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SportsBoat_F4A14.book Page 109 Monday, May 17, 2021 1:01 PM

Trailering

Each launch may have particular differences, Loading
such as ramp angle, prevailing wind, waves, (1) Disconnect the trailer lights from the
and water currents. If possible, watch a cou- towing vehicle.
ple of boaters launch their boats first to notice (2) Back the trailer down the ramp as close
any problems. While every boater develops a to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If pos-
preferred launch procedure, here is a recom- sible, have a second person act as an
mended general procedure: observer while standing to the side of the
trailer. Stop when the tops of the trailer’s
fenders are about 3 inches above the
waterline.
(3) With the boat moving at the slowest idle
speed, guide the boat onto the support
rails. Use throttle only if necessary for
steering ability. WARNING! Using too
much throttle can cause the boat to
jump over the front of the trailer,
which can result in injury to the boat
(1) Perform the pre-operation checks operator and bystanders.
shown on page 85 that can be performed (4) Make sure the boat is centered on the
on land. support rails and is headed straight for
(2) Remove all trailering tie-down lines from the bow stop (bumper board). Ease the
the boat and attach your docking lines boat forward until the bow rests against
and fenders, if used. the bow stop. NOTICE: The winch line
(3) Disconnect the trailer lights from the is not designed to pull the boat onto
towing vehicle. the trailer.
(4) Back the trailer down the ramp as close (5) Attach and tighten the winch line.
to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If pos- NOTICE: The winch line should not be
sible, have a second person stand aside the only line securing the bow during
as an observer. Stop when the wheels trailering. Use the chain along with the
are at least halfway submerged. Set the winch to secure the boat to the trailer.
parking brake.
(5) Remove the bow line from the bow eye. 1
(6) Back the trailer farther into the water until
just the tops of the fenders show, and
then reset the parking brake. Board the
boat and start it. If possible, remain on
the trailer until the engines are warm and
are responding to throttle.
(7) Back the boat out into the water, watch-
ing carefully for people, other boats, or
obstacles. 1 Bow eye

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