Don’t Be that Guy! Prep Your Boat First

If you’re an avid boater, you’ve no doubt driven to the boat launch only to find some idiot’s vehicle blocking the whole ramp as he gets his boat ready to put in the water. Don’t be that idiot. Don’t ignore boaters’ etiquette and inconvenience other boaters. Instead, prep your boat before you head for the launch so you can get in, get out and begin your day on the lake!

Prep Your Boat Before Entering the Ramp Area

Get everything you can get done ahead of time so when you get to the launch ramp, you’re ready to put your boat in the water. Park in the vicinity of the ramp. Load all your gear into your boat – fishing gear, life vests, snacks and beverages, skis, everything you’re taking with you. Disconnect your boat trailer lights from your towing vehicle so you don’t have to worry about cold water popping hot bulbs. Attach your dock fenders if you have them. Remove all your boat trailer safety chains, tie-downs and straps, but leave the trailer winch line attached, if you have one. If you don’t have a winch, leave one or two tie-downs to secure the boat to the boat trailer, and attach a dock rope (or two) to your boat to help you control it when it hits the water – so you don’t have to jump in after it as it floats away, and also to attach it to the dock. Remove the motor travel supports, if you have them. One more thing, and this one’s important. Make sure you’ve got your boat’s drain plug in place!

Now It’s Time to Back Down the Boat Launch Ramp

This can be tricky even for experienced boaters and you may want to practice before you reach the public boat ramp. Position your vehicle so as to be able to back up straight to the water. Pull forward enough that the vehicle and boat trailer are in alignment when you start backing up. Try to make small corrections with the steering wheel because over-steering can result in too much veering of your boat trailer, forcing you to pull forward and start again. Remember your trailer will swing in the opposite direction of the direction you turn the steering wheel. Take your time. Back up slowly. Carefully back your boat and boat trailer toward and into the water until your boat is floating freely. If you have a winch, stop before it’s underwater and put your vehicle in park and engage the emergency brake. Lower your motor and start the engine so you know it will start before you fully disengage from the boat trailer. Detach your winch and guide your boat off the trailer, to the dock. Drive your boat trailer and vehicle off the ramp and find a place to park.

Enjoy your day and enjoy your day on the water, and stay safe!

Check Your Boat Trailer Tires

At each step of your journey from home to lake and back, give your boat trailer tires a quick check to be to be certain they are properly inflated to maximum PSI (pounds per square inch), since PSI that is too low or too high can lead to blowouts on the road. Also look for signs of wear, cracking on the tread surface or bulges in the sidewall that may have developed while you’re on the road. The last thing you want is for your boat to be stranded, and that can happen with even the best boat trailer if you don’t pay attention.