Launching Your Boat Safely: A Step-By-Step Guide

Launching a boat can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. However, it is an essential skill to master as it improves the experience for everyone at the shore. The process can be broken down into three parts: staging, launching, and making space for others. Before launching, it is important to check that the drain plug is installed, the key is in the ignition, and all necessary gear is loaded into the boat. When reversing down the ramp, do so slowly to allow for corrections if needed. Once the stern of the boat starts to float, put your vehicle in park and release the trailer winch and safety chain. Use a bow line to push the boat off the trailer and into the water. Finally, secure the boat to the dock using bow and stern lines before moving your vehicle out of the way.

Check the drain plug is installed

Checking that the drain plug is installed is one of the most important steps in preparing to launch a boat. A drain plug is a small but vital component of a boat, and forgetting to install it can lead to a lot of trouble. When inserted in the transom, it prevents water from coming into the boat. When removed, it allows water to drain out.

Before you even think about driving down to the boat launch, make sure that the drain plug is installed. It is always a good idea to keep several extra plugs in your truck and boat, as they are small and easy to misplace. You don't want to be in a situation where you are unable to launch your boat because you can't find the drain plug.

A garboard drain plug is a type of drain plug that fits into a transom hole ranging from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The most common size for today's recreational boats is 1 inch in diameter. Garboard drain plugs can be made of bronze, stainless steel, or plastic, although plastic is not usually used as it is not a suitable material for underwater applications.

Load your gear

Loading your gear is an important step in the boat launching process. It is recommended that you load your gear before you arrive at the boat launch site. This is good etiquette, as it will prevent you from blocking other boaters who are waiting to use the launch. It is also more efficient to load your gear before you arrive at the launch site, as it will save you from having to walk back and forth to your vehicle.

When loading your gear, you should place all your equipment into the boat, including food, recreation equipment, boating accessories, and any other gear you will need for your trip. This may include fishing tackle, coolers, tubes, and skis. You should also load any additional supplies and equipment into the boat at this stage.

It is important to note that you should not start the engine until your boat is in the water, as this can damage the water pump. However, you should insert the key and turn it to the "on" position to ensure the battery is charged and the electrical system is working.

Attach fenders and dock lines

Fenders and dock lines are essential for safely launching a boat. They protect the boat from damage by acting as a cushion between the boat and the dock. Before launching, it is important to attach fenders and dock lines correctly to ensure a smooth process and avoid any mishaps. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Firstly, understand the different types of fenders and choose the right ones for your boat. Fenders come in various materials such as vinyl, foam, and inflatable PVC. The size and type of your boat will determine the size and number of fenders needed. As a general rule, smaller boats require smaller fenders, but ensure they are not too small, or they may get smashed or fail to protect the hull.

Secondly, determine the proper placement of the fenders. Place them along the widest part of the hull, as this will likely be the first point of contact when docking. If you are docking with only the bow of your boat, concentrate the fenders there. Consider the height at which you hang the fenders, adjusting for the type of dock and the tide. For floating docks, aim to have the fenders just above the waterline.

Now, let's move on to attaching the fenders. Fenders typically have two eyes, one at each end, allowing for vertical or horizontal fixing. You can attach fenders to mooring cleats using a simple knot like a cleat hitch. This is a strong and effective knot that is easy to tie and untie. Alternatively, you can attach fenders to the rails using various knots, such as a simple winding with a locking loop. If you wish to adjust the height of the fenders, consider using a rail clamp.

Finally, attach the dock lines to the bow and stern cleats. Dock lines are essential for securing your boat to the dock and preventing unwanted movement. Breast lines, attached at the bow and stern on both sides of the boat, limit side-to-side movement. Spring lines are crucial for preventing forward and backward movement; a loose spring line can result in the boat bumping into the dock.

Remember to regularly check your fenders and dock lines to ensure they are properly secured and adjusted. By following these steps, you can safely attach fenders and dock lines, protecting your boat and ensuring a smooth launching experience.

Reverse down the ramp

Reversing down the ramp is a critical skill to master for safely launching a boat. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this process:

Survey the Ramp and Water Entry:

Before reversing, take a moment to walk down the boat ramp and visualise your path into the water. Look out for any hazards, such as drop-offs, potholes, or sharp objects. Assess the traction of the ramp and be mindful of potential slippery areas, such as large algae patches. If possible, observe a few boats being launched to gauge the water depth and flow over the ramp.

Prepare Your Boat for Launch:

It's courteous to get your boat ready away from the ramp to avoid holding up other boaters. Ensure your boat is packed with all the necessary gear, and check the fuel and battery levels. Disconnect the trailer's taillights to prevent short circuits in the water, and confirm that all safety equipment, straps, and mooring lines are in place.

Align Your Vehicle and Boat:

Position your vehicle and boat in a straight line, facing the ramp. Use your mirrors to identify fixed reference points that will guide your reverse trajectory. If you have a helper, ask them to stand where you can see them in your mirror, acting as a spotter to guide you down the ramp.

Start reversing slowly towards the water. Keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and use your mirrors to monitor the boat's position. Move your hand in the direction you want the stern of the boat to go. For instance, if you want the boat to move right in your mirror, move your hand to the right. Make small corrections early on to keep the trailer centred in your mirrors. Remember, the boat will move in the opposite direction to your hand movements.

Stop at the Right Moment:

Continue reversing until the stern of the boat starts to float. Be careful not to reverse too far down the ramp as you risk getting stuck. Once the boat begins to float, engage your vehicle's parking brake and put it into park. At this point, you can release the trailer winch and safety chain.

Slide the Boat into the Water:

Now, gently push the boat off the trailer, allowing it to slide into the water. One of your crew members can then slowly reverse the boat further into the water. Remember to work calmly and carefully throughout the process, especially if you're a novice boater.

Park and release the winch

When you're ready to launch your boat, park your vehicle and apply the parking brake. It's important to make sure that your vehicle is parked far enough away from the water so that the winch and tongue are not submerged. Put your vehicle in park and engage the parking brake.

Now, release the winch. If you're launching alone, you can tie a rope to the boat and hold it, or tie it to a dock cleat or other anchor to keep the boat from floating away. If you have a friend to help, they can hold the rope while you park your vehicle.

If you're launching with a friend, you can ask them to sit in the boat as you back it into the water. Once the winch cable is released, they can drive the boat away from the launch while you move your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions