I have some explaining to do

[Hansolo99]

Re: I have some explaining to do

Great checklist. I just printed it out!!

 

[Stachi]

Re: I have some explaining to do

I cross my stern straps as it will keep boat from hopping from side to side if I hit a large bump while trailering....

 

[seaboo]

Re: I have some explaining to do

Just more advice, place a set of truck keys on the boat key ring, and a set of boat keys on the truck ring. I've done this and NEVER needed the spare set, but I've seen friends have to call a locksmith out to them because their truck keys have wound up @ the bottom of the lake (and also, get to the lake ONLY to have to go back home, get the boat keys, then come back).

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: I have some explaining to do

Unplug your trailer lights before submerging the trailer. Nothing is waterproof. An underwater short is a bad thing.

 

[Stachi]

Re: I have some explaining to do

Unplug your trailer lights before submerging the trailer. Nothing is waterproof. An underwater short is a bad thing.

I agree, the LEAST you will do is blow a fuse on your tow vehicle....don't ask me how I learned that....

 

[Stachi]

Re: I have some explaining to do

Just more advice, place a set of truck keys on the boat key ring, and a set of boat keys on the truck ring. I've done this and NEVER needed the spare set, but I've seen friends have to call a locksmith out to them because their truck keys have wound up @ the bottom of the lake (and also, get to the lake ONLY to have to go back home, get the boat keys, then come back).

sensible idea, but I go one further...I lock my tow vehicle keys in my truck , would hate to loose ALL my other keys in an unfortunate accident...(falling in the water, boat swamping, Murphy's Law stuff)

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: I have some explaining to do

Great checklist but perhaps there is a better place to post it than in the midst of a Stupid Human Tricks thread (suggestions?)

Among all-star SHT boo-boos I would add check for keys and verify battery charge to PRE-DEPARTURE and to make sure I was prepared to deal with the increasing possibility of owning (surprise!) a self locking tow vehicle.

Another PREP item might be to ensure the shifter is in neutral because it seems to be hard to think of in the midst of dockside no-start panic. I've helped with one, have heard about it causing two pullouts and one battery purchase. And no, this is not a confession, I've only made every other error...

It seems I'm most likely to err if I have plenty of help. I'm thinking that a laminated checklist might be just the thing to give would-be helpers something to read while leaving me responsible to do it.

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: I have some explaining to do

Cool to hear you're practicing all that launching stuff. That'll save you from being red-faced a time or two I bet.

I like the idea about navigating around a a mooring ball or something too. I got that one by necessity.

I moor my 40' houseboat, which often means navigating near to it with adjustments made for wind, then leaving the controls and grabbing the mooring line.
I usually float right up to it.

Being on a mooring also means touch and go's picking people up/dropping them off (usually in the middle of the night after they've been drinking), bringing the bow of the boat right up to a dock so people can hop off before I back away. I couldn't do the dock thing if I didn't have practice with the mooring, so there's another testament to the advantages of running that drill.