Launching/Loading Bass Boat - Beginner

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On 7/10/2024 at 11:41 AM, Bankc said:

Learn to back up.  That's the big thing and you don't need to practice at the dock.  You can do that anywhere with your trailer.  It won't take long to get the feel for it.  And you don't need to be an expert who always nails it the first try.  Just don't be that guy that takes 20 tries.  And don't rely on your mirrors or backup camera.  Turn around and watch the trailer with your own eyes.  You can still use your mirrors and backup camera to help see things more clearly, but you want to do most of your driving with your head turned around, watching the trailer directly.  It's much easier that way. 

 

Next, make sure to pull up, out of the way somewhere in the parking lot, and get out to check the boat and everything and get it all ready before you attempt to back up.  Check the plug as the first and the last thing you do.  You'll forget the plug one day, so make it a habit of being paranoid about forgetting it.  And while you're checking the plug, check the rear straps.  You'll probably forget about the rear straps one day as well.  Leave the front strap on until your trailer is in the water and unhook it when you crawl into the boat.  But use this time when you're out of the way and not in a rush to go over everything.  Take your time.  Visualize what you're going to do when you're on the water, and make sure everything is where it needs to be. 

 

Then, when you're ready to launch, if anything goes wrong, stop, take a breath, get out of the boat and double check everything.  If you panic because you're in a rush, you'll likely make things worse and take even longer.  But if you stop, breathe, and go slow, you'll figure out the problem much more quickly.  Slow is fast, and fast is slow here. 

 

Also, keep your windows rolled all of the way down and car running at all times on the ramp.  And get everyone else out of the car before backing up.  Even get the dogs out.  Brakes can fail and the car can slide into the water.  Ice and moss on the ramp can cause your car to slide even if the brakes don't fail.  Once your car doors get below the water, you probably can't open them until the cab is fully flooded.  The water rushing in will generate a literal ton of force pushing your door shut.   So the open window gives you a way out before the car is fully submerged. 

I understand that most folks need to do what is easier for them.  I have to disagree with backing up without using your mirrors.  Been backing up trailers for over 60 years, even taught numerous folks to backup thru a training class at a marina for a few years. There are many folks that physically cannot turn around to view a trailer.  I have always taught using mirrors.  As a demonstration one time I backed a trailer thru an obsticial course for cars, all using my mirrors.  You never see a semi driver look out the back window !  If you are a person that chooses turning backwards in your seat, then go for it, but I can assure you I can go faster with less mistakes using mirrors.  I have taught numerous folks to backup, all with mirrors in about an hour or less time. 

On 7/24/2024 at 5:15 PM, Susky River Rat said:

Glad it went well! First time jitters always get people. I do recommend getting comfortable with power loading. In wind and current it will save you a lot of head aches and struggling.

Power loading if allowed at your ramp is much easier, but...your trailer must be setup to do so !!  You need to keep your motor/ out drive tilted out so your prop wash doesn't errode the ramp.  Once setup properly, your boat will drive on in the center every time, just reach over and snap the winch hook onto the bow eye.  Good trailer setup means "everything" when it comes to ease of loading your boat. I load by myself and am in and out in less than 5 min total.  Practice makes perfect !!

[Glenn]