Advanced trailering tips

[Dave R]

I've been trailering boats for years and have it down to a science. Here are some random tips to make it easier:

1. Don't put the trailer in too deep. If the boat does not contact the trailer at least a 1/3 of the way back from the bow, it will usually be difficult to center on the trailer. If the boat is too heavy to winch, simply back the trailer up AFTER the boat is partially winched up.

2. Drive the boat to and onto the trailer under idle power. Do not use more than idle power and do not make everyone wait while you try to manhandle the boat onto the trailer with lines. The boat has and engine for a reason, use it. If you can't get the boat centered on the trailer in this manner, see tip #1 above.

3. Roll down your windows, take off your seat belt and make sure there are no passengers in the tow vehicle when launching and retrieving. Things can go horribly wrong very quickly when there's a heavy weight trying to drag your tow vehicle into the water. Minimize risk and give yourself a fighting chance if things do go wrong.

4. Leave the winch in the right state for releasing slack when you unhook the winch strap/cable from your boat upon launching. I put my winch in neutral right after I release the boat. When I retrieve the boat, the strap is ready to be pulled out and I don't have to fumble with it.

5. If you don't drive the boat off the trailer, use two lines to control the boat as it comes off the trailer. One line is inadequate.

6. Use a system to remember key steps in launching and retrieving. I made an aluminum (does not rust and stain my gel coat) box-end wrench that fits the garboard (drain) plug and I put the starboard transom strap hook through the wrench when I attach the strap to the transom of my boat. Its presence when I remove the strap before launching the boat reminds me to install the plug. My boat has integrated brake/directional lights that need to be disconnected prior to launching. I put a bright pink nylon strap on the wire for the lights and I loop the strap over the winch handle when I connect the wiring. When I launch the boat, I have to remove the strap from the winch handle to move the handle and that reminds me to unplug the wire.


I realize I have posted some or all of this stuff before, but I continually witness stuff at launch ramps that makes me shake my head and hope that someone gets something useful from these tips. Feel free to add to them or go off on a tangent.