Solo Boating

[AZQCBoater]

The family is not into boating much during the summer months. Hot Busy Arizona lakes. I say forget them and I will go out early and leave them. I love boating heat and all.
So I’m going to be a solo boater. I might bring the dog.
Im nervous about launching and retrieving the boat alone. I’m nervous about tying up the ramp for longer than usual amount of time because I’m alone. Any words of encouragement?

 

[garbageguy]

You can do it!

What're you workin' with? The more we know what you need to do, the more help you'll get - or maybe you're not looking for any advice?

 

[AZQCBoater]

I have a 1996 glastron 205gs anniversary edition bow rider.
most lakes I go to have docks. I have watched youtube videos on how to launch and retrieve myself. Most people have their own way of doing things. I guess I will figure out my routine. Not having anyone to boat with is fine with me.
I might like solo boating for the peace and quiet. I have friends that want to go.
Maybe I will pick up a dock babe and make the wife jeoluous or a quick way to divorce court .

 

[tpenfield]

The family is not into boating much during the summer months. Hot Busy Arizona lakes. I say forget them and I will go out early and leave them. I love boating heat and all.
So I’m going to be a solo boater. I might bring the dog.
Im nervous about launching and retrieving the boat alone. I’m nervous about tying up the ramp for longer than usual amount of time because I’m alone. Any words of encouragement?

Don't be nervous . . . get the dog to help.

 

[AZQCBoater]

I don’t think the 10yr dog will help much.
The family will go sometimes but when it’s reaching 100 degrees out they will opt out. Good thing we can boat year round in AZ

 

[Alumarine]

I often launch and boat by myself.
I never go to busy launches on weekends though, even if I had help.
I've done it enough I'm usually quicker by myself than others with a crew.

Find a quiet launch to practice a bit and you won't have any trouble.

 

[cptbill]

Sometimes I think it's just easier to do it your self , there's only one person to worry about and only one way things are getting done. Enjoy the piece and quite

 

[Cortes100]

I do solo boating, I like the piece and quiet after a busy few days at work. Launching is no problem. Even if it gets busy, I tie the boat up and go park the truck. If someone can't handle that, well, lets just say I'll politely tell them to chill.

Last summer I went out on one of our local lakes early in the morning. Come back several hours later and there's a full blown skiing competition going on right in front of the beach/dock area. Lot's of spectators lining the beach. (the launch was slow, since all the action was out on the water). Whew, talk about pressure. First idle past the course area, then tied up the boat. Walked over to get truck, backed into water. Walk back to boat, and idle her up onto the trailer. Winch the final foot and go park. I've done this many times and it usually goes pretty good. To my amazement, I got a nice cheer from all the spectators on how well I loaded by myself.

So go on your solo runs, and do the best you can at the launch. Don't panic cause that's when you'll forget something. "Most" people can relate and may even offer to lend a hand.

 

[roffey]

I have done it for years and it gets easer every time. My big advice is start up the boat in the driveway and make sure you have everything. May sure you put the plug back in the boat and everything is secure. Once you get to the launch, park the trailer, boat and car so that you can remove the covers and I normally put the key in the ignition. I put the rope on the bow and back the rig into the water until the stern of the boat floats.

Dont rush and take your time.

 

[JimS123]

We are a boating family. That's what we do on weekends. I also like fishing, but the wife does not. OTOH, she has other hobbies that she does solo, so often on weekdays I go fishing solo.

That's my encouragement....but you also need to be edumacated on how to launch and retrieve alone, plus how to safely be out on the water..

First of all, the trailer needs to be set up for trouble free use. I installed Stoltz keel rollers that are self-centering. My bunks are covered with EZSlides. A push off with one finger and the boat launches itself. On retrieval, I merely line the stem up with the aft roller and it cranks on effortlessly, right in the center every time.

When on board I always wear a PFD and use the safety lanyard. I also have an on board VHF and carry a cellphone as well.

My only "problems" are when people see me alone and come over and offer to help. (if you have ever launched a boat you will understand that most people at launch ramps are clueless). I always say "thank you, but I'll be OK", but nevertheless they often grab onto the boat to "help" and thus yank it off my keel roller onto the trailer frame and thus I have to start all over.

You'll be just fine. Just use common sense, stay sober and have fun.

 

[AZQCBoater]

Good tips on wearing a life vest when boating alone.
Maybe one of those personal location beacons for emergencies.

 

[PITBoat]

The family is not into boating much during the summer months.

I've got some that love it, and some that don't much give a flip. My 14YO hasn't missed a trip, and has been a great help to me with the docking and retrieving. I sold my motorcycle to do this, and I had been riding for over 20 years; but I like to see the kids enjoying it so much.

Sometimes I think it's just easier to do it your self , there's only one person to worry about and only one way things are getting done. Enjoy the piece and quite

There's something to be said for that too, sometimes.

 

[Augoose]

IMO, the best ways to be efficient and courteous to your fellow boaters is to do ALL prep in the loading area and be ready to launch shortly after you back down and begin to take up a spot on the ramp itself. The time it takes to back off the trailer, dock and return to your truck is nothing anyone can change and I think everyone is patient for that process as long as you are efficient and are thinking about how your actions impact those around you.
Its the knuckleheads who drive right past the prep area (jumping in front of other boats who are using the prep area as it should be used), back down and then clog up a ramp slot and only then begin prepping their boat, installing drain plugs, loading coolers, dogs, gear, family members, etc. That drives me absolutely crazy because it is just plain ignorant, selfish, rude and unnecessary. Same type of person does this on the way out too - boat hits the trailer and then they sit there on the ramp and unload...
Have fun and enjoy - it will be fine!
Take your keys with you and DOUBLE check your parking brake on the ramp!!

 

[JimS123]

We are blessed with 2 launch ramps, each only 5 minutes from the house. Both can launch 6-8 boats at a time. They used to be crowded on weekends, but since they required an annual $30 permit to use them, they are now literally empty all the time. Everybody goes to the crappy free ramp a few miles away. Thus, I can take my time, stage the boat right on the ramp and there is nobody there to complain.

 

[Bob_VT]

Good tips on wearing a life vest when boating alone.
Maybe one of those personal location beacons for emergencies.

PLEASE get a PFD for your dog too A 10 year old dog will wear out swimming.

https://www.iboats.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=pet+pfd

I have one for my German Shepherd with a handle on the back to help lift him up onto the boat. Yes my crazy dog loves to swim and dives in all the time.

 

[AZQCBoater]

Sorry but I will be using chocks and if someone doesn’t like it to bad. It only takes a couple of minutes to put them in place and pull them. You would be more pissed if my truck ends up in the drink and I have to tie up the ramp because a tow truck is pulling me out.

 

[AZQCBoater]

Good idea about getting the dog a Pfd.
she has short legs and a wide body and sinks like a rock in water. She cannot swim very well.

 

[drrpm]

I usually launch by myself and have the family meet me at the dock. Once you figure out your routine you can launch solo almost as fast as with competent help and definitely faster than with "less than competent help".

 

[Wave34]

Is solo launching doable with a bigger boat, like a 26' cruiser?
The extra weight (7500lb) will make it hard to push and the height will make it easier to catch in the wind.

I never launched my boat at a ramp because I was in a marina,so no experience there... yet.

Since my wife has less vacation days than me, I would like to go alone some times.

 

[dingbat]

Is solo launching doable with a bigger boat, like a 26' cruiser?
The extra weight (7500lb) will make it hard to push and the height will make it easier to catch in the wind

A lot depends on the ramp. Some ramps are easier too deal with than others.

Work wiser, not harder....You have propeller thrust and a winch at your disposal. If your technique requires “pushing” you need to reevaluate your methods.

Most trailers are self centering if submerged to the proper depth.