Contrary to widespread belief, launching a boat is quite easy. It can even become fun once you completely understand what it is you should be doing.
That being said, launching a boat for the first time can be a challenge for many people. But figuring out what to do, creating a system to do it effectively, and practicing until you master the system can be one of the most exciting experiences anyone can have.
You should not be nervous when you want to launch your boat off the boat trailer for some water fun. This article will highlight the most effective steps to launching a boat.
But before we get into all of that, you should know a few things about the process of launching your boat from the boat launch ramp. For one, why is getting a boat into the water called “launching”?
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Why Is Putting a Boat Into the Water Called “Launching”?
Launching is the term for the process where a ship or boat is placed in the water from the ramp area. The term stems from when ships were created in dockyards and allowed to slide into the water through a slipway after the construction is completed.
A slipway is another name given to a boat deployer or boat ramp area. These are typically ramps made from stone, concrete, steel, or driftwood. The main purpose of the launch ramp is to help the boat move smoothly in and out of the water.
Understanding the procedure for taking the boat out onto the water is an essential aspect of boating. It is something that every boat owner should know and master.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s see the exact steps for how to launch a boat from a launch ramp. Generally, this is categorized into pre-launch and launch.
Pre-Launch
Practice Your Driving
You must practice driving with your trailer attached. Practice driving with your trailer, especially in an open environment. This will give you the confidence to reverse into the water on boat launch day.
Whatever you do, don’t let your first time reversing or driving your trailer with a boat attached be on launch day. Doing so could cause you to drive your vehicle into the lake or perhaps damage your gear or someone else’s.
Make Sure to Load All Equipment
You should load all of your equipment into your boat before leaving home. Unfortunately, some boaters don’t put all the things they need into the boat before getting to the water. This means they will spend time loading the stuff they need into the boat and ultimately take up the precious time of others who simply want to launch their boat into the water.
Tie your fenders and buoys on
Your fenders and buoys should be tied onto the boat, with the dock lines ready to guide the boat to its dock.
Launch Time: How to Launch a Boat in 6 Steps
Take the Tie-Downs Off
First, remove the tie-downs used to secure your boat onto the trailer. Second, leave the winch strap in place. This line is located at the bow.
Put the Drain Plug-In
Put in your boat’s drain plug. If you forget to do so, you might end up having a major disaster while out on the water.
Unplug Your Trailer Lights
You’d be surprised by how many people forget to unplug their trailer lights. This is particularly important if your trailer lights are not waterproof and sealed. The last thing you want to do is short-circuit your trailer light wiring when launching your boat.
Pump the Fuel Primer
If your boat has a fuel primer, make sure to pump it. Fuel primers are usually located on outboard motors that have fuel lines connecting to the fuel tank.
Warm the Motor Up
Slowly reverse your trailer until the boat’s motor becomes submerged. Then, turn on the motor and allow it to warm up for about a minute. This test confirms whether the motor is in good condition. The last thing you want is to get your boat into the water and have it float away because the motor doesn’t start.
Reverse the Boat Into the Water
Lastly, you want to reverse the boat into the water until the boat starts to float.
Things You Should Not Be Doing When Launching Your Boat
Here are a few things you should not be doing when launching your boat along with some proper boat launch etiquette you should keep in mind.
- You should never leave the trailer lights still plugged in, especially if they are not waterproof.
- Always ensure the drain plug is in before launching your boat.
- Do not take the winch line off of the boat’s bow until the boat is floating in the water. Doing this before you are ready to pull away could cause your boat to tip.
- You should never use your launch time as the chance to move your gear from the truck to the boat. All gear, such as coolers, life jackets, fishing rods, and dry bags need to be loaded onto the boat before you even think about reversing down the boat ramp. If you cannot load everything onto the boat before getting to the ramp, wait to do so once you have launched and then docked the boat.
- Do not choose your boat launch day as the first time you drive your trailer, especially in reverse. This isn’t something you want to be doing at your boat launch, particularly on a busy day.
Boat Launch Etiquette
- Never get in line until you are ready to launch your boat
- All prep work should be done in the staging area
- When it is your turn, back the boat into the water’s edge and use only one lane
How to Launch a Boat in Many Scenarios
Launching the Boat By Yourself
If you are launching the boat by yourself, you should reverse the boat until it begins to float before releasing the winch line. Once this is done, use the stern and bow lines to guide your boat off the trailer.
The next step would be to securely tie the boat to the dock, ensuring that it doesn’t float away. Then head to your car to remove it from the ramp.
How to Launch a Boat With Two or More People
If you are launching the boat with the help of other people, you should ask one person to sit inside the boat and have another act as your spotter when you reverse down the boat ramp. This allows you to drive the boat off the trailer once it has been launched (always remember to release the winch line before driving off).
Launching a boat might seem like a complicated procedure at first. However, once you practice it enough times, you can master it.
The truth is many boaters tend to get pressured when launching their boat while others are watching. Nerves can build, particularly if you have no idea what you are doing.
Always remember that a perfect boat launch takes plenty of practice. It isn’t something that magically happens on your first try.
Remember:
- You should always practice your driving and reversing with the boat in tow. You could also choose to practice your boat launch on a ramp when no one else is around.
- Keep boat launch etiquette in mind.
- Always have your fenders, ropes, boat, and gear before approaching the ramp. Speaking of gear, make sure you have your life vests packed. How do you know which life vest is best for you? Find out here.
- Develop a great launch procedure that you are comfortable with and practice repeatedly to get it right.
