Boat Trailering

Boat In, Boat Out

Complete Guide

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A boat belongs on the water, it’s what it its made for after all. But every once in a while you have to move the boat off the water and into a trailer. Maybe you have to move the boat to another marina. Or park it on land somewhere for a while. Whatever the reason, you should know about boat trailering – how to get your boat into and out of the water. Here’s how to do it…

Into the water

1. Plug in. Make sure the plug is in the boat. Double or triple check this before you launch your boat.
2. Remove trailer tie-downs. In addition to the tie-downs, remove the straps and engine supports. This may seem obvious but if you’re not thorough you might leave a strap or support still attached, which can be quite frustrating.
3. Load the gear. It’s easier to move your stuff into the boat while it is just behind your trailer.
4. Get enough life vests. Never skimp out on floatation devices/life vests. You should have plenty, enough for everyone on board, and a few extra.
5. Back your trailer down the ramp. Put your boat in the water such that the engine is in the water while the boat doesn’t float off the trailer. The idea is to make sure the boat’s engine is running properly before you release the boat from the trailer.
6. Run the blower. This will empty the engine compartment, ensuring there aren’t any explosive fuel vapors inside.
7. Set ‘Kill Switch’ to ‘Run’. If nothing happens when you turn the key, you should check out the issue.
8. Start the boat. Just give it a little gas while the drive mechanism is in throttle only. The propeller shouldn’t be turning while the boat is on the trailer.
9. Unhook the boat. Once the boat has started with its engine running to your satisfaction, release any bow hooks keeping your boat on the trailer.
10. Run the bilge. If you see a lot of water coming out, DON’T launch the boat.
11. Get off the ramp. Slowly back the boat down the ramp till it is afloat.

Out of the water

1. Idle away from the ramp. Or pull along the far end of the dock if it doesn’t disturb others. Attach one line each to the blow cleat and stern.
2. Evacuate. As your rig pulls into position, tell everyone except the operator to evacuate the boat. Hold the lines to keep the vessel in position just outside the trailer’s reach. When the boat is on the ramp ready for loading, have the trailer/vehicle driver put it in park while keeping the engine running.
3. Drag or drive. If crosswinds are moving your boat, drive it on the trailer very slowly.
4. Winch it on. Have the driver position himself on the trailer tongue for attaching the winch cable/strap to the boat’s bow eye. Then attach the safety chain.
5. Pull up slowly. This will let you raise the outboard if needed.
6. Unplug & unload. Also, drain any livewells to minimize any chance of transferring invasive species. Also remember to plug in trailer lights!

So there you go, the best way to get your boat into and out of the water.

Fatima M.
Freelance Blogger