10-4 CHAPTER 10: TRAILERING
Sport Boat Owner’s Manual
Launching
Before launching your boat, stay to one side and watch a couple of launchings to
notice any problems on the ramp and the effects of the wind and current on launch-
ing. It is a common courtesy to prepare the boat for launching away from the ramp
especially during busy periods. Perform the pre-launch sequence as follows:
1.
Remove the boat cover, if equipped.
2.
Check that bilge drain plug is in place.
3.
Remove any additional trailering tie-downs from the boat.
4.
Attach the bow and stern docking lines and fenders if necessary.
5.
Disconnect the trailer lights from the car.
Launching with two people is recommended. Since all launches are different from
each other in some way, the following procedure must be modified to fit the
launch in use:
1.
Back the boat down the ramp until the wheels are at least halfway sub-
merged. Keep the trailer/car combination as straight as possible and at 90
degrees to the shore line.
2.
Loosen and detach the bow strap from the bow eye.
3.
Back the boat further down until the top of the fenders are about
50 mm (2 in.) above the water.
4.
Board the boat and start it. If possible, remain on the trailer until the engine
has warmed-up.
Loading
Loading, like launching, is best done with two people:
1.
Back the trailer into the water until the top of the fenders are about
75 mm (3 in.) above the water. Keep the trailer/car combination as straight as
possible and, if possible, at 90 degrees to the shoreline. Set the parking brake
securely.
2.
Approach the trailer in a straight line from at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) out. Use
“bursts” of propeller thrust to move towards the trailer at the slowest steer-
able speed. Guide the boat onto the support bunks.
3.
Check to see that the boat is centered on the support rails and is headed in a
straight line for the bow stop (bumper board).
Excessive throttle can cause the boat to travel over the bumper board
causing extensive damage to the boat, trailer, and car and could cause
severe personal injury.
4.
Using a very light touch on the throttle, ease the boat forward until the bow
comes to rest against the bow stop (bumper board).
!
WARNING