Looking for help launching boat

Mfoliage · 05-09-2021, 11:11 AM

I have boated on Winnipesauke before but had rented boats. We bought a used 20ft deck boat and trailer last year and this will be my first time launching the boat. I scouted some of the boat ramps and will admit I am intimidated by how I would try to back-in with some of the configurations for the ramps I saw. I do have a slip to keep the boat at but need to get it in the water. Does anyone know of someone offering a service on the lake to just launch the boat or help launch the boat? I will be docking in the Laconia area but I am fine with launching further away. Thank you.

steve-on-mark · 05-09-2021, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mfoliage

I have boated on Winnipesauke before but had rented boats. We bought a used 20ft deck boat and trailer last year and this will be my first time launching the boat. I scouted some of the boat ramps and will admit I am intimidated by how I would try to back-in with some of the configurations for the ramps I saw. I do have a slip to keep the boat at but need to get it in the water. Does anyone know of someone offering a service on the lake to just launch the boat or help launch the boat? I will be docking in the Laconia area but I am fine with launching further away. Thank you.

When are you attempting this?

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Descant · 05-09-2021, 11:33 AM

I think many marinas which allow use of their ramps will have a driver do the backing for you (hourly rate?) You may want to establish a relationship with a marina and this would be a start. Consider one who is a dealer for your brand of boat. In the mean time, find a parking lot and practice. Especially if you use a public ramp, make up a checklist of things to do (e.g. put in the plug) so you're not tying up the ramp, wandering around wondering if you remembered everything. Search these forums. There a few threads with lots of tips.

A deck boat is a great choice--I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

MotorHead · 05-09-2021, 11:43 AM

Go to Fays, very nice people.
Give the gentlemen a few buck + Launch fee and he will do it in 10 min or less.

If you do not already have one, a GPS is highly recommended.
Witches have nasty way of welcoming people to the lake.

8gv · 05-09-2021, 07:18 PM

PM me if you want some help.

I often launch boats solo so I'm sure we can get it done together.

LIforrelaxin · 05-10-2021, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mfoliage

I have boated on Winnipesauke before but had rented boats. We bought a used 20ft deck boat and trailer last year and this will be my first time launching the boat. I scouted some of the boat ramps and will admit I am intimidated by how I would try to back-in with some of the configurations for the ramps I saw. I do have a slip to keep the boat at but need to get it in the water. Does anyone know of someone offering a service on the lake to just launch the boat or help launch the boat? I will be docking in the Laconia area but I am fine with launching further away. Thank you.

Plenty of Marinas in the Laconia area, I would just pick the one closest to where you will dock your boat, and ask them to help, they usually will......Yes there might be a small fee for using their ramp, but it sounds like it will be worth it for your piece of mind.

Once the boat is off the trailer, take a not so nice boating day, and go find a parking lot, and practice with an empty trailer, it is the best way to bring up your confidence level.... If you see someone doing similar with a bright Red truck this summer, that will be me, teaching the next generation......

Biggd · 05-10-2021, 09:40 AM

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 · 05-10-2021, 10:55 AM

Quote:

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 · 05-10-2021, 02:25 PM

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 · 05-10-2021, 02:44 PM

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.
.

CK5 Truck · 05-10-2021, 04:17 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-11-2021, 06:53 AM

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 · 05-12-2021, 06:20 AM

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 · 05-12-2021, 06:56 AM

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 · 05-12-2021, 04:51 PM

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?

thinkxingu · 05-12-2021, 05:26 PM

Here's actual footage from Meredith last summer: https://youtu.be/2oq0YNo02KM

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steve-on-mark · 05-12-2021, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Here's actual footage from Meredith last summer: https://youtu.be/2oq0YNo02KM

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Ha...seen similar action at the Glendale docks!!

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betterthanbacon · 05-14-2021, 11:14 PM

When I was a kid and learning how to back up a trailer. My dad always would tell me “turn the bottom of the steering wheel the direction you want the trailer to go.” Even today any type of trailer I back up I repeat his words.
Slow and easy, don’t over steer or get flustered.
Good luck

thinkxingu · 05-15-2021, 02:58 AM

Has the OP ever come back to see the answers?!

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TiltonBB · 05-15-2021, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Has the OP ever come back to see the answers?!

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It is all under control!

I spoke with him on the phone. We are supposed to talk again on Wednesday and have made tentative plans to meet at the Glendale ramp this Friday.

thinkxingu · 05-15-2021, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

It is all under control!

I spoke with him on the phone. We are supposed to talk again on Wednesday and have made tentative plans to meet at the Glendale ramp this Friday.

Way to go offering a hand—good karma.

In terms of backing up with a trailer, I've always used the "where the front bumper goes, the trailer goes" rule. I've found that much easier and natural than the bottom of the steering wheel trick.

Godspeed!

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TiltonBB · 05-15-2021, 06:35 AM

Class A CDL. Over a million miles in tractor trailers when I was in my 20's. I think I got this!

But thanks for the tip!

thinkxingu · 05-15-2021, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Class A CDL. Over a million miles in tractor trailers when I was in my 20's. I think I got this!

But thanks for the tip!

You're AMAZING!

I was responding to the tip above.

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05-09-2021, 11:11 AM	#1
Mfoliage Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Looking for help launching boat I have boated on Winnipesauke before but had rented boats. We bought a used 20ft deck boat and trailer last year and this will be my first time launching the boat. I scouted some of the boat ramps and will admit I am intimidated by how I would try to back-in with some of the configurations for the ramps I saw. I do have a slip to keep the boat at but need to get it in the water. Does anyone know of someone offering a service on the lake to just launch the boat or help launch the boat? I will be docking in the Laconia area but I am fine with launching further away. Thank you.

05-10-2021, 02:25 PM	#9
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,205 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Any public ramp 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! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

05-10-2021, 02:44 PM	#10
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,737 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	...... some helpful hints 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. . __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

05-09-2021, 11:33 AM	#3
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,337 Thanks: 1,339 Thanked 1,620 Times in 1,052 Posts	I think many marinas which allow use of their ramps will have a driver do the backing for you (hourly rate?) You may want to establish a relationship with a marina and this would be a start. Consider one who is a dealer for your brand of boat. In the mean time, find a parking lot and practice. Especially if you use a public ramp, make up a checklist of things to do (e.g. put in the plug) so you're not tying up the ramp, wandering around wondering if you remembered everything. Search these forums. There a few threads with lots of tips. A deck boat is a great choice--I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

05-09-2021, 11:43 AM	#4
MotorHead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 281 Thanks: 53 Thanked 85 Times in 64 Posts	Go to Fays, very nice people. Give the gentlemen a few buck + Launch fee and he will do it in 10 min or less. If you do not already have one, a GPS is highly recommended. Witches have nasty way of welcoming people to the lake.

05-09-2021, 07:18 PM	#5
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,092 Thanks: 64 Thanked 744 Times in 478 Posts	PM me if you want some help. I often launch boats solo so I'm sure we can get it done together.

05-10-2021, 09:40 AM	#7
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,080 Thanks: 2,199 Thanked 1,187 Times in 754 Posts	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.

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05-11-2021, 06:53 AM	#12
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 2,987 Thanks: 695 Thanked 2,193 Times in 929 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to TiltonBB For This Useful Post:
Top-Water (05-12-2021)

05-12-2021, 06:20 AM	#13
Nauset Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 95 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	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

05-12-2021, 06:56 AM	#14
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,984 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	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!

The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Dave R For This Useful Post:
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05-12-2021, 04:51 PM	#15
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 873 Thanks: 277 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	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?

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erick26 (05-13-2021)

05-12-2021, 05:26 PM	#16
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,211 Thanks: 1,167 Thanked 2,048 Times in 1,271 Posts	Here's actual footage from Meredith last summer: https://youtu.be/2oq0YNo02KM Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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05-14-2021, 11:14 PM	#18
betterthanbacon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 70 Thanks: 17 Thanked 20 Times in 9 Posts	When I was a kid and learning how to back up a trailer. My dad always would tell me “turn the bottom of the steering wheel the direction you want the trailer to go.” Even today any type of trailer I back up I repeat his words. Slow and easy, don’t over steer or get flustered. Good luck

05-15-2021, 02:58 AM	#19
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,211 Thanks: 1,167 Thanked 2,048 Times in 1,271 Posts	Has the OP ever come back to see the answers?! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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05-15-2021, 06:35 AM	#22
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 2,987 Thanks: 695 Thanked 2,193 Times in 929 Posts	Class A CDL. Over a million miles in tractor trailers when I was in my 20's. I think I got this! But thanks for the tip!