Launching And Loading A John Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Launching a Jon boat by yourself can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to be safe and timely when launching and loading a Jon boat. The process involves several steps, from preparing the boat with the necessary gear to performing a hard stop when backing the boat trailer into the water. One crucial aspect is attaching a long rope to the bow of the boat, which helps guide it into the water and prevents it from drifting too far away. It is also essential to ensure that the boat is packed with all the required gear before sending it down the ramp. When loading the Jon boat, it is necessary to tie it off at the back of the dock and carefully back the trailer straight down the ramp. Getting on the boat, untangling it, and giving it a slight push away from the dock are the subsequent steps. Finally, the boat should be driven up the trailer and securely attached to the trailer winch.

Attach a long rope to the front of the boat

When launching a boat, it is important to have a long rope attached to the front of the boat. This rope should be long enough to allow the boat to come off the trailer completely. One way to do this is to tie one end of the rope to the front of the boat and the other end to a cleat inside the truck bed. Make sure there is enough slack in the rope so that the boat can float off the trailer. Once the boat is in the water, the rope can be detached from the truck and used to guide the boat to where it needs to go. This rope can then be used to tie off the front and back of the boat to the dock before parking your truck.

Another method for securing your boat is to attach a single line to both the bow and stern cleats. This will allow you to control the boat as you back down the ramp and push it off the trailer. Once the boat is in the water, you can use the trailer as a step to hop onto the dock. From there, you can walk the boat down the dock and out of the way of the trailer.

If you don't have a dock, you can secure one end of a long rope (about 25 feet) to the bow cleat and coil the rest of the rope on the bow of the boat. Tie the other end of the rope to the trailer. As you back down the ramp, the boat will float off the trailer. Then, drive up the ramp a few feet and park. Untie the rope and walk over to the dock. From there, you can pull the boat to the dock and secure it.

Having a long rope attached to the front of the boat is a crucial step when launching a boat, especially if you are doing it alone. It ensures that you have control over the boat as it enters the water and allows you to guide it to where it needs to go.

Prepare your boat and gear before launching

Before launching your John boat, there are several steps you should take to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, find a parking spot away from the boat landing area to prepare your boat. Check that the drain plug is installed and the key is in the ignition. It is recommended that you bump the key into the "start" position to ensure you don't have a dead battery. However, do not start the engine, as this could damage the water pump.

The next step is to load all your gear into the boat. Make sure you have everything you need, such as fishing tackle, coolers, tubes, and skis. It is also important to have your fishing rods loaded and any other gear you plan to use during your outing. By preparing your gear in advance, you can avoid blocking dock space and running back and forth from your car.

In addition to loading your gear, you should also attach a long rope to the front of your boat. This rope will be crucial when launching your boat, as it will prevent it from floating away. Ensure the rope is long enough to allow the boat to come off the trailer completely.

Once you have loaded your gear and attached the rope, you are almost ready to launch. However, it is a good idea to do a final inspection of the ramp and dock if you have not used that particular ramp before. This will help you assess the steepness of the ramp, the depth of the water, and the condition of the dock. By doing so, you can make a plan before getting your boat into the water.

Perform a hard stop to help the boat slide off the trailer

Performing a hard stop to help the boat slide off the trailer is a crucial step in the process of launching a boat. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this manoeuvre successfully:

Firstly, back your boat trailer down the ramp in a steady and controlled manner. It is important to maintain a slow and steady speed to ensure you remain in control of the trailer at all times. Ensure you back up in a straight line and be mindful of the depth of the water. The goal is to position the trailer so that the back third of the boat is floating. This indicates that you are ready to launch.

Once you have reached the appropriate depth, and you can see the back of the boat beginning to float, it's time to perform the hard stop. Apply firm pressure on the brakes of your vehicle to bring it to an abrupt stop. This sudden stop will create momentum, allowing the boat to easily slide off the trailer and into the water.

By performing this hard stop manoeuvre, you eliminate the need to climb onto the trailer to push the boat off manually. This method not only simplifies the process but also ensures your safety by avoiding a potentially hazardous climb onto the trailer.

It is important to note that, while performing the hard stop, you should be cautious not to back too far into the water. Additionally, be mindful of the exhaust of your tow vehicle; ensure it doesn't get submerged. Always prioritise safety and follow the necessary boat launch guidelines.

With the right technique and practice, you will be able to master the art of launching a boat by yourself, making your solo fishing trips much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Tie the boat off at the back of the dock

Once you've found a parking spot and placed your gear in the boat, it's time to focus on tying the boat off at the back of the dock.

First, position your vehicle so that you can back up straight to the water. This involves driving up next to the boat landing, then turning away so your vehicle and trailer are perpendicular to the water's edge. This ensures that backing up is as easy as possible.

Now, carefully back up your vehicle and trailer towards the water, going slowly and keeping the trailer straight. It's helpful to have a friend guide you during this process. Stop before the winch goes underwater, and put the vehicle in park.

Next, release the trailer winch hook and attach a tow rope to the boat. Have your friend hold the rope, or tie it to a dock cleat if you're alone. Continue backing up slowly until the back of the boat begins to float, then stop.

At this point, you'll guide the boat off the trailer using the tow rope. Make sure to tie the rope to a secure anchoring point, like a dock cleat, to prevent the boat from floating away.

Finally, slowly drive your vehicle forward and away from the water to find a designated parking space.

Drive the boat up the trailer and attach it to the trailer winch

Driving the boat up the trailer and securing it to the trailer winch is a critical step in loading your John boat. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure the trailer is correctly positioned in the water. Back the trailer into the water so that roughly two-thirds of the rollers or bunks are submerged. This will make it easier to drive the boat onto the trailer. It is important to assess the ramp's angle and steepness to determine how far you need to back the trailer. Steeper ramps may require you to submerge more of the trailer, while a level ramp may need less submersion.

Once the trailer is in position, the driver should put the vehicle in park, engage the parking brake, and leave the engine running. This ensures the trailer remains stable while you drive the boat onto it.

Now, you can drive the boat up the trailer. Slowly drive the boat onto the trailer until it catches on the front of the bunks or rollers. You may need to make minor adjustments to ensure the boat is centred and aligned correctly. If the boat is large or susceptible to crosswinds, you may need to carefully apply throttle to drive it onto the trailer. However, be cautious not to "power load," as this can damage the ramp.

Once the boat is positioned on the trailer, it's time to attach it to the winch. Either you or the driver should position yourselves on the trailer tongue to attach the winch strap or cable to the bow eye of the boat. Secure the winch strap or cable and then crank the boat snugly onto the trailer.

After the boat is securely attached to the winch, the driver can slowly pull the trailer up the ramp. As they do this, keep an eye on the boat and be ready to raise the outboard or sterndrive if necessary.

Remember, safety should always be a top priority. Ensure everyone except the operator exits the boat before driving it up the trailer. Additionally, always stay clear of the direct line of the winch cable to avoid injury in the event of a snap or loss of control.

Frequently asked questions