have spare bungs in the boat in case you lose some.
When it’s your turn, reverse the trailer. If you’re new to reversing, this isn’t the time and place to practice. You can always practice in an empty carpark or visit the ramp mid-week when no one is around and practice there. One important tip when reversing is to take it very slowly and always use your mirrors. Don’t turn your head. I like to check each mirror and when you see the trailer move further out one side, adjust accordingly. Ensure every adjustment of the steering wheel is slow. The length and style of your boat trailer, and the depth of the ramp, will dictate how far back you need to reverse. Make sure you never reverse the car’ s tyres into the water, especially in salt water.
Now that your boat and trailer are in the water, it’s time to put your car in Park or in gear and ensure the hand brake is on. I can’t emphasise this enough! I’ve witnessed two separate incidents where drivers, in their haste, failed to put their handbrake on or leave their car in Park or in gear and the vehicle rolled back into the water. There have also been tragic cases of kids being left inside the vehicle when this happens. For this reason, I always ensure when I have kids in the car to have windows down and seat belts off.
It’s time to unhook the chain and strap and release your boat. If you have a larger boat and a friend, one person can enter the boat, trim the engine down and start it. Then slowly put the engine in gear and push the boat slightly forward, just enough to take the weight off the strap and hold it in place without rolling back. Once the chain and strap is free, the driver can put the boat back into neutral or slow in reverse and it will slide off the trailer. The scenario above could change depending on your boat or if you’re going boating solo or with friends. What matters most is you do it safely and find the routine that best suits you.
Etiquette
It’s important to talk about etiquette at the ramp. Boat ramps are busy places, especially at dawn when everyone is heading out fishing at the same time. Common sense is the best practice at a ramp. Be patient, don’t rush in, and help others who need assistance. If you’re reading this magazine, chances are you own a boat and have some experience. If you see a first-timer, offer to help. One bad experience at a boat ramp can ruin the boating experience forever. If you follow some of the steps above around boat preparation, there’s every chance you will be quick and won’t get in the way of others.
Accessories
There are a few boat accessories that make the boat ramp experience easier. The standout one is a “latch” or “catch” that allows the boat to lock and unlock onto the trailer. There are numerous after-market models available and several boat companies come with their own system. They’re all slightly different and they all seem to work well. I had one on my Bar Crusher and it worked a treat. The Bar Crusher version is called a “Bar Catch”. You simply initiate it once you have the boat at water level, not before, and it makes driving the boat on and off simple and hassle free. Most modern cars feature reverse cameras and these also make reversing and hooking up trailers easier and safer. If you have an older car, consider buying aftermarket product.
Trailers
The type of trailer will also affect how you launch your boat. Trailers are incredibly important and it’s not a part of the system where you can afford to cut corners. Remember, your trailer is what connects your boat to the road and it’s where many problems occur. At holiday time, it’s common to see trailers broken down on the side of the freeway. Often, it’s a problem with the wheel bearings. On that note, you should check your bearings and replace them every six months depending on how much use they receive. And before you go on a longer trip, go over the entire trailer and ensure all moving parts are operational and safe. If anything needs replacing, don’t wait until you have a problem on a busy freeway!
Trailers come in many different sizes and styles. There are single axle trailers, dual axle, galvanised, alloy, roller trailers, skid trailer and others. You must find the right trailer for your boat. This will make a world of difference every time you visit the ramp. I’ve had mismatched trailers in the past and it’s highly frustrating. Brands such as Quintrex and Stacer make their own trailers called Move Trailers and fit them to each boat model. Other brands, such as Bar Crusher, team up with quality manufacturers for trailers that perfectly fit the boats. The EasyTow for my Bar Crusher guided the boat on and off the trailer without any problems. Even in strong winds, I could nose the boat slowly towards the first roller and drive it up. It was almost too easy!
Ramp it up
The overall message around launching your boat is to be prepared, courteous, and safe. Even experienced boaties can have problems at the boat ramp if they become complacent. Keep a list off must-do tasks such as ensuring bungs, tie-downs, safety chain are fitted and take your time to ensure everything is done safely when your boat is ready to launch. A successful boat launch will set you up for a fun day of boating, and that’s what it’s all about!
The check list
- Put your bungs in
Whether you do this at home or at the ramp, it’s an absolute must! Carry a spare set and add this task to the top of your list.
- Check your lights
Trailer lights can be problematic with exposure to water and salt. Check them every time you head out in your boat.
- Safety chain and winch strap
Your safety chain is called that for a reason. Never take it off until you’re at water level. It also pays to check before leaving home that’s it’s not corroded and can be undone easily.
- Fuel and battery
Check your fuel level and ensure your battery is charged and working.
- Tie-downs
These are important. I’ve seen boats come off trailers on busy roads because they weren’t properly strapped down. Many of these ratchet straps aren’t made for salt water, so ensure you wash them out and spray with Inox or WD40 after each trip.
By Scott Thomas.
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