Boat Launching Like a Pro

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Boat Launching Like a Pro

by Capt. Terry Rand


Here's a simple routine that will keep you out of trouble at boat ramps.

Once Memorial Day arrives in the Northeast, the boating season unofficially begins. Boats have been taken out of storage and readied for the summer and brought to the boat launch for the first foray of the season. The line of trucks and trailers leading to the ramp seems endless and tensions are running high. Everyone starts to lose patience while waiting for the guy at the front of the line who is still unbuckling straps, hanging fenders and rummaging through his boat looking for his dock lines. Let’s talk about how not to be that guy that everyone is cursing at the boat ramp.

First things first, start with doing as much boat preparation at home, in the driveway, as you can before heading to the ramp. Locate your dock lines and your boat fenders and put them someplace where you’ll be able to quickly access them once you get to the ramp. Have your boat keys handy so you’re not scrambling for them when you’re ready to launch. Be sure to have your required life saving equipment loaded in the boat like your flotation devices, horn and flares.

Once at the ramp, take your place in line and begin the rest of your boat prep. Launching a boat can take a few minutes so if you’re waiting in line you’ll have ample time to add all of your gear from your vehicle into the boat. Load tackle bags, fishing rods, coolers, dry bags and any other gear you may need. At this point, it is also safe to remove your transom tie downs and store them for later. As the line moves towards the ramp, be sure to quickly jump back in your vehicle and pull ahead to make room for more trucks and trailers to get into the line. Hang your boat fenders, ready your dock lines and make sure your boat deck is organized well enough that you can make your way around the boat quickly and safely. This is also the time to make sure that your drain plug is installed and tightened.

Once you get to the front of the line you should be prepared to simply back your trailer down the ramp. Back the trailer into the water deep enough to make the stern of the boat float. Climb into the boat and lower your engine into the water enough to safely start it. Once it is started and running, you can safely unhook the boat from the winch strap. Once unhooked, climb back into the boat and back your boat off the trailer. Secure your boat to the dock with your dock lines and make your way back to the vehicle to move it off the ramp. Park it safely and quickly and make your way back to your boat to free up the dock space for the next boat in line.

Remember, a boat launch is just that: A place to launch your boat. It is not a place to rig fishing rods, clean fish or stand around and chit-chat. Both the docks and the launch space are at a premium and people are waiting their turn to use them.  Have the respect for other boaters that you would like them to have for you. If you have a partner to help you launch, you should be very efficient at the boat ramp. You’ll know you’ve got it mastered once you are able to launch your boat more quickly by yourself than the two-man launching team in front of you. Remember, a boat launch is just that: A place to launch your boat. It is not a place to rig fishing rods, clean fish or stand around and chit-chat. Both the docks and the launch space are at a premium and people are waiting their turn to use them.  Have the respect for other boaters that you would like them to have for you. If you have a partner to help you launch, you should be very efficient at the boat ramp. You’ll know you’ve got it mastered once you are able to launch your boat more quickly by yourself than the two-man launching team in front of you.

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