Great video. Now I know how to do it! Thank you. And thank you for keeping the language clean. Some of these videos I caint watch because of languge. GOD BLESS
Excellent video. One of the best upgrades I have bought for my trailer is a “ramp clamp”. I’m by myself all the time so It’s a game changer and even better when someone else is driving truck
So glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video. It's not nearly as tough as most people think to launch a boat by yourself as long as the basic steps are covered.
That is a way to look like a pro. Only advise to bring the boat around to the far side of the dock so that the next guy can use the ramp while you park the truck.
What a luxury having the dock right next to your launched boat! At my lake, the dock is 30ft away from the ramp! I solo launch a 275 Baja Performance Series boat. I first have to launch the boat , navigate to the dock which is only 20' x 20', walk back to my truck and park it. This is all done with waiting traffic and sometimes in complete darkness with only a flood lamp. The key is to know how deep to submerge the trailer so that the hull is supported just enough to reel in securely. I place a reflective stick on marker at the front of the trailer to always know my correct trailer position in the water. The dock this gentleman is launching at is a piece of cake!
im 65 with artificial knees and arthritis. hard for me to get in the boat from the trailer. thought about doing it this way, but since i had never seen anyone do it i thought it wouldnt work. now i know i can ill be going more.thanks
About to launch a 14' sailboat off a ramp for the first time ever tomorrow, thanks to this I have a half a chance of not screwing it up... great concise, clear video, thanks.
@@Saltstrong It wasn't perfect but the boat got in and out of the water and no one drowned (including the boat) or died. The real value was the "tie a line to the truck," which saved me a whole bunch of flailing/swimming/embarrassment. LOL
This was SUPER helpful! I had to practice that knot a few times but it does work perfectly. Also the tie off for the stern was very helpful as first thing happened was the stern wanted to drift away from the ramp! Im keeping this in my "Favorites" as never to old to learn. Thanks Luke
make sure: 1. Have all gear in truck until boat is backed into water then load boat only if other people are waiting to launch thier boat. 2. Be sure to tie your boat up in the ramp area or loading zone ( not off to one of the side areas while you go park the truckand buy snacks and bait or while waiting for other guests that are running late that will be with you that day). 3. When pulling boat out of water, be sure truck remains on the ramp when boat is on trailer to wipe the boat down, secure boat and load gear into truck ( be sure to do this only when others are waiting to launch thier boats or retrieve thier boats.). 4. When arriving at the launch and other boaters are waiting for that ONE guy to get clear of the ramp launching his boat be sure to zoom right past everyone else and launch your boat by craming your trailer beside the other guy so both of you can be launching at the same time! 5. While waiting for your other guests to arrive 20 minutes late be sure to back your boat down the ramp but dont launch the vessel yet. Leaving truck, boat, and trailer on the ramp while waiting for your other guests to arrive.( only do this when other people are there waiting to launch boats also.) 6. Make sure you do all of the above especially on a Saturday. (You get extra points if you do this on a Saturday)! 7. Always launch your boat with the attitude that your day launching your boat and retrieving it is way more important than anyone else that happens to be there wanting to launch or retrieve thier boats). 8. While out on the water be sure when you see another boat anchored with people fishing, to cruise over close enough to hand them a drink and anchor your boat there also. (You get extra points if you do this only on the same side of thier boat that has fishing lines in the water). 9. When spotting an achored boat with people fishing be sure you cruise over to that boat and make at minimum a complete circle around them at least 20mph to mark thier spot more accurately on your fish finder for your next fishing trip. 10. When navigating a waterway with your boat on plane about 30mph near another anchored boat that has people fishing while you are travelling to your next location make SURE to slow down just enough so your boat will fall off plane and bow up as high as it can go so as you make the largest lasting impression long after you are gone past. Nevermind staying fast enough to remain on plane making the smallest wake. 11. Doing all this I mentioned above and you will be percieved as a boating pro with alot of experience and no one will be the wiser. All this is of the most importance on a Saturday because I fish during the weekdays
Hell yeah. Because I'm a rookie I practice memorizing my checklist through out a week prior to heading out. Its vital for me because I launch and load solo. Have a 21 ft. '97 Sea Ray EC Cruiser. I admit I'm prone to get intimidated,flustered and overwhelmed if anything goes wrong so practice practice practice and efficiency is what is on the menu for me. Thanks for this helpful video.
This is fantastic! Thank you so much. I'm a new boater who just bought a new 18' cc and I've never launched a boat before. I've watched 4 or 5 vids and yours is the best one by far. Thanks again.
I'm buying my first one soon. My BIGGEST worry is that I'll go to the ramp on a busy day and when it's finally my time to launch, so many people will be waiting to launch or pull a boat out of the water. What should I do here?
@@jordansharlet I bought my first boat 4 years ago. 18' so it was a little unwieldy to maneuver, but most people were/are helpful. Take your time, be careful and don't let anyone fluster you. It's your boat to be safe with or not. Good luck and I hope it goes well.
Great vid, thanks. I use the same routine, except since my favourite launch doesn't have a dock parallel to it, I am resigned to wading into the water rather than balancing on the trailer tongue :) Just one important step I add: when at the water but prior to backing it into the water, I detach the rear straps and secure the drain plugs.
Forgetting the drain plugs is the worst. Also I start the motor to make sure I don't have a problem. That way, if I am stuck with a motor that doesn't start, I have my trailer in the water ready for me to load the boat back.
I do similar in launching but I walk my boat onto the trailer, have to be able to back up so you aren't too far from the dock but I'm not hopping off my bow onto my trailer :)
Very good, simple to the point video. The smallest things sometimes are the biggest. Great tip with the water bottle. Salt water is your enemy. Can't stress that enough. Good job.
Good video. I trailer long distances and boat in salt water. One more way to eliminate rust on lug nuts is to add a light film of waterproof grease on the hub studs. I've been doing it of some time now and never had a problem either in transit or removing the wheel.
Great video. I do something similar and added self stick non slip to the trailer where I step off on to it so I don't fall in. A lesson learned the hard way.
This was a great video. I never can find anyone to go with me so most of the time I won't go because I'm leery about launching by myself. I think I'll be fishing a lot more now. Thanks!
I noticed something you do that you didn't mention, because I do it also. I always leave my door open to my truck, in case you need to get in the truck fast. Thanks for sharing. There's a lot of people that make this difficult.
Many variations on how to solo launch, all with a basic principle of having a handling line attached to the bow to limit rearward travel. Depending upon trailer setup, you can use the winch post instead of tying off to your tow vehicle. The public ramps in Miami Dade are double lane ramps and require close control of your boat when launching. The distance your boat traveled during your video would have hit two boats over here if on a weekend. I use a 4' line with loops spliced into the ends, attached to the bow cleat and slipped over the winch post. Launch the boat very close to the dock with the trailer just deep enough to float the boat with guideposts holding it in position. Enter the boat from the dock, grab the staged dock lines, slip the loop off the winch post and move the boat to the farthest point on the dock. This allows others to launch while you are parking. I carry a garden sprayer with water to douse the hubs, axle, undercarriage / springs and lug nuts. Takes 30 seconds to hit all with clean water after launch. Helps keep the trailer from rusting in the lot while you're out enjoying a day on the water. Do the same for the drive home.
I'm planning on installing a rectangular plastic tank that fits under the bed cover of my pick up, filling it with water and attaching a 12vdc pump with hose and sprayer, and presto.
You forgot to mention to make sure: 1. Have all gear in truck until boat is backed into water then load boat only if other people are waiting to launch thier boat. 2. Be sure to tie your boat up in the ramp area or loading zone ( not off to one of the side areas while you go park the truckand buy snacks and bait or while waiting for other guests that are running late that will be with you that day). 3. When pulling boat out of water, be sure truck remains on the ramp when boat is on trailer to wipe the boat down, secure boat and load gear into truck ( be sure to do this only when others are waiting to launch thier boats or retrieve thier boats.). 4. When arriving at the launch and other boaters are waiting for that ONE guy to get clear of the ramp launching his boat be sure to zoom right past everyone else and launch your boat by craming your trailer beside the other guy so both of you can be launching at the same time! 5. While waiting for your other guests to arrive 20 minutes late be sure to back your boat down the ramp but dont launch the vessel yet. Leaving truck, boat, and trailer on the ramp while waiting for your other guests to arrive.( only do this when other people are there waiting to launch boats also.) 6. Make sure you do all of the above especially on a Saturday. (You get extra points if you do this on a Saturday)! 7. Always launch your boat with the attitude that your day launching your boat and retrieving it is way more important than anyone else that happens to be there wanting to launch or retrieve thier boats). 8. While out on the water be sure when you see another boat anchored with people fishing, to cruise over close enough to hand them a drink and anchor your boat there also. (You get extra points if you do this only on the same side of thier boat that has fishing lines in the water). 9. When spotting an achored boat with people fishing be sure you cruise over to that boat and make at minimum a complete circle around them at least 20mph to mark thier spot more accurately on your fish finder for your next fishing trip. 10. When navigating a waterway with your boat on plane about 30mph near another anchored boat that has people fishing while you are travelling to your next location make SURE to slow down just enough so your boat will fall off plane and bow up as high as it can go so as you make the largest lasting impression long after you are gone past. Nevermind staying fast enough to remain on plane making the smallest wake. 11. Doing all this I mentioned above and you will be percieved as a boating pro with alot of experience and no one will be the wiser. All this is of the most importance on a Saturday because I fish during the weekdays
@Carl Jacobs At least he shares beer whenever he sees "a boat anchored with people fishing in it". Now whether those fishermen enjoy his company is another story.
something i started doing years ago with mudteuck and now with everything especially my boat trailers..coat the threads heavilyr with nickel or copper antiseize (copper is better). no more frozen lugnuts
Agreed... I haven't put a lug nut on ANYTHING in YEARS without it. Not even cars (grew up on salty roads in the mid-west. It takes just a SMALL amount and you can buy it in a tube now. 👍
As one dealing w/ a trailer that saw years of salt water use...I'll be buying my next trailer from Roger. I'm a pretty strong guy, the rust makes it impossible to remove the bolts. They're either stuck in place or so corroded they'll strip in a heartbeat. It's not fun having to cut dozens of 1/2" bolts off. An ounce of prevention can prevent hours of headaches...
@@lupitchr1 heck I used to break most of those studs off by holding four way lug wrench and standing on the other side and slowly jumping up and down a little🤣
Same here. I've been politely helping others for years and always welcome another perspective. I am fanatical on cleaning boat. motor, trailer once back at the house. I plan to be adding the lug rinse after in and out. Thanks!
Good video I do a lot of trailer maintenance a trick for your lug nuts that works well for me is to put a bit of marine grease on the stud and lug before you put the lug on .This will let the lug spin right off when needing to change.My trailer is 20 years old and rust is almost inevitable in heavy saltwater use .Just what marks for me
That was perfect and timely. Going to a busy very narrow 1 lane ramp alone for the first time tomorrow. Was a little stressed about it . I purchased the long rope today after this video. Wish me luck. Going to follow your system. I have this idea that everyone is going to be yelling at me to hurry up. Haha.
We hope that the launch goes seamlessly. I'm sure that you'll be launching by yourself faster than most others who have help very soon after some practice:)
Salt Strong well it was a little bumpy but I got the job done. It didn’t help that the local guide was waiting for me to move. I just need more practice I guess.
Thanks for the demo. I have used this rope method many time to launch by myself. One thing I have found is that if the water levels are high or if the launch ramp is steep, it helps to tie the rope to the tie downs near the cab. Otherwise you’ll be walking in water to get to the rope at the back of the truck, especially if the back wheels are in the water. Also, a nice strong carabiner will substitute for the slip knot. Do you have advice on keeping the boat centered and level on the trailer when pulling it out of the water. Not backing the trailer in too far seems to help but I’m wondering if there’s a trick I don’t know.
The best way to keep the boat centered is by not backing the trailer as far back when pulling out at a ramp with wind or current that will be pushing the boat off to a side.
When docking by myself in a stiff wind I use the power pole as a first mate. I tie up the bow, and the power pole keeps the stern from hitting the dock or swinging wide away from the dock. You can do this simultaneously with a double push on the power pole button and walk to the bow and jump off with the bow line in your hand (tied beforehand to the bow cleat of course).
Really like your boat and trailer set up. Just some suggestions regarding placing boat on trailer. Don’t place trailer so deep; let boat ride up on bunks. Also have trailer as close to dock as possible so you can enter and exit boat from the dock. What would your alternative be if you had an SUV. If done right, and every boat has a learning curve that must be adjusted for varying ramp conditions and tides, you should be able to reach over bow to attach bow to winch cable. If your going to walk on the trailer, get some no skid.
Good Vlog for someone who has a small boat or flatboat. It is difficult to launch and load the large boat with deep vee. I have experience in both boat and smaller boat or flatboat are much easy to do a solo job. Good job.
Glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video! Best of luck for your upcoming self launch and load. Just remember that you're not in a race... take your time to make sure that you don't skip any needed steps.
Nice job. Another tip: When launching, a good indicator that your boat is about to float, is when the trailer fenders are almost submerged. Also, when exiting the lake, sometimes I leave the boat in gear, low idle, to keep my boat from sliding back off the trailer, hook the nose to the trailer, then after latching the winch, shut the motor down. Perfectly safe as long as your motor isn’t hitting bottom.
It's nice to have a dock to walk on parallel to the ramp. My favorite launch ramp doesn't have that so a different system is required, especially having a cuddy cabin boat.
@@Steve-yh1pj I actually added a cleat at the middle of the port and starboard side of the boat. When docking, I just tied a short rope from that middle cleat to the dock and the boat wouldn't go anywhere. Of course, my boat was only 16 feet long.
The thing with boats falling of trailers is some people watched too many "how to launch your boat by yourself" videos that say it's okay to disconnect before backing down without mentioning that you should never ever do that if you have rollers in stead of bunks on your trailer.
I use two ropes. One I keep in the truck clipped to the truck. The other I clip to a loop on the end of the bow line. I always keep my bow line a foot shorter than the boat so it can’t get in the prop. I just unclip from the truck and clip the second rope back after I tie the boat.
I launch alone most of the time with a 19'. Same way except tied to the trailer racket (looped around it) AND use a line on the dock side of the stern and tie it to the dock before launching. Prevents the boat from swinging sideways in a stiff wind.
Good video and advice. Only thing is that most lakes in MI where I live, power loading is illegal. Yeah that sounds dumb but with the sandy bottom of the lakes here ramps get washed out and destroyed easily by power loaders. I wish I could do it but we are limited to pulling the boat on the trailer with rope
make sure: 1. Have all gear in truck until boat is backed into water then load boat only if other people are waiting to launch thier boat. 2. Be sure to tie your boat up in the ramp area or loading zone ( not off to one of the side areas while you go park the truckand buy snacks and bait or while waiting for other guests that are running late that will be with you that day). 3. When pulling boat out of water, be sure truck remains on the ramp when boat is on trailer to wipe the boat down, secure boat and load gear into truck ( be sure to do this only when others are waiting to launch thier boats or retrieve thier boats.). 4. When arriving at the launch and other boaters are waiting for that ONE guy to get clear of the ramp launching his boat be sure to zoom right past everyone else and launch your boat by craming your trailer beside the other guy so both of you can be launching at the same time! 5. While waiting for your other guests to arrive 20 minutes late be sure to back your boat down the ramp but dont launch the vessel yet. Leaving truck, boat, and trailer on the ramp while waiting for your other guests to arrive.( only do this when other people are there waiting to launch boats also.) 6. Make sure you do all of the above especially on a Saturday. (You get extra points if you do this on a Saturday)! 7. Always launch your boat with the attitude that your day launching your boat and retrieving it is way more important than anyone else that happens to be there wanting to launch or retrieve thier boats). 8. While out on the water be sure when you see another boat anchored with people fishing, to cruise over close enough to hand them a drink and anchor your boat there also. (You get extra points if you do this only on the same side of thier boat that has fishing lines in the water). 9. When spotting an achored boat with people fishing be sure you cruise over to that boat and make at minimum a complete circle around them at least 20mph to mark thier spot more accurately on your fish finder for your next fishing trip. 10. When navigating a waterway with your boat on plane about 30mph near another anchored boat that has people fishing while you are travelling to your next location make SURE to slow down just enough so your boat will fall off plane and bow up as high as it can go so as you make the largest lasting impression long after you are gone past. Nevermind staying fast enough to remain on plane making the smallest wake. 11. Doing all this I mentioned above and you will be percieved as a boating pro with alot of experience and no one will be the wiser. All this is of the most importance on a Saturday because I fish during the weekdays
Thanks again Luke!! Percy Priest Lake Nashville Tennessee.. this will help. Never got to go on the boat with dad before he passed. So going solo. Good tips 👍
In Michigan there is no power launching or loading of any kind allowed. Also you have to pick one side of dock or other cannot launch in middle of two docks. I leave the winch hook on & go to my two cleats & tie them on poles then undo both chain & winch clip. Then go back & tighten ropes to how I want them.
Some trailers like mine have surge brakes and if you disconnect the wiring harness the trailer won’t allow you to back up. The reverse light circuit disengages the trailer brakes. On mine at least.
I'm considering magnetic mount lights (intended for use in towing a car on a tow dolly), since the boat lights (even the "submersible" LED type) are needing replacement every year... And just pulling the lights off the trailer before putting it in the water. A decent set of magnet mount lights isn't that much different cost than replacing the lights on the boat trailer.
Getting it off of the trailer is easy but getting back on can be hard if there is a lot of wind and you have a cap on the truck. Usually the back end of the truck is over the water and to get off of the trailer and into the truck to pull out means that you have to have boots or get your feet wet.
Thanks for this idea. You should learn the mooring hitch---you can tie it one handed and when you yank the tag end it clears the cleat without having to pass fully back through. You've got a slipknot on a bight or just the start of a daisy chain.
It's easy when there are piers to tie. The closest to us where we go is only a ramp, but no pier or mooring cleat, just the river bank and stones. This is then much more difficult for the boater himself.
Tieing a safety line fore to aft will help with wind across the beam on the wrong dock side. Just drop it over a post or bollard and you will prevent a blow over onto the other ramp.
Well you can also do instead of adding that cleat to the inside of your truck , you put a big loop in the rope and just put it around where you crank the boat on the winch right there pull the boat in or drive it up like you did hitch up the winch and the chain very great idea with the chain and off you go
Funny that the most rewatched part of this video is the knot tie on the truck cleat. I just did that and practiced with a rope and learned a helpful knot!
Good video I just got a boat yesterday frist boat took it out had some problems. I think I had trailer to deep and 2 should you trim up or are you in deep enough water that your fine
The pirate knot is a quick release loop knot used to temporarily attach a rope that needs to be released quickly and easily. To untie this knot, you need to pull at the working end. This knot is often used to temporarily tie an animal or boat to a post.
Don't forget to check out our website for more fishing tips, reviews and reports:
www.saltstrong.com/
Great video. Now I know how to do it! Thank you. And thank you for keeping the language clean. Some of these videos I caint watch because of languge. GOD BLESS
it's called a bowline knot
Excellent video. One of the best upgrades I have bought for my trailer is a “ramp clamp”. I’m by myself all the time so It’s a game changer and even better when someone else is driving truck
@@DavesRange is that the correct name? The videos I have seen of the bowline knot don't seem to provide the ease of pulling the tag line to undo....
SIMPLE 'SLIP' KNOT!!!
I launched my first boat yesterday and I was by myself. You’re tips were priceless! Thank you 🙏
So glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video. It's not nearly as tough as most people think to launch a boat by yourself as long as the basic steps are covered.
That is a way to look like a pro. Only advise to bring the boat around to the far side of the dock so that the next guy can use the ramp while you park the truck.
What a luxury having the dock right next to your launched boat! At my lake, the dock is 30ft away from the ramp! I solo launch a 275 Baja Performance Series boat. I first have to launch the boat , navigate to the dock which is only 20' x 20', walk back to my truck and park it. This is all done with waiting traffic and sometimes in complete darkness with only a flood lamp. The key is to know how deep to submerge the trailer so that the hull is supported just enough to reel in securely. I place a reflective stick on marker at the front of the trailer to always know my correct trailer position in the water.
The dock this gentleman is launching at is a piece of cake!
I like Luke, he seems very genuine and helpful, probably very cool to have a chat with.
I'll be launching in a day or so and have never done it by myself. This is very helpful! Thanks
im 65 with artificial knees and arthritis. hard for me to get in the boat from the trailer. thought about doing it this way, but since i had never seen anyone do it i thought it wouldnt work. now i know i can ill be going more.thanks
Thank you for the great tips. I’m a new boater and still learning how to retrieve boat by myself without going in the water.
Me Too!
Me too
About to launch a 14' sailboat off a ramp for the first time ever tomorrow, thanks to this I have a half a chance of not screwing it up... great concise, clear video, thanks.
Good luck!
@@Saltstrong It wasn't perfect but the boat got in and out of the water and no one drowned (including the boat) or died. The real value was the "tie a line to the truck," which saved me a whole bunch of flailing/swimming/embarrassment. LOL
This was SUPER helpful! I had to practice that knot a few times but it does work perfectly. Also the tie off for the stern was very helpful as first thing happened was the stern wanted to drift away from the ramp! Im keeping this in my "Favorites" as never to old to learn. Thanks Luke
Genius with the long rope. Thank you!
Just bought a new 2020 tracker xl boat last Saturday. First boat. This helped a lot.
I appreciate the pointers. Thank you, Sir.
make sure:
1. Have all gear in truck until boat is backed into water then load boat only if other people are waiting to launch thier boat.
2. Be sure to tie your boat up in the ramp area or loading zone ( not off to one of the side areas while you go park the truckand buy snacks and bait or while waiting for other guests that are running late that will be with you that day).
3. When pulling boat out of water, be sure truck remains on the ramp when boat is on trailer to wipe the boat down, secure boat and load gear into truck ( be sure to do this only when others are waiting to launch thier boats or retrieve thier boats.).
4. When arriving at the launch and other boaters are waiting for that ONE guy to get clear of the ramp launching his boat be sure to zoom right past everyone else and launch your boat by craming your trailer beside the other guy so both of you can be launching at the same time!
5. While waiting for your other guests to arrive 20 minutes late be sure to back your boat down the ramp but dont launch the vessel yet. Leaving truck, boat, and trailer on the ramp while waiting for your other guests to arrive.( only do this when other people are there waiting to launch boats also.)
6. Make sure you do all of the above especially on a Saturday. (You get extra points if you do this on a Saturday)!
7. Always launch your boat with the attitude that your day launching your boat and retrieving it is way more important than anyone else that happens to be there wanting to launch or retrieve thier boats).
8. While out on the water be sure when you see another boat anchored with people fishing, to cruise over close enough to hand them a drink and anchor your boat there also. (You get extra points if you do this only on the same side of thier boat that has fishing lines in the water).
9. When spotting an achored boat with people fishing be sure you cruise over to that boat and make at minimum a complete circle around them at least 20mph to mark thier spot more accurately on your fish finder for your next fishing trip.
10. When navigating a waterway with your boat on plane about 30mph near another anchored boat that has people fishing while you are travelling to your next location make SURE to slow down just enough so your boat will fall off plane and bow up as high as it can go so as you make the largest lasting impression long after you are gone past. Nevermind staying fast enough to remain on plane making the smallest wake.
11. Doing all this I mentioned above and you will be percieved as a boating pro with alot of experience and no one will be the wiser. All this is of the most importance on a Saturday because I fish during the weekdays
@@zash008 OMG..HAHAHAHAHA! For a moment I thought this guy doesnt know squat! LOL....That was funny!
Hell yeah. Because I'm a rookie I practice memorizing my checklist through out a week prior to heading out. Its vital for me because I launch and load solo. Have a 21 ft. '97 Sea Ray EC Cruiser. I admit I'm prone to get intimidated,flustered and overwhelmed if anything goes wrong so practice practice practice and efficiency is what is on the menu for me. Thanks for this helpful video.
This is fantastic! Thank you so much. I'm a new boater who just bought a new 18' cc and I've never launched a boat before. I've watched 4 or 5 vids and yours is the best one by far. Thanks again.
Thank you for checking it out!
And don’t let anyone rush you into making mistakes.
Slow is Pro!
I'm buying my first one soon. My BIGGEST worry is that I'll go to the ramp on a busy day and when it's finally my time to launch, so many people will be waiting to launch or pull a boat out of the water. What should I do here?
@@jordansharlet don't worry most people will be helpful not critical
@@jordansharlet So, how did it go?
@@jordansharlet I bought my first boat 4 years ago. 18' so it was a little unwieldy to maneuver, but most people were/are helpful. Take your time, be careful and don't let anyone fluster you. It's your boat to be safe with or not. Good luck and I hope it goes well.
Great vid, thanks. I use the same routine, except since my favourite launch doesn't have a dock parallel to it, I am resigned to wading into the water rather than balancing on the trailer tongue :) Just one important step I add: when at the water but prior to backing it into the water, I detach the rear straps and secure the drain plugs.
Forgetting the drain plugs is the worst. Also I start the motor to make sure I don't have a problem. That way, if I am stuck with a motor that doesn't start, I have my trailer in the water ready for me to load the boat back.
I do similar in launching but I walk my boat onto the trailer, have to be able to back up so you aren't too far from the dock but I'm not hopping off my bow onto my trailer :)
Very good, simple to the point video. The smallest things sometimes are the biggest. Great tip with the water bottle. Salt water is your enemy. Can't stress that enough. Good job.
I love videos that are direct and right to the point, great job! I liked and subscribed, thank you!
I just bought a boat and this will come in handy! Thanks bro!
Good video. I trailer long distances and boat in salt water. One more way to eliminate
rust on lug nuts is to add a light film of waterproof grease on the hub studs. I've been doing it of some time now and never had a problem either in transit or removing the wheel.
Great video. I do something similar and added self stick non slip to the trailer where I step off on to it so I don't fall in. A lesson learned the hard way.
Great idea about adding the non slip strips on the trailer!
@@Saltstrong I did the same thing. That grip tape makes a huge difference when getting on and off the trailer with wet shoes/boots.
This was a great video. I never can find anyone to go with me so most of the time I won't go because I'm leery about launching by myself. I think I'll be fishing a lot more now. Thanks!
Glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video. Tight lines!
I noticed something you do that you didn't mention, because I do it also. I always leave my door open to my truck, in case you need to get in the truck fast. Thanks for sharing. There's a lot of people that make this difficult.
Many variations on how to solo launch, all with a basic principle of having a handling line attached to the bow to limit rearward travel. Depending upon trailer setup, you can use the winch post instead of tying off to your tow vehicle. The public ramps in Miami Dade are double lane ramps and require close control of your boat when launching. The distance your boat traveled during your video would have hit two boats over here if on a weekend.
I use a 4' line with loops spliced into the ends, attached to the bow cleat and slipped over the winch post. Launch the boat very close to the dock with the trailer just deep enough to float the boat with guideposts holding it in position. Enter the boat from the dock, grab the staged dock lines, slip the loop off the winch post and move the boat to the farthest point on the dock. This allows others to launch while you are parking.
I carry a garden sprayer with water to douse the hubs, axle, undercarriage / springs and lug nuts. Takes 30 seconds to hit all with clean water after launch. Helps keep the trailer from rusting in the lot while you're out enjoying a day on the water. Do the same for the drive home.
Great tips Jim!
I'm planning on installing a rectangular plastic tank that fits under the bed cover of my pick up, filling it with water and attaching a 12vdc pump with hose and sprayer, and presto.
You forgot to mention to make sure:
1. Have all gear in truck until boat is backed into water then load boat only if other people are waiting to launch thier boat.
2. Be sure to tie your boat up in the ramp area or loading zone ( not off to one of the side areas while you go park the truckand buy snacks and bait or while waiting for other guests that are running late that will be with you that day).
3. When pulling boat out of water, be sure truck remains on the ramp when boat is on trailer to wipe the boat down, secure boat and load gear into truck ( be sure to do this only when others are waiting to launch thier boats or retrieve thier boats.).
4. When arriving at the launch and other boaters are waiting for that ONE guy to get clear of the ramp launching his boat be sure to zoom right past everyone else and launch your boat by craming your trailer beside the other guy so both of you can be launching at the same time!
5. While waiting for your other guests to arrive 20 minutes late be sure to back your boat down the ramp but dont launch the vessel yet. Leaving truck, boat, and trailer on the ramp while waiting for your other guests to arrive.( only do this when other people are there waiting to launch boats also.)
6. Make sure you do all of the above especially on a Saturday. (You get extra points if you do this on a Saturday)!
7. Always launch your boat with the attitude that your day launching your boat and retrieving it is way more important than anyone else that happens to be there wanting to launch or retrieve thier boats).
8. While out on the water be sure when you see another boat anchored with people fishing, to cruise over close enough to hand them a drink and anchor your boat there also. (You get extra points if you do this only on the same side of thier boat that has fishing lines in the water).
9. When spotting an achored boat with people fishing be sure you cruise over to that boat and make at minimum a complete circle around them at least 20mph to mark thier spot more accurately on your fish finder for your next fishing trip.
10. When navigating a waterway with your boat on plane about 30mph near another anchored boat that has people fishing while you are travelling to your next location make SURE to slow down just enough so your boat will fall off plane and bow up as high as it can go so as you make the largest lasting impression long after you are gone past. Nevermind staying fast enough to remain on plane making the smallest wake.
11. Doing all this I mentioned above and you will be percieved as a boating pro with alot of experience and no one will be the wiser. All this is of the most importance on a Saturday because I fish during the weekdays
you forgot when pulling the boat for the season end be sure to hog the middle of the ramp and spend at least 20 minutes fogging your engine.
@Carl Jacobs At least he shares beer whenever he sees "a boat anchored with people fishing in it". Now whether those fishermen enjoy his company is another story.
something i started doing years ago with mudteuck and now with everything especially my boat trailers..coat the threads heavilyr with nickel or copper antiseize (copper is better). no more frozen lugnuts
Thanks for making time to leave the tip.
Agreed... I haven't put a lug nut on ANYTHING in YEARS without it. Not even cars (grew up on salty roads in the mid-west. It takes just a SMALL amount and you can buy it in a tube now. 👍
As one dealing w/ a trailer that saw years of salt water use...I'll be buying my next trailer from Roger. I'm a pretty strong guy, the rust makes it impossible to remove the bolts. They're either stuck in place or so corroded they'll strip in a heartbeat. It's not fun having to cut dozens of 1/2" bolts off. An ounce of prevention can prevent hours of headaches...
@@lupitchr1 heck I used to break most of those studs off by holding four way lug wrench and standing on the other side and slowly jumping up and down a little🤣
As usual you are just brilliant at boat handling at a ramp. Thanks tons j martin
For tying the rope to the truck, I have a large stainless tell snap ring that I just snap to the truck tiedown.
I’m always striving to be the best Dock Wench I can be so thank you for this video.
Same here. I've been politely helping others for years and always welcome another perspective. I am fanatical on cleaning boat. motor, trailer once back at the house. I plan to be adding the lug rinse after in and out. Thanks!
Good video I do a lot of trailer maintenance a trick for your lug nuts that works well for me is to put a bit of marine grease on the stud and lug before you put the lug on .This will let the lug spin right off when needing to change.My trailer is 20 years old and rust is almost inevitable in heavy saltwater use .Just what marks for me
That was perfect and timely. Going to a busy very narrow 1 lane ramp alone for the first time tomorrow. Was a little stressed about it . I purchased the long rope today after this video. Wish me luck. Going to follow your system. I have this idea that everyone is going to be yelling at me to hurry up. Haha.
We hope that the launch goes seamlessly. I'm sure that you'll be launching by yourself faster than most others who have help very soon after some practice:)
Salt Strong well it was a little bumpy but I got the job done. It didn’t help that the local guide was waiting for me to move. I just need more practice I guess.
Excellent video, I learned what I can do with my long launch rope to tie the boat to the dock. ❤
That is awesome!
Great video dude no extra yapping or bull crap music great work
No doubt rinsing your gear helps with corrosion but nothing beats Never-Seez on those lug nuts, it's the first thing I do with new trailers.
Excellent.
For Sure - One of the Most Useful videos on the World Wide Web.
well never mind my comment on the trailer back up tutorial... found the launching tutorial... good job.
I don't even have a boat, and man, this guy has some great tips and tricks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome. That’s exactly the way I’ve always launched my boat and I’m 70 years old. I didn’t know that fancy knot though. I’d use a triple half hitch.
Thanks for your videos .
I really liked your idea of rope from the truck bed . I’m going to do that
Thanks for the demo. I have used this rope method many time to launch by myself. One thing I have found is that if the water levels are high or if the launch ramp is steep, it helps to tie the rope to the tie downs near the cab. Otherwise you’ll be walking in water to get to the rope at the back of the truck, especially if the back wheels are in the water. Also, a nice strong carabiner will substitute for the slip knot. Do you have advice on keeping the boat centered and level on the trailer when pulling it out of the water. Not backing the trailer in too far seems to help but I’m wondering if there’s a trick I don’t know.
The best way to keep the boat centered is by not backing the trailer as far back when pulling out at a ramp with wind or current that will be pushing the boat off to a side.
This is a great video, I like your cautious approach. Thank you for sharing
When docking by myself in a stiff wind I use the power pole as a first mate. I tie up the bow, and the power pole keeps the stern from hitting the dock or swinging wide away from the dock. You can do this simultaneously with a double push on the power pole button and walk to the bow and jump off with the bow line in your hand (tied beforehand to the bow cleat of course).
Really like your boat and trailer set up. Just some suggestions regarding placing boat on trailer. Don’t place trailer so deep; let boat ride up on bunks. Also have trailer as close to dock as possible so you can enter and exit boat from the dock. What would your alternative be if you had an SUV. If done right, and every boat has a learning curve that must be adjusted for varying ramp conditions and tides, you should be able to reach over bow to attach bow to winch cable. If your going to walk on the trailer, get some no skid.
Learn something new everyday, thanks for taking the time out to share 💯
Good Vlog for someone who has a small boat or flatboat. It is difficult to launch and load the large boat with deep vee. I have experience in both boat and smaller boat or flatboat are much easy to do a solo job. Good job.
I do the same thing with a 24 foot pontoon. Nice video!
Thank you for this video. Very well done! I am close to attempting a self launch and self load. -Michael
Glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video! Best of luck for your upcoming self launch and load. Just remember that you're not in a race... take your time to make sure that you don't skip any needed steps.
Nice job. Another tip: When launching, a good indicator that your boat is about to float, is when the trailer fenders are almost submerged.
Also, when exiting the lake, sometimes I leave the boat in gear, low idle, to keep my boat from sliding back off the trailer, hook the nose to the trailer, then after latching the winch, shut the motor down. Perfectly safe as long as your motor isn’t hitting bottom.
This is not true for every boat especially a deep V. Just sayin
Excellent video and instructions
It's nice to have a dock to walk on parallel to the ramp. My favorite launch ramp doesn't have that so a different system is required, especially having a cuddy cabin boat.
@@Steve-yh1pj I actually added a cleat at the middle of the port and starboard side of the boat. When docking, I just tied a short rope from that middle cleat to the dock and the boat wouldn't go anywhere. Of course, my boat was only 16 feet long.
The thing with boats falling of trailers is some people watched too many "how to launch your boat by yourself" videos that say it's okay to disconnect before backing down without mentioning that you should never ever do that if you have rollers in stead of bunks on your trailer.
I use two ropes. One I keep in the truck clipped to the truck. The other I clip to a loop on the end of the bow line. I always keep my bow line a foot shorter than the boat so it can’t get in the prop. I just unclip from the truck and clip the second rope back after I tie the boat.
Thanks for posting the helpful tip Scott.
I launch alone most of the time with a 19'. Same way except tied to the trailer racket (looped around it) AND use a line on the dock side of the stern and tie it to the dock before launching. Prevents the boat from swinging sideways in a stiff wind.
You perform the launchIng sólo just great!!!
Greetings from Sudcalifornia!!
Thanks for the kind words Carlos!
Did this since I was 8 with my dad. Good father son bonding launching boats.
Ramps in Grant FL. Home sweet home. Thanks for the demo.
Awesome video, I plan to use this method next time I go out fishing. Thanks
Good video and advice. Only thing is that most lakes in MI where I live, power loading is illegal. Yeah that sounds dumb but with the sandy bottom of the lakes here ramps get washed out and destroyed easily by power loaders. I wish I could do it but we are limited to pulling the boat on the trailer with rope
This was well demonstrated. Thank you for sharing
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m looking into getting a boat by summer. This will be my first boat. Good video and information
So glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video!
I am going to do my first launch with my 14 foot bass boat this weekend for a leak test, thanks for the video and wish me luck!
make sure:
1. Have all gear in truck until boat is backed into water then load boat only if other people are waiting to launch thier boat.
2. Be sure to tie your boat up in the ramp area or loading zone ( not off to one of the side areas while you go park the truckand buy snacks and bait or while waiting for other guests that are running late that will be with you that day).
3. When pulling boat out of water, be sure truck remains on the ramp when boat is on trailer to wipe the boat down, secure boat and load gear into truck ( be sure to do this only when others are waiting to launch thier boats or retrieve thier boats.).
4. When arriving at the launch and other boaters are waiting for that ONE guy to get clear of the ramp launching his boat be sure to zoom right past everyone else and launch your boat by craming your trailer beside the other guy so both of you can be launching at the same time!
5. While waiting for your other guests to arrive 20 minutes late be sure to back your boat down the ramp but dont launch the vessel yet. Leaving truck, boat, and trailer on the ramp while waiting for your other guests to arrive.( only do this when other people are there waiting to launch boats also.)
6. Make sure you do all of the above especially on a Saturday. (You get extra points if you do this on a Saturday)!
7. Always launch your boat with the attitude that your day launching your boat and retrieving it is way more important than anyone else that happens to be there wanting to launch or retrieve thier boats).
8. While out on the water be sure when you see another boat anchored with people fishing, to cruise over close enough to hand them a drink and anchor your boat there also. (You get extra points if you do this only on the same side of thier boat that has fishing lines in the water).
9. When spotting an achored boat with people fishing be sure you cruise over to that boat and make at minimum a complete circle around them at least 20mph to mark thier spot more accurately on your fish finder for your next fishing trip.
10. When navigating a waterway with your boat on plane about 30mph near another anchored boat that has people fishing while you are travelling to your next location make SURE to slow down just enough so your boat will fall off plane and bow up as high as it can go so as you make the largest lasting impression long after you are gone past. Nevermind staying fast enough to remain on plane making the smallest wake.
11. Doing all this I mentioned above and you will be percieved as a boating pro with alot of experience and no one will be the wiser. All this is of the most importance on a Saturday because I fish during the weekdays
Great tips for one man fishing!
Thanks again Luke!! Percy Priest Lake Nashville Tennessee.. this will help. Never got to go on the boat with dad before he passed. So going solo. Good tips 👍
In Michigan there is no power launching or loading of any kind allowed. Also you have to pick one side of dock or other cannot launch in middle of two docks. I leave the winch hook on & go to my two cleats & tie them on poles then undo both chain & winch clip. Then go back & tighten ropes to how I want them.
Really good my good friend always uses this technique well thought out and proper way to sail
Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment!
I love this. What length line would you suggest? Has to be longer than the length of the trailer I figure right?
Love your videos! I’m new to boating and these help me so much:) thank you!!!!
So glad to see that you enjoyed this boat launching video!
Awesome video as always. Another tip is to disconnect the wiring harness to avoid shorting out the trailer lights. Just remember to reconnect it.
Thanks for adding the helpful tip Matt!
Some trailers like mine have surge brakes and if you disconnect the wiring harness the trailer won’t allow you to back up. The reverse light circuit disengages the trailer brakes. On mine at least.
I'm considering magnetic mount lights (intended for use in towing a car on a tow dolly), since the boat lights (even the "submersible" LED type) are needing replacement every year...
And just pulling the lights off the trailer before putting it in the water.
A decent set of magnet mount lights isn't that much different cost than replacing the lights on the boat trailer.
I never disconnect mine for the last 4 years and its fine.
Excellent tips. Thanks.
Great advice!...I'll remember this when I finally get a boat.
That knot is called a draw hitch.
Actually it’s the highwaymans knot it was used back then by cowboys to tie their horses invade the needed to leave in a rush
Getting it off of the trailer is easy but getting back on can be hard if there is a lot of wind and you have a cap on the truck.
Usually the back end of the truck is over the water and to get off of the trailer and into the truck to pull out means that you have to have boots or get your feet wet.
Awesome video very helpful! Thanks
Good tips. BTW, the "rope" tied to the bow of a boat used to tie it up to a dock or other location is called a "painter".
Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment Emily!
What’s that knot called?
Tks
I second that, great knot but to fast in video
Hi Luke, nice video. Thanks so much. Keep safe and God bless !
Simple, quick and effective if done safely.
Quick addition, try to tie the boat up on the opposite side of your trolling motor if the motor overhangs the gunnel. Saves damage to the motor.
Great video, very helpful ideas. Does anyone know what that knot is called?
Thanks! Not actually sure what the knot is called!!!
can you put vasoline on the lugs to prevent water and salt penetration?
Good tips.Can also put a little dab of a product never sieze on lug bolts for salt rust
The knot you used in the truck is a slip version of the Bowline(pronounced Bow Lynn)
Nice video thanks
Hey Luke, are you going to do a video showing how you solo launch your new (and bigger) boat?
Thanks for this idea. You should learn the mooring hitch---you can tie it one handed and when you yank the tag end it clears the cleat without having to pass fully back through. You've got a slipknot on a bight or just the start of a daisy chain.
Thanks for making this
It's easy when there are piers to tie. The closest to us where we go is only a ramp, but no pier or mooring cleat, just the river bank and stones. This is then much more difficult for the boater himself.
Tieing a safety line fore to aft will help with wind across the beam on the wrong dock side. Just drop it over a post or bollard and you will prevent a blow over onto the other ramp.
Well you can also do instead of adding that cleat to the inside of your truck , you put a big loop in the rope and just put it around where you crank the boat on the winch right there pull the boat in or drive it up like you did hitch up the winch and the chain very great idea with the chain and off you go
Funny that the most rewatched part of this video is the knot tie on the truck cleat. I just did that and practiced with a rope and learned a helpful knot!
Glad we could help!
Nicely Done!
If you have camper shell on truck, have loop In line hook it to winch hook launch then pull up some and get bow line.
Thanks for the tip!
Good video I just got a boat yesterday frist boat took it out had some problems. I think I had trailer to deep and 2 should you trim up or are you in deep enough water that your fine
Wow genius! Thank you for the video!
Thanks for watching!
This is a decent tutorial considering what's out there on boat launching.
👍This is terrific! My little 5 fr 2 in girlie girl self can totally do this by myself. Thank you! 💝
Might want to consider fenders on sides if winds are blowing, otherwise hard scratches on port or starboard side.
The pirate knot is a quick release loop knot used to temporarily attach a rope that needs to be released quickly and easily. To untie this knot, you need to pull at the working end. This knot is often used to temporarily tie an animal or boat to a post.
Ok...now i need to start saving for the boat.
Really good information . Great video 👍 thanks
Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment Michael!