One of the steps involved in becoming a first-time boat owner is being able to master the process of launching a boat properly. Although it might seem a bit intimidating at first, don’t worry too much – every boater knows you need a little practice before you become perfect at it.
Here are some step-by-step tips from your trusted boat dealers in West Palm Beach who can help make this process a little easier for you to understand:
Familiarize yourself with the launch ramp
If you are just getting started with learning how to launch your boat from a ramp, try to head to the ramp at a time and day when it’s not too busy. Without too many other boaters around, you will feel less rushed or pressured into moving quickly. If you are not too familiar with the ramp you will be using, acquaint yourself with it prior to parking to check the condition of the dock and how deep the water is. You can also assess the situation around the ramp to know where to park your vehicle and trailer once you have launched your boat.
At a public ramp, it’s important to be considerate about other boaters who are waiting to launch so try to be as efficient as possible and have your boat prepared to launch once it hits the water.
Prepare your boat before launching
It can get quite annoying for other boaters waiting to launch to wait for someone who is taking too long to move out of the way. Loading the boat with all your gear, checking your equipment, and filling the coolers with ice etc. should all be done prior to reaching the ramp so that you can launch as quickly and efficiently as possible without delaying others around you.
Also make sure to have your buoys tied on and your dock lines ready for bringing the boat back to the dock.
Backing your trailer
Having practiced backing your trailer a few times before heading to the launch ramp will help you feel more confident when it’s time to actually launch your boat. Use an empty space at a parking lot for practice so that you are familiar with the process and maneuvers required to successfully and smoothly back your trailer into the loading area.
Launching like a pro
When your turn arrives to enter the ramp, back your trailer down in a straight line until the wheels reach the edge of the water. By this time, the back of your boat should be floating freely, and you can put on your parking brakes. Make sure you do not back down too far because that could end up getting your vehicle stuck.
You can get off now and unhook the safety chain and back the winch off to be able to release the bow strap. You can pass the line on the bow cleat to a helper on the dock and push the bow of the boat up and off the trailer. Your boat should be easily able to float off by this time. Once it is off the trailer, your helper can tie your boat to the dock while you find a place to park your car.
With a little bit of practice and experience, this process can start coming naturally to you. Don’t rush yourself but also don’t linger around unnecessarily. The ramp should be used only to offload your boat, not to prepare, and load gear on it. If you are looking for center console boats, talk to our team of South Florida boat dealers at Mariner Marine. We’d be happy to help you find your dream boat and teach you all you need to know about operating it!
