| Launching your boat will become a simple task | | | | weekday morning for your first launch. |
| with a little practice. However, if you are new to | | | | The first rule when launching a boat is being |
| boating you might want to hitch up your boat | | | | prepared before you pull onto the launching ramp. |
| trailer and head to an empty parking lot to gain | | | | That means having all your gear safely stowed, |
| some practice. I don't recommend arriving at the | | | | the boat key in the ignition, the boat drain plug in, |
| boat ramp and attempting to launch your boat | | | | the tie-down straps off, the trailer lights |
| before you know how to reverse a trailer. | | | | disconnected and a safety line connected to the |
| So, let's look at some of the principles of | | | | boat's bow. It can be very frustrating watching |
| reversing a trailer ... | | | | someone loading fishing or picnic gear into their |
| Start with your vehicle and the trailer as straight | | | | boat or apply sunscreen to their kids while their |
| as possible and about a trailer's length from the | | | | boat is parked on the launch ramp! |
| area into which you want to reverse. | | | | Keep the trailer's winch strap and safety chain |
| Watch the trailer out of the driver's window while | | | | connected until you reach the water's edge. It will |
| reversing slowly, and start turning the steering | | | | only take a few seconds to disconnect them prior |
| wheel to the right. Be gentle with the steering - it | | | | to launching. |
| is easier to add more steering than to correct it | | | | Back the boat down the launch ramp and stop |
| too much. Some guides to reversing suggest | | | | before the stern of the boat hangs over the |
| grasping the steering wheel at the very bottom. | | | | water. Unlock the winch strap and remove pins or |
| This should prevent you from over-turning the | | | | other devices used to prevent the outboard |
| wheel and if your steering wheel is in a straight | | | | motor from tipping down. Now back the boat |
| position to start with, you will know throughout | | | | down until the trailer wheels are submerged. |
| the reversing maneuver, without having to look, | | | | When the boat is ready to float off the trailer, |
| that at the lowest point your steering wheel is | | | | have your boating buddy hold the bowline or tie |
| again straight. | | | | the line to your vehicle or winch handle. |
| As soon as the trailer starts to turn you can | | | | Once the boat has floated free of the trailer |
| begin straightening up while still reversing. Don't | | | | either beach the boat or tie it off to the dock |
| leave straightening up too late or the trailer will | | | | with the bowline. A confident boater will have |
| jackknife. | | | | someone start the motor and move the boat |
| Eventually you begin steering in the other direction | | | | away from the dock until the driver has parked |
| while still reversing. Bring the vehicle's nose around | | | | the vehicle and is ready to board. |
| to follow the trailer and keep an eye on where | | | | Either way, try to launch quickly as a courtesy to |
| the trailer is in case it needs correction. | | | | your fellow boaters. |
| Continue to reverse in a straight line using the side | | | | The same rules apply when putting your boat |
| mirrors. Reverse slowly and carefully. When more | | | | back onto the trailer, but there are a few hazards |
| of the trailer appears in one mirror, steer towards | | | | you should be aware of, especially if you're tired |
| that mirror to start the trailer going the other | | | | or feeling rushed. |
| way. Remember that a correction only requires a | | | | When you tie up at the dock, have your vehicle |
| small steering movement. | | | | keys in your pocket, retrieve your vehicle and |
| Pulling forward to straighten the trailer is often an | | | | claim a spot in line. |
| easy option before continuing to reverse. | | | | Before you pull your boat out of the water |
| Once you are able to back up a few hundred | | | | ensure the engine has been tilted up. |
| feet without jackknifing your trailer or rear-ending | | | | Many launching problems will be avoided by |
| anything you are probably ready to launch your | | | | making sure everything on your boat is in working |
| boat at a boat ramp. If possible, select a quiet | | | | order before you leave home! |