5 Tips For Launching A Boat

Getting your boat safely from the trailer to the water can be a snap by using these 5 tips for launching a boat. While the process of launching a boat is fairly fast, it's the preparation before you launch that is perhaps the most important. By having everything loaded and in working order before you launch, your boat launch can be quick and painless.

1. Preview the launch location. Before a boat launch at a new or familiar location, inspect the launch area to make sure it meets your needs. Be sure the water is deep enough to accommodate your boat and the ramp is in good, safe condition. If the launch is not up to par or charges a pricey fee, you may want to research nearby locations that may better fit your needs.  
2. Test before you launch. Rather than facing the embarrassing situation of finding out your boat motor won't run after you have it in the water, take some time to test everything before you launch. In addition to giving the motor a test run, be sure you have enough gas, the plugs are securely placed and you have the boat keys in hand.
3. Arrive fully stocked. Most boat launch ramps will be fairly busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so to decrease the wait time for everyone, be sure your boat is fully loaded before you launch. Make sure all your safety items, snacks, drinks, towels, fishing tackle or anything else you may need are on the boat ahead of time. Along the same lines, remove any tarps, unhook the wiring connector and loosen the tie-down straps.
4. Get a buddy to assist. While it's possible to launch a boat alone, the process will be quicker and easier if you have someone to assist you. Having a second person to control the boat, either in the water using a bowline or in the boat itself, can help tremendously. If you don't have a second person on hand, kindly ask someone at the launch ramp to assist you.
5. Remember, safety first. Even if you or your launching partner have launched the boat 100 times, that's no reason to skip important safety steps. Be sure whoever will be controlling the boat once it reaches the water is wearing a safety vest and is familiar with their responsibilities. Similarly, the same care should be taken by whoever is doing the launching, making sure to make slow, cautious moves rather than sudden acceleration or breaking. Take your time for the safest and most successful boat launch.