Boat launching tips and info?

[ETOWNCANUCK]

Hi guys,

As some of you know I have bought my first boat.

It will also be my first time launching a boat and well I was wondering if anyone has some tried and true tips for an absolute newbie.

I have watched a few videos on YouTube, which have been great but gathering some more info couldn't hurt.

Also I have watched a few Epic Fail boat launches videos and I wonder how it is that some can sink their trucks the way they do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ1IrkzabIg

Is there a series of missteps one can make for this to happen,
or is it merely bad luck trying to get the boat on the water?

Thanks.

[Roderek]

Make sure you put your drain plug in before you launch the boat.

[bubba 96]

Only bit of info I can offer is before you head down the launch, make sure everything is done so all you do at the launch is back down, other person starts the boat backs the boat off and you drive up, nothing more annoying than when the boat is on trailer in water then people start unpacking gear inflatables etc.
This should all be done at the staging area of the launch.
happy boating, and enjoy fishing spots you could never get to before.

[Marsha]

Don't forget to undo the tie down straps ! :thinking-006:

[Tfng]

Don't get the trailer too deep when putting the boat back on. Most trailers I've used have been good when an inch or two of the fenders are showing. Experience will show you how deep it needs to be.

[JohninAB]

After I have the boat all ready to go and before I swing in line to back down the launch, I tie a 25 foot rope from the front of the boat to the post holding the winch on the trailer. As I am usually launching solo this allows me to back down the launch, have the boat float off the trailer and then I pull just far enough forward so I can get out of my truck and untie the rope from the front of the trailer keeping my feet dry. Take boat over to dock to tie out of the way or pull up on shore out of the way. Jump back in truck and go and park it. Walk back to boat, jump in and away I go. Launched in no time at all and do not unduly hold up anyone else.

If two of us, then one rides in boat other backs trailer into water till boat floats off. They park truck, guy in boat starts it and moves out of the way.

Do not get flustered and panic. If you need help just ask as usually pother boaters at the launch are happy to lend a hand.

[Pierre]

Only bit of info I can offer is before you head down the launch, make sure everything is done so all you do at the launch is back down, other person starts the boat backs the boat off and you drive up, nothing more annoying than when the boat is on trailer in water then people start unpacking gear inflatables etc.
This should all be done at the staging area of the launch.
happy boating, and enjoy fishing spots you could never get to before.

Amen brother, Amen.

Been to Maligne a few times, and I'm ready to launch but some guy is packing/unpacking his boat at the launch preventing anyone else from launching (narrow launch), I got po'd and carefully backed alongside him. He was eyeballin' me pretty good/givin me the evil eye, to make sure I didn't scratch his truck. I launched and was in/out and on the water fishing and he was still blocking the launch.:sign0161:

[yetiseeker]

I would also practice backing up your trailer before attempting to launch. That is of course if you need practice backing up trailers. If you do, set out a couple pylons and pretend it's the launch.

As like other said, make sure you're ready before launching at the lake. Back straps off, plug in, gear etc set up, and have a spotter. Keep a rope tied on the front of your boat.

Practice will make perfect. And if you practice and don't tie up the launch and **** people off, it will be more enjoyable for everyone.

[norcodh]

Unloading is pretty straight forward follow all tips provided, loading can be tricky 1st few times mainly to figure out the proper depth u want your trailer in water to deep boat floats to shallow and u crank forever. Practice to find sweet spot my boat fenders out of water an inch my father's boat fenders buried under water. When pulling on trailer calculate wind factor etc to pull on to trailer straight makes it way easier

[Okotokian]

If this is the first boat or trailer you have pulled in a while, go to a vacant parking lot and practice backing up and maneuvering a fair bit before heading to the boat launch. Like a golf swing, it's harder to do well when a bunch of impatient strangers are standing there watching you. :)

[dutchpirate]

Lots of great advice offered so far.

I would add go down to the launch before you are ready to back in and inspect it. See how far the blocks go, are there any broken ones that you could hang up on or damage your tires? How steep/slippery is the launch and how far do you have to back up to float your boat? Watch others that have similar vehicle/boat to yours to get a sense of that.

Personally I do not undo the bow strap until I have the stern in the water, then I jump out and release. Seen several boats slide off the trailer from sudden braking.

If you are launching/recovering with assistance, family radios can be very helpful in maintaining communication.

[dodgeboy1979]

i always unplug the trailer wire harness before backing in as well, saves from blown bulbs or fuses.

[dutchpirate]

i always unplug the trailer wire harness before backing in as well, saves from blown bulbs or fuses.

+1!

[Tigger72]

After I have the boat all ready to go and before I swing in line to back down the launch, I tie a 25 foot rope from the front of the boat to the post holding the winch on the trailer. As I am usually launching solo this allows me to back down the launch, have the boat float off the trailer and then I pull just far enough forward so I can get out of my truck and untie the rope from the front of the trailer keeping my feet dry. Take boat over to dock to tie out of the way or pull up on shore out of the way. Jump back in truck and go and park it. Walk back to boat, jump in and away I go. Launched in no time at all and do not unduly hold up anyone else.

If two of us, then one rides in boat other backs trailer into water till boat floats off. They park truck, guy in boat starts it and moves out of the way.

Do not get flustered and panic. If you need help just ask as usually pother boaters at the launch are happy to lend a hand.


Best advice!!!

[bobalong]

Looks like everything has been covered in the previous posts the only thing I would add is when you are loading back far enough into the water to make sure your entire bunks get wet. Then pull ahead to your desired depth to load the boat. Much easier to crank boat on with wet bunks.
It is has mentioned a few times before but I am going to mention it again. Do not remove tarp, load boat etc. in the actual launch do all of this in the staging area. If someone is doing this mention to them nicely to rig their boat in the staging area, I have done this a few times and the people doing it usually never thought of it.
BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE
https://vimeo.com/67253679

[wildwoods]

There is some great tips here.
On your end, make sure you practice with the trailer. It's a lot of pressure if you stink at it. Rookies tend to "over steer". Pretend you're following the boat in and just make small corrections. It will come easier as you do it more. I've been boating for years now and one time I forgot to put in the drain plug. That could have ended very negatively. I wasn't getting on plane very easily and it dawned on me lol.
Others have mentioned: get your boat ready to launch BEFORE you line up. Undo the tarps, plug the drain, undo the straps. I leave the front winch hooked up until the boat hits the water then release as my wife backs it in.
Relax if you make a mistake. If you are ready to launch and respectful, nobody will get upset. It's the folks who feel entitled to undo tarps and prep everything while everyone watches that people get upset at.
Remember these days. Once you're a seasoned pro, it will help you have patience with newbies struggling. Always lend a hand whenever possible.

Nothing beats experience. When you are loading up, come in very slowly. the rails of your trailer should be just barely submerged. Wind and chop are tough to navigate, but you will get a feel for it.
Dont forget to tie her down again and always re-tarp before hitting the road. Do this away from the launch area to again, avoid frustrating people. And PULL YOUR PLUG.
Dont leave minnows in the boat.

The best time to give it a go is on a weeknight when it's quiet. I suggest Wizard lake or Mulhurst bay at Pigeon Lake for your maiden voyage.

Have fun. It's expensive but totally worth it!

[ETOWNCANUCK]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the tips.

My first trip isn't for a few days yet ,

Hopefully everything goes smoothly.

[ETOWNCANUCK]

There is some great tips here.
On your end, make sure you practice with the trailer. It's a lot of pressure if you stink at it. Rookies tend to "over steer". Pretend you're following the boat in and just make small corrections. It will come easier as you do it more. I've been boating for years now and one time I forgot to put in the drain plug. That could have ended very negatively. I wasn't getting on plane very easily and it dawned on me lol.
Others have mentioned: get your boat ready to launch BEFORE you line up. Undo the tarps, plug the drain, undo the straps. I leave the front winch hooked up until the boat hits the water then release as my wife backs it in.
Relax if you make a mistake. If you are ready to launch and respectful, nobody will get upset. It's the folks who feel entitled to undo tarps and prep everything while everyone watches that people get upset at.
Remember these days. Once you're a seasoned pro, it will help you have patience with newbies struggling. Always lend a hand whenever possible.

Nothing beats experience. When you are loading up, come in very slowly. the rails of your trailer should be just barely submerged. Wind and chop are tough to navigate, but you will get a feel for it.
Dont forget to tie her down again and always re-tarp before hitting the road. Do this away from the launch area to again, avoid frustrating people. And PULL YOUR PLUG.
Dont leave minnows in the boat.

The best time to give it a go is on a weeknight when it's quiet. I suggest Wizard lake or Mulhurst bay at Pigeon Lake for your maiden voyage.

Have fun. It's expensive but totally worth it!


It will be at Pigeon during the week when I don't anticipate much to be around.

[Sooner]

I only have a 12 ft tinner but I have seen and helped people try to put a large boat back on the trailer after it rolled off when they touched the brake backing up. Un hooked the winch too soon and that tap on the brakes dry docked the boat so to speak right on the launch.

It's not too tough to do, after a few tries, you will not be so nervous :)

[huntsfurfish]

One other thing. Others have mentioned do not ready your boat on the launch when launching.
But not sure if this has been mentioned, do not pack up/unload your boat on the launch/ramp when leaving. Load and secure the boat on trailer then leave the ramp area. Then unloading the boat and other things such as tie downs etc can be done some where out of the way.

[Freedom55]

So that is the easy part, well covered off. Have fun boating. Now comes the time to put your craft back on the trailer.

I'm sure others will/can be more help than me because I drive on under power. One word of advice going in; back your empty trailer to the exact spot where your boat first floated off the bunks. That is where you stop, and start, the procedure. Mark that spot mentally by the amount of fender left above water. With time and practice, you will drive on like a pro and trim up at the bow stop.

Free

[Sooner]

Funny video too. One can only think the vehicles were not in park when they stepped out of the door to get in that deep :)

The lady who drove the Toyota out after being submerged made me laugh. The crane truck picking the vehicle up right off the ground too. Back to the OP.

[nast70]

Lots of good advise here.
In my experience, the 2 most important parts of the launch prep are:
Undo the transom straps first, check the plug at that time
Unplug the trailer, but leave the bow strap on.
My brother in law has had first hand experience with a boat that slid off the trailer while backing down the ramp because the bow strap was removed early.

[astepanuk]

On my Trailer I installed a Boat buddy best investment ever. its a spring actuated latch drive my boat onto the trail once the D loop hits the trigger pin goes through and done, boat is ready to come out slick as slick had several people comment how slick that was to watch...

[Smiity]

Being a 2nd year boat launcher myself this year, the only possible other advice i might add is don't get rushed/rattled. Mistakes start to happen when people get rushed, and i speak from experience. 3rd time launching the boat last year and my buddy wanted to help me. I started to undo everything in the staging area, and forgot the plug. It wasn't until we were in the water that i realized what had happened. Needless to say, only thing hurt was my pride but it was memorable and i'll never do that again. Just take your time, and don't let the impatient people rush you into making a mistake. Do you think they care if you feel rushed and screw something up and damage your boat because they're in a hurry??

[Amateur Hunter]

Today was my first launch at Gull. Wasn't busy at all ( thanks God)
Prepared boat as per " your " advice ( thanks everyone). Backed up no problem
Launch was text book :sHa_shakeshout:
Son and I did little fishing, water was very calm.Than clouds and wind moved in.
Off we go to load boat Trayed to back up trailer that I don't see was terrible Took me 10 tries Then son tried to drive boat on trailer with strong western wind and side waves ( OMG) and missed few times . Wind and waves were just pushing him aside ( real nightmare :angry3:
Somehow we managed to load it up, standing in water up to my ( you know what), fully soaked and wet, pushing against waves and wind. Luckily we had spare clothing
As we are inexperienced I believe everything will come with practice/ time.

The thing that concerns me the most is how to backup empty trailer that you don't even see? I put tailgate down and still count see trailer.
Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks all and have a great boating and fishing season

[skidderman]

Might want to invest in a pair of chest waders for those windy days. I use mine quite a bit while loading.

[dutchpirate]

The thing that concerns me the most is how to backup empty trailer that you don't even see? I put tailgate down and still count see trailer.
Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks all and have a great boating and fishing season

Guide-ons are the posts or bunks you see on many trailers that help to center the boat. They also help a lot to see where the corners of the trailer are when backing. You can get various bolt-on styles depending on your boat type, or even just get a pair of bicycle flags or driveway markers and attach them yourself if you don't need the guides.

[Tfng]

Wind and current definitely make things interesting. I usually come in kind of sideways and upstream. At the last second square the boat up to the trailer and drive on. Having the trailer a little shallower than normal can help get it square, the bunks will help guide the boat.

If it's on but not quite in the right spot hook the bow strap on and back trailer in until it just comes off the bunks and push it over with a paddle from inside the boat. Pull truck ahead as soon as it's in the right spot.

[Sumara]

Good luck on your first time at pigeon! Lots of helpful advice here so i hope it goes well!

[bigskinner]

And last but not least , if you encounter people fishing at the boat launch , cut their lines , and tell them no fishing here , believe me , people fish in boat launches and docks

[J0HN_R1]

Amen brother, Amen.

Been to Maligne a few times, and I'm ready to launch but some guy is packing/unpacking his boat at the launch preventing anyone else from launching (narrow launch), I got po'd and carefully backed alongside him. He was eyeballin' me pretty good/givin me the evil eye, to make sure I didn't scratch his truck. I launched and was in/out and on the water fishing and he was still blocking the launch.:sign0161:

What type of boat was this you were launching ?

I thought it was electric motor only on Maligne Lake (Jasper NP) ?

:confused:

[Mayhem]

Much like anything else, develop a routine when you launch/load, stick to it and you will be fine.

Lots of great advice offered so far.

I would add go down to the launch before you are ready to back in and inspect it. See how far the blocks go, are there any broken ones that you could hang up on or damage your tires? How steep/slippery is the launch and how far do you have to back up to float your boat? Watch others that have similar vehicle/boat to yours to get a sense of that.

Personally I do not undo the bow strap until I have the stern in the water, then I jump out and release. Seen several boats slide off the trailer from sudden braking.

If it's a poorly maintined launch check the depth change past the end of the concrete, nothing worse than dropping your trailer off and hanging up a crossmember.

I leave the safety chain attached until launching and hook it up before pulling out after loading. Forgot to click in my crank winch once, this saved me.

Might want to invest in a pair of chest waders for those windy days. I use mine quite a bit while loading.

I was waiting for someone to mention this. Sometimes I end up helping guys I am waiting for who didn't bring them and are struggling cuz they don't want to go in the water.

Guide-ons are the posts or bunks you see on many trailers that help to center the boat. They also help a lot to see where the corners of the trailer are when backing. You can get various bolt-on styles depending on your boat type, or even just get a pair of bicycle flags or driveway markers and attach them yourself if you don't need the guides.

PA stocks these and usually puts them on for around half price, I think.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/2-pc-15-in-adjustable-trailer-boat-roller-guides/A-p8609786e

Taller guides

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/2-pc-44-in-adjustable-trailer-boat-roller-guides/A-p8609778e

[Big Bull]

What type of boat was this you were launching ?

I thought it was electric motor only on Maligne Lake (Jasper NP) ?

:confused:

I don't know about John_R1, but lots of us use large freighter canoes or aluminum boats that are trailered, and yes Maligne is electric motors only for civilians. It's a long, narrow, and steep boat ramp that can be quite a challenge for the inexperienced. People feel they need to do all of their packing and organizing right on the ramp at the waters edge. Also, people fishing off the dock at the ramp get all worked up when the boats are coming and going. Also not uncommon for tourist to drive down the ramp and park and get out for a look around. I've seen some pretty wild confrontations there over the years!

[Amateur Hunter]

Etowncanuc how did go your first launch and loading ?
I hope better than mine :)

[ETOWNCANUCK]

Etowncanuc how did go your first launch and loading ?
I hope better than mine :)

Maiden Voyage is May 30th

[Amateur Hunter]

Maiden Voyage is May 30th

Good luck. Keep us posted

[58thecat]

Remember boats returning have priority at the launch during bad weather and lend a hand...have seen far too many people wanting to get out on the lake during bad weather and literally block the ramp while boats pile up to get off as a storm approached etc.

[graybeard]

My dad was a part time trucker and his Best advice is;
- pre plan and stay calm

- complete pre backing up responsibilities....unhook wiring, inspect the boat launch, plug installed, unstrapped etc

- actual backing up.....(I may be repeating someone's earlier comments) place your hand at the bottom of your steering wheel with your knuckles facing up, knuckles up is the key here.
The back of the trailer will move in the same direction as your hand.

- Practice is important....when you first hook up at home, take 5 minutes to do a couple backings in your alley before you head out.

Good luck

[KegRiver]

Best things I've learned.

Moose won't move for you if they got to the boat launch first.

The dock is not the boat launch.

Speeding down the boat launch in reverse and slamming on the brakes is not a good boat launch techneque. Yes, that has been tried.

When trying to load your boat it is best to slow the boat down before you reach the tailgate of your truck.

A fifth wheal camper will nit fit across the back of a lake boat.

River sand can be soft. Other people tried it before you, that is why the tractor is parked there.
Try it, the farmer needs new shoes for his kids.

Make sure you have a rope tied to you boat and to something on shore, or held by a helper when launching.
I'm told that it's real embarrassing seeing your boat drift away while you stand by the empty trailer on the launch, watching it leave.

[J0HN_R1]

I don't know about John_R1, but lots of us use large freighter canoes or aluminum boats that are trailered, and yes Maligne is electric motors only for civilians...

I've never been to Maligne, which is why I asked... I've seen pics of canoes, but wondered if people were launching small aluminums with dual or high-thrust electric motors and/or extra batteries.

But thanks for being condescending !

:happy0034:

[bat119]

Never ask your wife to help launch the boat, more than one divorce started at the boat launch. It's amusing watching the antics at a busy launch, I saw a fist fight one day.

[Kurt505]

Back your boat up around the block........ 3 or 4 times so you know how to use a trailer. I watched a guy at cold lake last year with a $90,000 boat attempt to launch it for over 1/2hr and there was about 50 other people there watching and waiting. Nobody seemed too impressed.

After you learn how to properly maneuver a trailer

Undo straps (if you're worried leave winch attached until your at the water)
Unplug lights
Put in drain plug
Raise motor
Have bow rope ready
Have paddle ready
Have gear loaded into boat
Launch boat
Tie off boat out of the way
Park truck
Go catch fish.

When you're done

Tie boat off out of the way
Back trailer in just deep enough that you can get your boat on the trailer without it floating sideways.
Attach winch
Tighten winch
Pull off out of everyone's way
Pull plug
Tie down boat
Fillet fish while swatting mosquitoes

[RavYak]

Fillet fish while swatting mosquitoes

Assuming it is legal to do so.

Just a reminder if you are transporting fish home and it has a minimum or maximum length requirement(as most pike, walleye and lake trout lakes do) the fish must be left whole(can remove guts but must be able to measure length) or you will get ticketed if checked.

I see or hear about this happening every year, the CO's will watch and check people specifically for this at a few lakes such as Cold Lake.

[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

-REMOVE TARPS BEFORE THE LAUNCH
-START BOAT TO BE SURE IT WILL
-INSTALL PLUG
-UNDO REAR STRAPS
-POSITION TRUCK/TRAILER SO YOU CAN LOOK OUT SIDE WINDOW AND WATCH IT GO DOWN LAUNCH
-GET THE REAR BUMPER AT THE WATERS EDGE
-JUMP OUT,UNHOOK STRAP AND SAFETY CHAIN
-BACK IN UNTIL THE TRAILER FENDERS ARE ALMOST SUBMERGED AND HIT BRAKES,IF I'M BY MYSELF I PUT THE ANCHOR AND ROPE IN MY BOX AND WHEN THE BOAT SLIDES OFF I GRAB THE ROPE/ANCHOR AND TIE IT OFF,THEN PARK

LOADING:
-SUBMERGE TRAILER UNTIL U CAN ONLY SEE ABOUT 2" OF THE TRAILER FENDERS AND APPROX 3' OF YOUR TRAILER RUNNERS
-TRIM MOTOR UP AND COAST INTO TRAILER
-WHEN YOU HIT THE RUNNERS KEEP THE BOAT IN GEAR AND IT WILL STRAIGHTEN OUT,I PERSONALLY LIKE TO GIVE IT GAS AND DRIVE UP AS FAR AS I CAN THEN HOOK THE STRAP AND SAFETY CHAIN
-THEN I CRANK THE STRAP TIGHT
-TRIM THE ENGINE ALL THE WAY UP AND AWAY YA GO AND YOU ARE OUT OF THE WAY

I can load up on trailer in record time,each boat loads a lil different. Nothing worse then some ****hole holdIng up the launch taking off tarps etc or wading out 20' with the winch strap because they don't want to learn to load.Make sure your motor will start and is trimmed up on the way in and out.Another key point is to have your hitch set so that the boat trailer rides perfectly level,too high and the front of the boat will hit the winch and the back end will float off to the side.When its windy I leave more of the runners out of the water to guide me on.

Hope this helps,my last boat seen 75+ lakes and many of them multiple times.

[EZM]

One thing nobody covered - and far too many people seem to do this .....

Don't be scared to get your trailer wet! Avoids the damage done to your boat, your bunks and the scouring of the soil between the blocks on the launch when you POWER LOAD your boat.

Take note when launching at what point your boat floats off freely. On my boat is right when the water reaches the top of the side guides.

When I load it up I have the trailer a couple inches shallower (with more side guide showing above water).

That way (when loading back up) I coast onto the trailer at a "walking speed" and she slides up the bunks and stops about 12" short of the yoke. Having it just shallower to the float off depth allows enough friction on the bunks when you coast in to center and align the boat, but also avoids coming in too fast and damaging your yoke or bow.

When my regular fishing partner and I go out - it's in the water within 30 seconds, and back out in under a minute. He usually drives the truck - I glide on, he affixes the strap, gives it a couple cranks, snaps on the safety chain, and jumps back in the truck and we are off the launch.

It's all about a routine, some practice, and getting to know what launch and load depth you need according the angle of the launch. On my boat, like I said, it's easy because the point of reference is the water level on the side guide.

Good luck.

[EZM]

LOADING:
-SUBMERGE TRAILER UNTIL U CAN ONLY SEE ABOUT 2" OF THE TRAILER FENDERS AND APPROX 3' OF YOUR TRAILER RUNNERS
.



You can't give specific measurements that apply to every boat/hull and trailer configuration - each one of my boats has been a little bit different.

That probably works for your boat, but would be, literally, over 12" too dry for my boat and I would absolutely wreck my boat as I'd likely ram my cross member coming in at that height. None of my bunks are dry when either launching or loading either.

Not trying to call you out or offend you, but wanted to clarify so that the OP understands that each boat is going to be a little different and practice and observation is what he will need to do before finding that sweet spot.

[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

You can't give specific measurements that apply to every boat/hull and trailer configuration - each one of my boats has been a little bit different.

That probably works for your boat, but would be, literally, over 12" too dry for my boat and I would absolutely wreck my boat as I'd likely ram my cross member coming in at that height. None of my bunks are dry when either launching or loading either.

Not trying to call you out or offend you, but wanted to clarify so that the OP understands that each boat is going to be a little different and practice and observation is what he will need to do before finding that sweet spot.

yes,I noted each boat is diff.I have loaded 3 of my own boats this way and 2-3 borrowed ones but ya good point.Even the steepness of launches will vary the trailer depth.

[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

This is not a launching/loading tip but I always ask someone if there are any dangerous spots on each body of water or find depth maps.I will follow other boats at first or go slow,set a depth alarm on your fish finder as well.I almost always wear my safety kill switch on my wrist too.

[58thecat]

And last but not least , if you encounter people fishing at the boat launch , cut their lines , and tell them no fishing here , believe me , people fish in boat launches and docks

Yup and that'll make you well liked too...remember for every line cut there may be a tuffer than you guy at the other end...one who doesn't sit behind a keyboard and is just not nice...

To the OP just avoid the high traffic times at popular launches if you can or go park walk up, set up a lawn chair and watch the show, way better than tv.:)

[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

To the OP just avoid the high traffic times at popular launches if you can or go park walk up, set up a lawn chair and watch the show, way better than tv.



yup we use to take buddies golf cart(with a whiskey) down to the launch and watch performances at Shaws Point.We seen a boat come off the hitch and into the drink and a truck and boat go in,the ebrake just didn't hold.My buddy can't help but burst into loud laughter. Seen a guy revving his boat in reverse for 5 min until he remembered the straps were still on.A few "no plug" launches.Another guy got his wife to drive the truck and came back almost 10 min later because he forgot she wanted to come.Many guys coming in hot and crashing into the shore/dock or launching off their trailer.

[neilsledder]

Everything has been covered as far as I read. I didn't see one tip that makes life easier when there is no boat on your trailer, as it can be hard to back the trailer up because of you can't see it. Open your tailgate makes it a lot easier to see. I drive a dually and with out the tailgate down by the time my trailer comes into view it's to late to correct it.


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[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

Everything has been covered as far as I read. I didn't see one tip that makes life easier when there is no boat on your trailer, as it can be hard to back the trailer up because of you can't see it. Open your tailgate makes it a lot easier to see. I drive a dually and with out the tailgate down by the time my trailer comes into view it's to late to correct it.


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this is why I said to position your boat/trailer so you can look out the side window.Like you would be turning left if you were pulling out.

[neilsledder]

And last but not least , if you encounter people fishing at the boat launch , cut their lines , and tell them no fishing here , believe me , people fish in boat launches and docks



I hate that! Went to coal lake last year. It was a week night so not busy. There was a guy and his girlfriend on the launch fishing, I had to ask him to move and he got mad at me! Same with go to the Devon boat launch and see the canoers there. They unpack take selfies ever had a wife and husband toasting a glass of whine on the boat launch while a big line up waited for them lol. Sorry for the derail!


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[dutchpirate]

Everything has been covered as far as I read. I didn't see one tip that makes life easier when there is no boat on your trailer, as it can be hard to back the trailer up because of you can't see it. Open your tailgate makes it a lot easier to see. I drive a dually and with out the tailgate down by the time my trailer comes into view it's to late to correct it.


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For those that still can't see the trailer, side mount guide-ons or even just bolted on driveway reflectors, can also help a lot.

[Red Bullets]

Here's a tip if you are a greenhorn... If you go to a busy boat launch and you are in line with others behind you...swallow your pride and go to the guy behind you in the line up with the nicest biggest boat waiting to launch. Offer him 20 to 40 bucks to back your boat trailer in and help launch your boat. Give him the key to your truck and wait by the water. I say the guy with the nicest boat is because he most likely knows how to back a trailer in and launch his boat real good.. and he wants to launch his boat quickly too.

Go in the middle of the week to a quiet launch and practice. Don't practice on the busy days. Also try practicing unloading and loading up on rough water too.

[Big Bull]

I've never been to Maligne, which is why I asked... I've seen pics of canoes, but wondered if people were launching small aluminums with dual or high-thrust electric motors and/or extra batteries.

But thanks for being condescending !

:happy0034:

Sorry you took it that way, that was my intention.

[newguy]

Remember boats returning have priority at the launch during bad weather and lend a hand...have seen far too many people wanting to get out on the lake during bad weather and literally block the ramp while boats pile up to get off as a storm approached etc.

Great advice there!

When you navigate and load/unload a boat before and after an Ontario walleye tourney, you've earned your stripes.

[EZM]

Boat launch entertainment is where I learned that if you forget to unstrap your boat from the trailer and keep going deeper - the boat will float your trailer right off the ground.

That was pretty funny and unexpected. The guys launching and us yelling over to warn them when we noticed caused us all to have a good laugh.

[nast70]

Guide-ons are the posts or bunks you see on many trailers that help to center the boat. They also help a lot to see where the corners of the trailer are when backing. You can get various bolt-on styles depending on your boat type, or even just get a pair of bicycle flags or driveway markers and attach them yourself if you don't need the guides.

Definitely side bunks are a must, posts at the very least. Not only do they help keep the boat on track with side wind/waves, in busy launches with very silty water, you know exactly where your trailer is under water.

One more thing, don't leave your trailer in the water any longer than absolutely necessary. Bad for the trailer, bad for the lake.

[jdf96ca]

hey guys
so like already said buy others make sure the drain plug is in other wies it will be a scramble to get the boat out and a whole lot of billage pump make sure the back end of the boat is floating and then just stop the trailer abruptly and the boat should slid of if that doesn't work well u might have to try to back off with ur more which u will do any way if ur alone.

[jdf96ca]

Back your boat up around the block........ 3 or 4 times so you know how to use a trailer. I watched a guy at cold lake last year with a $90,000 boat attempt to launch it for over 1/2hr and there was about 50 other people there watching and waiting. Nobody seemed too impressed.



After you learn how to properly maneuver a trailer



Undo straps (if you're worried leave winch attached until your at the water)

Unplug lights

Put in drain plug

Raise motor

Have bow rope ready

Have paddle ready

Have gear loaded into boat

Launch boat

Tie off boat out of the way

Park truck

Go catch fish.



When you're done



Tie boat off out of the way

Back trailer in just deep enough that you can get your boat on the trailer without it floating sideways.

Attach winch

Tighten winch

Pull off out of everyone's way

Pull plug

Tie down boat

Fillet fish while swatting mosquitoes



That last quote ahah ( Fillet fish while swatting mosquitoes) hahahah that just made me laugh so true them buggers that's when they annoy one the most. Good one


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fallen1817]

So?? How'd the inaugural launch go?

[ETOWNCANUCK]

Hey guys,

May 30th was the maiden voyage of my little boat at Pigeon Lake.

When we arrived the water was quite rough, and the wind was blowing pretty good,
But that wasn't going to stop us.

With my buddy in the boat with a two way radio and one with me in the truck
(Thanks for that suggestion)
We got it to the water and got her floating relatively easily.

Motor started right up and I parked the truck as my buddy waited at the dock.

The bost was bobbing pretty good.

Headed out towards the north shore,

That was a fun ride.

ALthough it was windy and rough we still managed to boat (love that term)
20 fish through the day, Mostly Walleye.

Not a a bad inaugural outing.

Also got pretty windburned and sunburned.

But still had fun.

Loading the boat took a couple tries, I think it was because the trailer was too deep, but we managed to get her on the trailer and hooked and pulled without taking too long.

After 8 hours or so in the boat and bobbing up and down, that sensation lasted a few hours after.

Thanks to everyone who offered tips and suggestions.

Shouldn't be long before I am a seasoned boater.

[dutchpirate]

Grats on such a successful first outing! Next step is to be that helpful guy when you see someone else struggling!