Thank you for explaining and showing the boat plug. Other videoed express the importance of making sure the plug is on right, but fail to explain why or don’t show it. It might seems like common sense to many, but not everyone has basic boating knowledge.
God never ceases to amaze me. I just so happened to buy a 16’ Seaark boat today. The first video to come up on my eye pad tonight was Captain Stephens excellent detailed instructional video on launching a boat. The seller gave ma a quick crash course but as usual Stephen is a great teacher. thanks Stephen for a great timely video which will help me a lot. Best regards Dr D
Great job on the boat launch👍👍 Very detailed and so accurate... I work at a state park on a river and our launch has a lot of side current. If you need entertainment on a Sunday afternoon all you gotta do is sit and watch people try to launch n trailer their boats. Its surprising what you see...dead batteries straps still on no plugs boats won't start. A little precheck goes a long way!!!
Thank you so much for making this video. Especially on the pre-launch prep. I don't care who you are. A boat ramp is a constant form of free entertainment.
Steve I really appreciate this educational video. Would like to see how you did the hitch knot on the pillar when tying off the boat. What would be really awesome is when you bring the boat back in to load it back on the trailer. Maybe a Part Two segment. Much appreciation to you!!!
Thanks for going over the boat launching technique. I know that when dealing with a boat I extremely needing to get my memory to remember to do the right things.
I have a fifteen footer which I’ve launched on my own in some 21 different places, a few over 60 miles away, most without a dock, and more than one with no ramp at all. Your video details exactly how to launch a boat alone; some additional suggestions/ideas: 1 - Do an equipment checklist and keep it in your cellphone or print it and cover it in plastic. 2 - Take along an infrared no-contact thermometer to check the temperature of the ball bearings of the trailer wheels. Check them before you leave and after the first 5-10 minutes on the road. Also, let the bearings cool off a bit before they go in the water. 3- Disconnect the trailer lights; it’s not a good idea to get them wet or use them wet. 4 - I have Cherokees, and I open up the rear hatch lift gate so I can see better backing down the ramp. On a pickup, maybe lower the tailgate. 5 - I don’t motor the boat off the trailer, so I have extra-long bow and stern lines tied to the boat and thrown loose on the dock. 6 - Back at home, rinse down the trailer with Salt Away or whatever you use, especially the wheel nuts and all the other bolts that are not aluminum. Let dry then spray 6-66 on the winch, the hitch, the wheel nuts, and around the rims where they meet the tire rubber - both sides of the wheels. On the trailer lights, spray 6-66 on the little bolts that attach the lights to the frame, and on the last inch of the wiring where it goes into the light. Every so often, spray silicone on the tires. My trailer is going on 22 years, all on salt water. 7 - Also rinse Salt Away on whatever part of your car got wet or splashed with saltwater, such as rear wheels, brakes, wheel wells, rear suspension and underside, and maybe the muffler, and so on. I’ve had to wash the front wheels and brakes. I’m not the only one who’s put the boat in the water without the stern plug, so beware!
Brother, you did a phenomenal job with this instructional video. I bought my boat back in March and I’m finally getting comfortable with solo launches. It just takes practice; patience; and due diligence. I’ve watched other videos that were helpful, but really enjoyed this one. Thanks sir!
Great Video! Lots of helpful tips. Especially having your Boat ready to go BEFORE You back into the Ramp! I would also suggest to new Boat owners to practice at off peak activity times if possible. For example mid day, mid week. That way you can take all the time you need without feeling pressured by other boaters in a hurry. Just My two cents. Tight Lines!
Good job son that gives me hope for myself and knowledge in case I have to do that one day on my own, very informative and educational. Lol knowing my luck I might forget the drain plug.
Only had my Scout 175 Sportfish for 3 months but went out in my cousins often which is bigger and had experience in that. But still took him out with me for 1st 3 times so I knew what I was doing. Now go out often and things become like automatic.
This is such good information. I know you're not in the Scout anymore but I currently have a 17ft Scout and also fish in the gulf (weather permitting).
So way... back when I had my first boat a friend and I were coming home from fishing and we ran thru one of those rain storms that have you down to 20mph because you can't see out the windshield. Only lasted 5 min. or less then it was back up to speed. When I came into town at the first stop light I stopped just like always. After 3 or 4 seconds the truck jumped straight thru the light into the middle of the intersection like we had been rear ended. Then about 300 gallons of water, my tackle box and one fishing pole landed on the roof and hood of my truck. Because I had the plug still in the boat the boat filled up with enough water that it sloshed forward with enough force to push me into the intersection. Thankfully no one was in the intersection at the time and we avoided an accident but talk about an eye opener. After we got out and gathered everything that flew out of the boat there was still a good 6" of water in the boat. I don't think I could have put that much water in that short of time in the boat with a garden hose. I have since been told that in Pa. you are required by law to remove the plug when trailering on the road. I never verified this as it doesn't matter to me one way or the other now. The plug always comes out when I'm trailering. Now the only thing I do different than you when launching is I tie my bow line to the dock and let the boat float off, pull the trailer back out then walk back and secure the boat to the dock. Great video.
That's crazy but anything can happen for sure! The good thing about my Scout is it's a self bailing hull, so majority of the water (whether rain or waves) it takes on, drains through the scuppers overboard instead of into the bilge. But my previous boat solely relied on the bilge pump, therefore that plug would come out all the time haha. Also, a lot of different states and lakes you go to require you to have a dry hull, ( such as when I was stationed in Texas, we had Zebra mussels infestation). So then, the plug would be removed as to not transfer the contaminates into another body of water. Everywhere is different for sure. Thanks you for sharing.
Nice video! Just found your channel. I would recommend chocking the truck wheels so the truck doesn't roll back if the brakes fail or for those with bigger boats. Just my two cents. Keep the videos coming 👍🏼
Great video! Loaded with awesome tips! However, I’d like to share a couple things. 1. Location, I’m in Easter Nc and none of the ramps look like the one in your video with huge pylons, with that being said, the ramps are generally easily accessible almost flat. A long line connected to a cleat inside the bed of the truck to catch the boat as it clears the trailer then small dock bungee type lines already connected to front and back cleats of the boat, tie down, drop start engine, disconnect long line from boat toss is back of truck drive off. There’s even some ramps here with no dock at all just a hole cut out in the woods, in that instance the line from the truck is the only way
@@BamaSaltwater Agreed. Does well here in Florida on the east coast. I use it in the Indian River Lagoon and ocean side on decent days. Keep up the good work. Your channel is getting better as it grows. Nice job.👍
You left out the fun part. Climbing up onto the bed of the truck and then onto the trailer and boat while not getting your feet wet. Reverse when re-loading…lol. Not bad for someone your age but can be a challenge for a seventy year old…lol
Haha, yup! Every ramp, tide, current during the day is different ! I like those ramps that make it nice, dry and easy haha (unfortunately many are not). It definitely takes a toll on the body. Boat's are work haha! Thank you for watching!
Hopefully by the time they're over 50 years old they know how to do the bumping slide... Bump the brakes... Slide the boat off the trailer while it's attached to a long enough rope that you can pull the truck out some without getting wet! Nonetheless great video young man. Tight Lines and Full Limits To Ya. 🎣
The only thing I’ve changed, is that I leave the safety chain on. I took it off and backed down a steep ramp, and my winch gear shattered and my boat rolled off onto the back bottom edge. It gives a little bit of slack and once it’s in the water it’s easy to unhook.
This is great info. I watched an older gentleman nearly lose his trailer at low tide when he got to the end of the ramp. The drop off caused the tongue to pop right off the hitch ball, but his safety chain saved the day. Luckily I was just within earshot and we were able to pull it back in.
No matter how many times you launch you can still have a bad day. Pushed off the dock a few months ago without my lanyard. Took me a solid minute to realize why she wouldnt crank. I now keep that in the boat and start the motor prior to pushing off. Luckily my boats small enough that I was able to paddle back against the the current. Definitely my biggest oops moment to date.
Minn Kota Model Number : 1862051 (MKA-55) Really simple to install, you can cut it down to size with a Dremel, and it works great. Wish I had it installed a while ago.
When I leave the boats at home and shore fish I do so near a ramp. I hope none of those that use that ramp are watching because there would go my ENTAINMENT between bites-and believe me there's plenty of entertainment at that one ramp launch.
@@21outdoors Bay County, Parker, Gilbert Park. And it's not just the qualified captains that provide it, the dock forces some of it and the fishermen using the dock don't realize that first and foremost it's a boat ramp dock-not a fishing dock. Michael took half of it so they tore it out and started from scratch. It's a static dock, and they built it to high for even the highest high tides. No cross-ties between the pilings and boats can and do end up shoved partially under it. Low tides, even with the added short step around the end, it can be a long way to a gunnel, in or out. They also moved it back further from the side of the ramp and those that think they have to back in as close to the dock as possible find their trailers sitting on it's axles. Then there's those that want to stop and watch things from their cars thinking a pull vehicle and trailer should be able to get through the space they leave for a Versa. 20 yards to the side there's a mangrove hole, have filled my limit of slots in 15 min. Another 25-30 yards there's enough beach to easily set up and pull in slot-and above-reds, trout, and everything else you'd find in a deep bay. Lived a long time less than a mile away, there 7-10 times a week. Now I'm on a different bay so I don't get there as often but still do, I dislike that ramp but there's a huge quantity of reds in that bay so I do use it. And after telling morons I needed to get into/out of the dock area I've taken all the lines and some poles off it. A lot of regulars don't even make a request or warning any longer, just let them learn the hard way. I don't know how they find it but there's always a lot of newbies with rod/reel combos with tags still hanging.
Most ramps I do not, I've rarely have an issue retrieving or backing up! But I am prepared if need be to do so. Sometimes the sand can pile up on this specific ramp and I've had to go in 4Hi before.
I have been boating for 30 years and my best advice is to not go alone. Launching can be done fairly easy alone but taking boat out will be a challenge. Climbing in and out of front of boat and walking the plank is too dangerous for my limited body.
You didn't show how you got in the boat after you had it in the water cause your truck was right up to water edge. Did you walk in the water, I have a bunk trailer also but get close to about a foot from water, tie boat to pier with slack in rope, continue to back in, then it floats off trailer, then get out of truck & securely tie boat against pier but I take winch rope off completely when backing to water. Like you said everyone for the most part has their own way.
I bought a boat a year ago and have used it once. Haven’t taken it out since cause when loading and unloading I cannot keep my boat straight. The front always goes either left or right and it takes me about 15 tries lol. Any tips?
Possibly slow it down when approaching the trailer. Also, keep an eye on that engine and make sure it's straight as approaching the trailer. If you're already going slow, maybe increase the throttle a little bit and make sure you center yourself on the trailer (by looking at your roller/winch).
Caleb, the short answer to your question is to learn and understand trailer control. My tip? Pick up a couple of those orange rubber highway safety cones, find an empty school parking lot,, set them up and practice on a weekend when the school lot is empty/unused. Practice makes perfect . Having inside electric controlled adjustable mirrors really helps . Keep your eyes on the relationship (distance) between the rear of the trailer and the cones.Remember: Small movements with the steering wheel =small trailer movements. Practice practice, practice , after a while it will become intuitive. Always maintain trailer speed /direction control. You will eventually find that everything works out better when the tow vehicle and trailer are alligned straight from the start. You can always stop/ pull forward/ realign/regroup.😉😉 Good Luck !
Great video, and awesome advice, there is nothing worse than a bonehead prepping their boat on the ramp. I have had a boat for 3 years and just started launching by myself.
... That is because of one or two things or a combination of the two things. 1. Roller trailers lets the boat- ROLL as apposed to bunk trailers typically hold the boat (depending on the steepness of the ramp witch brings us to the second one) 2. Ramp angle or steepness. . For sure, do not disengage the gear on the bow wench disconnect or the boat from the bow wench hook when using a roller trailer and or it is a steep ramp until the boat is in the water. .
![Boating Basics; How to Launch and Retrieve Your Boat [Inboard Boat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kS2LgMNWXuY/mqdefault.jpg)
To me, the best advice you gave was leaving the window open and the reasoning behind it. Thanx!
Thank you for explaining and showing the boat plug. Other videoed express the importance of making sure the plug is on right, but fail to explain why or don’t show it. It might seems like common sense to many, but not everyone has basic boating knowledge.
Thank you ,you have a informative and easy manner. this will help me a lot. Thanks again.
I’ve been a bass boat owner for 20+ years - the steps and best practices you shared were PERFECT! Love your channel.
God never ceases to amaze me. I just so happened to buy a 16’ Seaark boat today. The first video to come up on my eye pad tonight was Captain Stephens excellent detailed instructional video on launching a boat. The seller gave ma a quick crash course but as usual Stephen is a great teacher. thanks Stephen for a great timely video which will help me a lot. Best regards Dr D
Very informative! Great video. Would also like to see some pointers on navigating the bay and understanding the tide etc… thanks
Great job on the boat launch👍👍 Very detailed and so accurate... I work at a state park on a river and our launch has a lot of side current. If you need entertainment on a Sunday afternoon all you gotta do is sit and watch people try to launch n trailer their boats. Its surprising what you see...dead batteries straps still on no plugs boats won't start. A little precheck goes a long way!!!
Bless you brother! Great how to!
Thank you so much for making this video. Especially on the pre-launch prep. I don't care who you are. A boat ramp is a constant form of free entertainment.
Yes, I agree! Especially during the busy season, with wind, current, etc. hahaha. Appreciate your comment, thanks for watching!
Yes what you said is spot on. Especially the plug I keep 3 spares just in case the gremlins take the lol 😆
Gremlins , they wear the cloaking suits 🤣🤣 and they're everywhere.
Steve I really appreciate this educational video. Would like to see how you did the hitch knot on the pillar when tying off the boat. What would be really awesome is when you bring the boat back in to load it back on the trailer. Maybe a Part Two segment. Much appreciation to you!!!
I agree he explains things well.
Thank you for commenting, loading the boat video is in the works for sure!
Great tips video
FINALLY the video I wanted to see. This is the most nervous thing about being a new boat owner.
Glad you enjoyed it ! It's definitely something that's seems difficult but with practice, should be something you get better and better.
Thanks for going over the boat launching technique. I know that when dealing with a boat I extremely needing to get my memory to remember to do the right things.
I believe your the only one that's shown this. A need to know for fishing.
This is exactly what I needed! I'm in the market for a boat! If you come to tampa area lmk il put you on some fish! Tight lines!
I have a fifteen footer which I’ve launched on my own in some 21 different places, a few over 60 miles away, most without a dock, and more than one with no ramp at all. Your video details exactly how to launch a boat alone; some additional suggestions/ideas:
1 - Do an equipment checklist and keep it in your cellphone or print it and cover it in plastic.
2 - Take along an infrared no-contact thermometer to check the temperature of the ball bearings of the trailer wheels. Check them before you leave and after the first 5-10 minutes on the road. Also, let the bearings cool off a bit before they go in the water.
3- Disconnect the trailer lights; it’s not a good idea to get them wet or use them wet.
4 - I have Cherokees, and I open up the rear hatch lift gate so I can see better backing down the ramp. On a pickup, maybe lower the tailgate.
5 - I don’t motor the boat off the trailer, so I have extra-long bow and stern lines tied to the boat and thrown loose on the dock.
6 - Back at home, rinse down the trailer with Salt Away or whatever you use, especially the wheel nuts and all the other bolts that are not aluminum. Let dry then spray 6-66 on the winch, the hitch, the wheel nuts, and around the rims where they meet the tire rubber - both sides of the wheels. On the trailer lights, spray 6-66 on the little bolts that attach the lights to the frame, and on the last inch of the wiring where it goes into the light. Every so often, spray silicone on the tires. My trailer is going on 22 years, all on salt water.
7 - Also rinse Salt Away on whatever part of your car got wet or splashed with saltwater, such as rear wheels, brakes, wheel wells, rear suspension and underside, and maybe the muffler, and so on. I’ve had to wash the front wheels and brakes.
I’m not the only one who’s put the boat in the water without the stern plug, so beware!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing. Salt Away works great ! I use it on my reels as well.
Thank you for taking the time to share this!
Brother, you did a phenomenal job with this instructional video. I bought my boat back in March and I’m finally getting comfortable with solo launches. It just takes practice; patience; and due diligence. I’ve watched other videos that were helpful, but really enjoyed this one. Thanks sir!
Thank you, practice/doing It almost every day is definitely true! Thank you for commenting and appreciate you watching !
Great Video! Lots of helpful tips. Especially having your Boat ready to go BEFORE You back into the Ramp! I would also suggest to new Boat owners to practice at off peak activity times if possible. For example mid day, mid week. That way you can take all the time you need without feeling pressured by other boaters in a hurry. Just My two cents. Tight Lines!
Yessir!! Thanks!
Really appreciate the tutorial
Good job son that gives me hope for myself and knowledge in case I have to do that one day on my own, very informative and educational. Lol knowing my luck I might forget the drain plug.
For new boaters, dont talk about it be about it! You can't get the experience you need unless you actually do it . Be safe and have fun
Thanks. Great informative video. That helps reduce some of the anxiety associated with a launch.
Glad to help!! Thank you
Thanks brother that was a lot of good information.
Appreciate it!
Only had my Scout 175 Sportfish for 3 months but went out in my cousins often which is bigger and had experience in that. But still took him out with me for 1st 3 times so I knew what I was doing. Now go out often and things become like automatic.
Very informative. Thanks
This is such good information. I know you're not in the Scout anymore but I currently have a 17ft Scout and also fish in the gulf (weather permitting).
So way... back when I had my first boat a friend and I were coming home from fishing and we ran thru one of those rain storms that have you down to 20mph because you can't see out the windshield. Only lasted 5 min. or less then it was back up to speed. When I came into town at the first stop light I stopped just like always. After 3 or 4 seconds the truck jumped straight thru the light into the middle of the intersection like we had been rear ended. Then about 300 gallons of water, my tackle box and one fishing pole landed on the roof and hood of my truck. Because I had the plug still in the boat the boat filled up with enough water that it sloshed forward with enough force to push me into the intersection. Thankfully no one was in the intersection at the time and we avoided an accident but talk about an eye opener. After we got out and gathered everything that flew out of the boat there was still a good 6" of water in the boat. I don't think I could have put that much water in that short of time in the boat with a garden hose. I have since been told that in Pa. you are required by law to remove the plug when trailering on the road. I never verified this as it doesn't matter to me one way or the other now. The plug always comes out when I'm trailering. Now the only thing I do different than you when launching is I tie my bow line to the dock and let the boat float off, pull the trailer back out then walk back and secure the boat to the dock. Great video.
That's crazy but anything can happen for sure! The good thing about my Scout is it's a self bailing hull, so majority of the water (whether rain or waves) it takes on, drains through the scuppers overboard instead of into the bilge. But my previous boat solely relied on the bilge pump, therefore that plug would come out all the time haha. Also, a lot of different states and lakes you go to require you to have a dry hull, ( such as when I was stationed in Texas, we had Zebra mussels infestation). So then, the plug would be removed as to not transfer the contaminates into another body of water. Everywhere is different for sure. Thanks you for sharing.
Nice video! Just found your channel. I would recommend chocking the truck wheels so the truck doesn't roll back if the brakes fail or for those with bigger boats. Just my two cents. Keep the videos coming 👍🏼
Great advice ! Especially on those steeper ramps! I probably forgot to mention, my Parking brake gets engaged every time ! Thanks for watching .
Great video! Loaded with awesome tips!
However, I’d like to share a couple things.
1. Location, I’m in Easter Nc and none of the ramps look like the one in your video with huge pylons, with that being said, the ramps are generally easily accessible almost flat.
A long line connected to a cleat inside the bed of the truck to catch the boat as it clears the trailer then small dock bungee type lines already connected to front and back cleats of the boat, tie down, drop start engine, disconnect long line from boat toss is back of truck drive off.
There’s even some ramps here with no dock at all just a hole cut out in the woods, in that instance the line from the truck is the only way
Great job! Thank you very much for all the information. Glad I found your channel.
Nice video. I have the same Scout 177 and more or less launch the same way. Love my Scout. Great little skiff.
It's a very versatile boat and made extremely well. Not too many things I would change
@@BamaSaltwater Agreed. Does well here in Florida on the east coast. I use it in the Indian River Lagoon and ocean side on decent days. Keep up the good work. Your channel is getting better as it grows. Nice job.👍
@@danielbranam8503 That's awesome, and thank you much!
Like your first calv hat
Thanks!
That what I learning every day
Great video, I’ve been thinking about buying a small boat and this video is great information. Especially since I fish the same water.
Glad I could help you!
Dude keep it up im in Mississippi and love your videos!
Thanks for the support!!
Great video for the ones that don't launch there boats alone , I know several people , that wount go by there self , because of this reason ,
It's a daunting task but completely doable for sure! Thanks for commenting.
You left out the fun part. Climbing up onto the bed of the truck and then onto the trailer and boat while not getting your feet wet. Reverse when re-loading…lol. Not bad for someone your age but can be a challenge for a seventy year old…lol
Haha, yup! Every ramp, tide, current during the day is different ! I like those ramps that make it nice, dry and easy haha (unfortunately many are not). It definitely takes a toll on the body. Boat's are work haha! Thank you for watching!
Hopefully by the time they're over 50 years old they know how to do the bumping slide... Bump the brakes... Slide the boat off the trailer while it's attached to a long enough rope that you can pull the truck out some without getting wet! Nonetheless great video young man. Tight Lines and Full Limits To Ya. 🎣
Thank you !!!
Millions of people with more money than brains need to watch this video
The only thing I’ve changed, is that I leave the safety chain on. I took it off and backed down a steep ramp, and my winch gear shattered and my boat rolled off onto the back bottom edge. It gives a little bit of slack and once it’s in the water it’s easy to unhook.
This is great info. I watched an older gentleman nearly lose his trailer at low tide when he got to the end of the ramp. The drop off caused the tongue to pop right off the hitch ball, but his safety chain saved the day. Luckily I was just within earshot and we were able to pull it back in.
Great advice ! On steeper ramps, I usually do. Never know when something is going to fail! Thanks for sharing.
@@shadyg8728 My actual trailer safety chains never come off. That's definitely a bad situation for sure!
You know your stuff 😏
Perfect timing … the day I got my flats boat
Awesome!!!! Have fun, be safe, and go catch some fish !!!
Thanks appreciate it dude !!
Step one on a solo trip? File a float plan or leave an itinerary with a friend.
Always!
No matter how many times you launch you can still have a bad day. Pushed off the dock a few months ago without my lanyard. Took me a solid minute to realize why she wouldnt crank. I now keep that in the boat and start the motor prior to pushing off. Luckily my boats small enough that I was able to paddle back against the the current. Definitely my biggest oops moment to date.
awesome job but half-hitches around the jetty?
Did I say Jetty? I meant piling haha
To me the best part of your videos is where are you thank God at the end of it
And, don't forget all of your safety gear, and make sure you have your fishing license in a waterproof bag that Floats.....
I need to add that!
Exactly! and hahahahaha, yes, a floating container for the license is a must, Thanks for commenting !
Show how you clean motor after you le a ve the water
What trolling motor do you have ? It’s set up etc like batteries? Spring I want to install one on my boat. Just trying to learn before I’m ready.
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow Mount Trolling Motor with i-Pilot - 24/80/60"
@@BamaSaltwater that’s what I’m gonna go with. Thanks !
Did i notice the pin for the ball hitch lock missing?
Getting a new one, old one was rusty and off of my old boat trailer haha
What kind of trolling motor support do you have on the head for support when in transport?
Minn Kota Model Number : 1862051 (MKA-55) Really simple to install, you can cut it down to size with a Dremel, and it works great. Wish I had it installed a while ago.
@@BamaSaltwater thank you! Love the channel. Keep up the great work!
When I leave the boats at home and shore fish I do so near a ramp. I hope none of those that use that ramp are watching because there would go my ENTAINMENT between bites-and believe me there's plenty of entertainment at that one ramp launch.
What ramp is that
@@21outdoors Bay County, Parker, Gilbert Park.
And it's not just the qualified captains that provide it, the dock forces some of it and the fishermen using the dock don't realize that first and foremost it's a boat ramp dock-not a fishing dock.
Michael took half of it so they tore it out and started from scratch. It's a static dock, and they built it to high for even the highest high tides. No cross-ties between the pilings and boats can and do end up shoved partially under it. Low tides, even with the added short step around the end, it can be a long way to a gunnel, in or out. They also moved it back further from the side of the ramp and those that think they have to back in as close to the dock as possible find their trailers sitting on it's axles. Then there's those that want to stop and watch things from their cars thinking a pull vehicle and trailer should be able to get through the space they leave for a Versa.
20 yards to the side there's a mangrove hole, have filled my limit of slots in 15 min. Another 25-30 yards there's enough beach to easily set up and pull in slot-and above-reds, trout, and everything else you'd find in a deep bay.
Lived a long time less than a mile away, there 7-10 times a week. Now I'm on a different bay so I don't get there as often but still do, I dislike that ramp but there's a huge quantity of reds in that bay so I do use it. And after telling morons I needed to get into/out of the dock area I've taken all the lines and some poles off it. A lot of regulars don't even make a request or warning any longer, just let them learn the hard way. I don't know how they find it but there's always a lot of newbies with rod/reel combos with tags still hanging.
Do you lock into 4wd when you launch Incase the ramp is slick?
Most ramps I do not, I've rarely have an issue retrieving or backing up! But I am prepared if need be to do so. Sometimes the sand can pile up on this specific ramp and I've had to go in 4Hi before.
I have been boating for 30 years and my best advice is to not go alone. Launching can be done fairly easy alone but taking boat out will be a challenge. Climbing in and out of front of boat and walking the plank is too dangerous for my limited body.
You didn't show how you got in the boat after you had it in the water cause your truck was right up to water edge. Did you walk in the water, I have a bunk trailer also but get close to about a foot from water, tie boat to pier with slack in rope, continue to back in, then it floats off trailer, then get out of truck & securely tie boat against pier but I take winch rope off completely when backing to water. Like you said everyone for the most part has their own way.
I bought a boat a year ago and have used it once. Haven’t taken it out since cause when loading and unloading I cannot keep my boat straight. The front always goes either left or right and it takes me about 15 tries lol. Any tips?
Possibly slow it down when approaching the trailer. Also, keep an eye on that engine and make sure it's straight as approaching the trailer. If you're already going slow, maybe increase the throttle a little bit and make sure you center yourself on the trailer (by looking at your roller/winch).
Caleb, the short answer to your question is to learn and understand trailer control.
My tip?
Pick up a couple of those orange rubber highway safety cones, find an empty school parking lot,, set them up and practice on a weekend when the school lot is empty/unused.
Practice makes perfect . Having inside electric controlled adjustable mirrors really helps . Keep your eyes on the relationship (distance) between the rear of the trailer and the cones.Remember: Small movements with the steering wheel =small trailer movements.
Practice practice, practice , after a while it will become intuitive. Always maintain trailer speed /direction control. You will eventually find that everything works out better when the tow vehicle and trailer are alligned straight from the start.
You can always stop/ pull forward/ realign/regroup.😉😉 Good Luck !
Great video, and awesome advice, there is nothing worse than a bonehead prepping their boat on the ramp. I have had a boat for 3 years and just started launching by myself.
Thank you, I agree ! haha. It just takes practice for sure!
First, lol!
Awesome ! Appreciate it!!!!
@@BamaSaltwater You're a darling. I hope you get a million subscribers!
Nooooo, never undo safety chain before boat is in the water. Seen plenty boats fall off trailers and land on ramp because of this.
... That is because of one or two things or a combination of the two things.
1. Roller trailers lets the boat- ROLL as apposed to bunk trailers typically hold the boat (depending on the steepness of the ramp witch brings us to the second one)
2. Ramp angle or steepness.
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For sure, do not disengage the gear on the bow wench disconnect or the boat from the bow wench hook when using a roller trailer and or it is a steep ramp until the boat is in the water.
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