Looking for help launching boat

[Biggd]

I commend you for asking for help. I've sat at the Meredith boat ramp having my coffee some mornings and it can be very entertaining.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I commend you for asking for help. I've sat at the Meredith boat ramp having my coffee some mornings and it can be very entertaining.

Why the window seats at Lyon's Den are so popular!

[BroadHopper]

can be very entertaining! Better than YouTube!

You don't know how many times I had to pull big honking duallies out of the muck with my little Dakota!

BTW, I had a few free racks just to do a favor!

[fatlazyless]

Short trailers react quicker than long trailers to a turn on the steering wheel while backing.

Some helpful hints:

- Most problems stem from over-steering or turning the steering wheel too far.

- Back up at a very low speed and just make tiny, small steering wheel adjustments while keeping an eye on everything using all three rear view mirrors.

- Every boat launch maneuver should include at least one stop - get out - & look about half way close to launch ramp before proceeding down the ramp.

For extra safety use two plastic wheel chocks (two/$7.00) to brace the two rear wheels of the car/pickup while you are positioned below it and unloading/loading the trailer boat winch.
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[CK5 Truck]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I commend you for asking for help. I've sat at the Meredith boat ramp having my coffee some mornings and it can be very entertaining.

and if you are in line waiting I'll guess you mean irritating...everytime I show up to the Meredith ramp with my 4 door dually they tell me its too big and Ill never do it...I just laugh and tell them to watch and learn!

[TiltonBB]

I am in Gilford and would be glad to help.

I didn't see a response as to when you want to launch. Weekdays are usually the slowest time at the ramp but most anytime is OK. There just might be a short wait. That is usually a good time to check your plug and get your lines ready.

If you want to PM a phone number I will see how I can help.

[Nauset]

A practice I follow when backing a trailer is to have one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and then push in the direction you want the trailer to go. You can go to an empty parking lot to practice. It will become second nature after a while. Don’t hesitate to pull forward and start over if you run into trouble. Good luck

[Dave R]

If I was in the area, I'd be happy to help, but I'm not in the area.

I recommend finding an empty parking lot a few days ahead of time and practice backing the trailer accurately into parking spots from different starting points until you can put the trailer wherever you want it to be. At that point, you should be comfortable backing down a ramp.

Some random (but not comprehensive) tips from a guy that trailers boats all the time:

Put the windows down the the tow vehicle and remove your seat belt before backing toward the ramp.

Make sure there are no passengers in the tow vehicle before backing toward the ramp.

Leave the bow strap or winch strap connected until the boat will float if it comes off the trailer.

Have two long lines connected to the boat, one at the bow and one at the stern, so that the boat handler can control the boat after it is free of the trailer. You cannot control a boat with one line...

Teach the boat handler how to tie a proper cleat hitch before you head to the lake.

Slow is pro; don't use momentum to get the boat off the trailer, let gravity and buoyancy do the work gently.

Have a plan for what to do once the boat is floating and make sure your boat handler is aware of the plan and able to execute it.

Prep the boat for launching well out of the way at the boat ramp. If your boat prep spot is blocking others from using the ramp, you are doing it wrong. If there's a line, use the time in line to prep the boat, but always be ready to safely move forward as the line moves.

When putting the boat back on the trailer, it's really easy to back the trailer in too deeply and doing so is a really common rookie mistake. Start shallow and drive the boat (partially) onto the trailer at idle speed. Once you have it started up the trailer, use the winch to finish the job. If winching gets difficult, back the trailer further into the water in a couple of feet to ease the tension on the winch and finish the job.

Good luck!

[TheTimeTraveler]

I wonder if the new Teslas with the trailer hitch option will back up automatically while you stand on the side and wave your hands (frantically) to guide the trailer down into the water?