backing a car. If the trailer needs to travel to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left and vice versa. Do not
turn the wheel too far or over steer. Turn the wheel gradually until you get the feel of safe backing.
Pre-Launching Preparations
For the courtesy of others and to prevent rushing, prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp.
•
Check the boat to ensure that no damage was caused by the trip.
•
Remove any covers and tie downs.
•
Place lines and fenders, if needed.
•
Verify that your safety equipment is aboard.
•
Raise the lower unit (remove supports) to the proper height for launching so that it will not hit
bottom.
•
Remove tie-downs and make sure that the winch is properly attached to the bow eye and locked
in position.
•
Put the drain plug in securely.
•
Disconnect the trailer lights to prevent shorting of the electrical system or burning out a bulb.
•
Attach a line to the bow and the stern of the boat so that the boat cannot drift away after
launching and it can be easily maneuvered to a docking area.
•
Visually inspect the launch ramp for hazards such as a steep drop off, slippery area and sharp
objects.
When everything has been double checked, proceed slowly to the ramp remembering that your boat is just resting
on the trailer and attached only at the bow. The ideal situation is to have one person in the boat and one
observer at the water's edge to help guide the driver of the tow vehicle.
Launching
•
Keep the rear wheels of the tow vehicle out of the water. This will generally keep the exhaust
pipes out of the water. If the exhaust pipes become immersed in the water, the engine may stall.
•
Set the parking brake and place tire chocks behind the rear wheels.
•
Make sure someone else on shore is holding the lines attached to the boat.
•
Lower the motor and prepare to start the engine (after running blowers and checking for fuel
leaks).
•
Start the boat motor and make sure that water is passing through the engine cooling system.
•
Release the winch and disconnect the winch line from the bow when the boat operator is ready.
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