How To Launch A Boat: 7 Easy-To-Follow Steps Before You Set Sail

Launching a boat for the first time can be exciting; however, you need to ensure that you know how to launch a boat yourself before you actually try it.

It may take some practice, but after you get the hang of it, learning to launch a boat into the water will become a breeze to do, and will come in handy for many years to come.

Be sure to follow each step in detail, take your time, and above all else make sure you prioritize safety.

Double check your surrounding make sure no one is in the way of the truck or trailer when the vehicle is in motion, and drive slow as to insure that you don’t harm any piece of your equipment.

If you’re wondering how to launch a boat the right way then follow these 7 steps for a successful boat launch will help you to gain confidence.

7. Slowly drive forward and find a place to park the car

How To Launch A Boat

Load Your Boat And Install The Drain Plug

Make sure everything you need is inside the boat, ready for the launch, and you find a parking spot safe from the boat landing ready for your boat launch. At this time, you need to install the drain plug and remove safety straps. Make sure your key is in the ignition too.

Back Up To The Landing (Stop before the winch is underwater)

Next, you want to drive up next to the boat landing. Make sure you are parallel with the shoreline before you turn away from the boat landing so your vehicle and trailer are perpendicular to the edge of the water. If your trailer and vehicle are straight, it will make backing up easier for you.

Release The Winch And Tie On A Tow Rope

Next, you want to make sure you have released the winch hook and strap from the boat. This part is easier if you have someone with you who can assist. Tie on a tow rope and get someone to hold onto this or tie it to the dock if not.

Back Up Until The Boat Floats

Keep backing up slowly until the boat starts to float. Stop immediately once this happens to avoid causing damage to your vehicle from the water. Please park your vehicle and apply the brake to avoid it rolling into the water.

Guide The Boat Off The Trailer

Use the tow rope to guide the boat into the water and secure using an anchoring point or tying to a deck cleat.

Tie-Down Boat To Dock Or Shore

Make sure your boat is secured to either the dock or shore using the tow rope while driving your vehicle away from the water.

Slowly Drive Forward And Find A Place To Park The Car

Slowly drive away and find a safe parking spot for your car and trailer while you are on the water. Make sure you have your key to start the engine before you leave the shore to avoid a wet dash back to your vehicle to fetch it! Once you are parked, you can board your board and undock it, ready for your adventure on the water.

Check Out This Tutorial on How To Launch A Boat By Yourself

Conclusion

It may be worth taking someone with you until you are confident on how to launch a boat and, of course, how to dock a boat too.

It needs a lot of attention on your part to ensure you follow the correct procedure and make sure that you, any people with you, your vehicle, trailer, and boat are safe and secure at all times and avoid damage.

With practice makes perfect, and before you know it, you will be able to do this quickly and easily without any guidance.