Page 135 - LIT-18626-14-04

SportsBoat_F4V14.book Page 127 Tuesday, July 5, 2022 2:34 PM

Trailering

ple of boaters launch their boats first to notice Loading
any problems. While every boater develops a (1) Disconnect the trailer lights from the
preferred launch procedure, here is a recom- towing vehicle.
mended general procedure: (2) Back the trailer down the ramp as close
to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If pos-
sible, have a second person act as an
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
(1) Perform the pre-operation checks much throttle can cause the boat to
shown on page 104 that can be per- jump over the front of the trailer,
formed on land. which can result in injury to the boat
(2) Remove all trailering tie-down lines from operator and bystanders.
the boat and attach your docking lines (4) Make sure the boat is centered on the
and fenders, if used. support rails and is headed straight for
(3) Disconnect the trailer lights from the the bow stop (bumper board). Ease the
towing vehicle. boat forward until the bow rests against
(4) Back the trailer down the ramp as close the bow stop. NOTICE: The winch line
to 90° to the shoreline as you can. If pos- is not designed to pull the boat onto
sible, have a second person stand aside the trailer.
as an observer. Stop when the wheels (5) Attach and tighten the winch line.
are at least halfway submerged. Set the NOTICE: The winch line should not be
parking brake. the only line securing the bow during
(5) Remove the bow line from the bow eye. trailering. Use the chain along with the
(6) Back the trailer farther into the water until winch to secure the boat to the trailer.
just the tops of the fenders show, and
then reset the parking brake. Board the 1
boat and start it. If possible, remain on
the trailer until the engine is warm and is
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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