Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

[AZBoatDreamer]

Newbee Boat owner here.

I back down the boat into the Water. When do I start the I/O Motor? On the trailer or after I pushed the Boat off into deeper Water with my wife on board. If I start the Motor on the trailer how far do I lower the Motor. I'm afraid If I lower the motor all the way down I might hit the bottom of the Ramp with the outdrive. Should I just lower the motor motor far enough to cover the outdrive side inlets and lower all the way down when the boat is in deeper water.

Ok Now for Retrieval. I back down the trailer into the water and my wife drives the boat onto the trailer. When does she raise the Motor? Of course after the motor is off but I fear that the Outdrive might hit the bottom as she is driving the boat onto the trailer.

Ok I have this big fear of hitting the prop and outdrive on the Bottom.

So this is what I did with our first outing out a couple of weeks ago. I back the boat into the water and gave my wife in Boat a good shove into deeper water. I had her lower the motor and start the motor. I parked the trailer and she picked me up at the dock. Before my wife drove the boat onto the trailer I had her raised the motor half way so it doesn't hit the bottom in shallow water. She shut off the motor and raised the motor all the way and I pulled her, boat and trailer out of the water.

Is this a correct way of doing things? I think I need to sit and watch what other people are doing.

Sorry for the long Post. Just trying to avoid any newbee boat damage.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

Not a dumb post at all. With an I/O, you should NEVER start the engine if the outdrive isn't in the water. You will fry the little plastic impeller in the gear housing that sucks the water up to cool the engine. It only takes a few seconds to fry it, so just don't do it. You should, however, start the boat engine on a pair of "muffs" with a garden hose at your house before you leave for the lake to ensure the engine will start and that the battery is charged.

Moving on to launching: Aside from not starting the boat until in the water, you CAN and should start the boat while still connected to the trailer. Once the engine is idling, you can unhook the bow line and reverse or float back off of the trailer. You don't need to lower the outdrive all the way down to start it, but just make sure you keep it no higher than idle when you have the drive up a lot. Once you know you're in the clear depth-wise, you can lower the drive fully.

Retrieving: you can raise the drive when you are idling in towards the trailer. Again, don't move the drive all the way up, but you can raise a good bit. When your boat is on the trailer with the bow line secured, you may then shut the engine off, and raise the outdrive completely up to keep from banging it on the ramp. The boat can be winched the rest of the way up to the bow stop if you didn't reach it under idle engine power.

One last point, while it is important to be aware of the depth and outdrive trim, you'll be happy to know that that big fin underneath the prop is there mainly to protect the prop. It is made of metal and can usually be repaired if it is damaged or broken off as long as the damage isn't too extensive. Only costs about $100 at most prop shops/marinas.

Happy Boating!

 

[golf101]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

I always start the motor before I launch the boat (with the trailer and outdrive in the water). If it's not going to start up, I'd rather not find that out when I can't get it back on the trailer. Also, start the blower even before you back down the ramp to get all the exhaust fumes out of the engine compartment.

What you did on retreival is exactly what I do.

 

[izoomie]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

If there is a dock near the ramp, I always pull the boat off the trailer with the ropes, tie up to the dock, lower the motor then start it. To load the boat, I tie to the dock, shut off the motor, raise the motor then pull the boat onto the trailer with the ropes.

It's a little fussy, and sometimes I get a little wet, but I NEVER hit anything with the prop and I never hurt the motor by running it too high out of the water.

I see lot's of people drive on and off of their trailers, and I find it a little iffy for me.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

Thank you for the tips. Yes I must remember the Blower. I have created a pre launch, Launch, Post Launch Check List. I also I have created a Pre retrieval, Retrieval and Post Retrieval Check list.

Also I do run the motor on muffs and check all boat controls, Gauges, ect at home. I do not want these Items to give me problems at the ramp.

Just to clear something. I never ever run the motor even at Idle without muffs or the Outdrive Inlets out of the water at the lake. Is this correct.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

If there is a dock near the ramp, I always pull the boat off the trailer with the ropes, tie up to the dock, lower the motor then start it. To load the boat, I tie to the dock, shut off the motor, raise the motor then pull the boat onto the trailer with the ropes.

It's a little fussy, and sometimes I get a little wet, but I NEVER hit anything with the prop and I never hurt the motor by running it too high out of the water.

I see lot's of people drive on and off of their trailers, and I find it a little iffy for me.

Yes the lake I was at there was a dock near the ramp but this might not always be the case. Also what if I'm at a multi Lane ramp and Im in the middle lanes. I wouldn't be able to use ropes and pull the boat to the ramp.

Thank you.

 

[basstracker219]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

I lower the boat, dissconect it from the trailer, hold it against the dock(if there is one) and then i start er up.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

i do it like izoomie does...

start it at home.

take it to the lake and launch it and tie it up to the dock. then start. blowers already been running 5 mins. during prep time prior to launch.

retrieve it, tie it to dock and raise drive, get trailer, walk boat onto trailer. winch it up and retrieve it.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

The above posts answer your question, but, let's take it a little further.

Develop a set of launch and retrieve procedures, write them down, follow them until you've mastered the procedures and them review/modify them occasionally to suit your style and boating conditions. You should have at the house, at the boat prep, at the launch, retrieve, prep and then back home again procedures. I can send you mine if you need a start.

Do you have a trim gauge? This will tell you the position of the outdrive. If yes, your gauge should have a set of double lines or similar about 1/3 from the top and a set at the bottom of the gauge. Always make sure the drive is between the two sets of lines when the engine is running and in gear. Never go above idle while the drive is up. Always make sure the bottom of the drive is in water before starting the engine.

I find it best to use a dock line (long enough to reach) when launching and retrieving the boat. Attach one end to a cleat on the boat and the other to someone on shore. Note: like most of the more experienced and practiced boaters, the line stays in the boat and I power away from the trailer and to the trailer. But it's good practice to start safe. I usually back into the water deep enough for the outdrive to be submerged, (note, while the trailer is moving, I keep the drive trimmed all of the way up, once in the water, I trim it down to the upper set of marks, then start the boat with the bow line attached. Unhook the bow line, and put in reverse (idle speed/gauge between the lines). I idle up the trailer with the drive up to the upper set of lines and turn off the engine once the bow line is reattached, and then winch it up. Once the engine is off, I trim the engine all the way up before moving the trailer. Your wife sounds as if she can handle the boat quite well, so you may be ahead of the game. Never allow the boat to be "unattached" to either a person or the trailer without the engine running. You don't want the boat to float away with your wife inside (she'll never let you forget it). Try not to power off and back on the trailer with anything more than idle. Can cause problems/damage at the ramp.

And finally, practice when the ramps are free and not busy.

Hope this helps and good boating!

 

[bill and doris]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

With my 25' pontoon and every other boat I have owned, I always watch the rear of the boat as I'm backing in. When it begins to float I stop. Lower the engine enough to get the inlets covered and get it started. I never untie the front until it is running. Learned that lesson the first time I had to swim after one when the wind helped launch it. I will try to pull it off with the motor, if it won't move I keep going back just until it releases. I note where the trailer is in the water. Reason being I want the boat to contact the bunks/rollers before I hit the front of the trailer with the boat. I have actually gone over the front stop because I had the trailer too deep on the ramp. It gets really bad if you have a tail wind pushing the boat onto the trailer. You want to be in control not some outside force. Before I pull up the ramp I check that I am centered, if not I can use the motor to move it side to side. Get the front tied down before you move. Nothing is more embarrassing than watching your boat slide off your trailer while you rush to get off the ramp.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

So much depends on where you are launching and with whoom. If you have someone backing you in, or if you have to do it all, will dictate the actual sequence.


Just think about it before you go, and be swift at the launch facility. It's not a bad idea to fire it off on the hose in the driveway before you leave to assure that it will start, or run when you get there.

Pull up to the area out of the way, rig the boat (ready it for launch)

wait your turn then back in, launch the boat, and park the boat out of the way for others, and go park the tow vehicle.

The less time that is spent at the docks/ramp the better it is for EVERYONE.

 

[basstracker219]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

So much depends on where you are launching and with whoom. If you have someone backing you in, or if you have to do it all, will dictate the actual sequence.


Just think about it before you go, and be swift at the launch facility. It's not a bad idea to fire it off on the hose in the driveway before you leave to assure that it will start, or run when you get there.

Pull up to the area out of the way, rig the boat (ready it for launch)

wait your turn then back in, launch the boat, and park the boat out of the way for others, and go park the tow vehicle.

The less time that is spent at the docks/ramp the better it is for EVERYONE.

your right there's many different factors that come to play when launching a boat.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

the ramp plays a huge role!!

we have ramps that when the tide goes out far enough you cant float some boats off the trailer...the ramps have huge drop off after the pavement ends...some even have boards added on and still the water can go so low that you are driving on the boards!!!

and on windy days, id NEVER try and launch in a middle ramp!!!!...

I never drive off, and i seldom drive on my trailer...

some ramps have 15 minute time limits and some of your proceedures would eat all of that up!!!! especially if you launch alone!!

bob

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

and then there's the salt water protocol where you keep the axle out of the water....

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

Before purchasing a boat I have done lots of ready about launching and retrieving a boat. What I wasn't clear about was when to start the motor and lower the outdrive.

Our first outing my wife practice and practice driving the boat forwards and backwards at different speeds. We spent almost an hour having her do mock practice trailer loading with the rubber floating buoys. I would have her slowly line the boat up with a buoy and gently touch the buoy with the bow of the boat like she was lineing up with the trailer. After she touched the bow nice and straight, she would back the boat up and do it again. She did it over and over again until she did 3 perfect ones in a row. When it was time to do the real thing she was awesome. It was calm winds so windy conditions will be different.


Thank you

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

I only scanned quickly so if someone mentioned this then sorry for the duplication . . . Here is a tip for getting over the fear of hitting your drive on the ramp. With your truck connected to the trailer at home, check the trim gauge and lower your drive to the point of a few inches above hitting the ground, if you lightly bump the ground during this check you don't have to commit suicide, there is a lot more stress on the drive and transom when you accelerate than a little bump in your driveway When you check the gauge that will be the same position of the drive relative to the launch ramp IF the ramp is flat. It's not going to be closer to the bottom just because it is on a ramp

 

[JimMH]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

since My wife will not back the boat off the trailer or drive it on. I back the boat into the water and climb in. My wife will back me in about another 5 feet and I trim the outdrive down to the top of the trim range. I start the engine at idol and my son disconnects the winch strap. I ease off the trailer and complete trimming the motor down. wife parks the trailer and I pick them up at the courtesy dock.

Loading. I tie up at the dock and go get the tralier back it into the water get the boat and idle around to the ramp, trim the motor up to the top of the trim range when underway and ease up on the trailer. My son then attaches the winch strap, I shut the engine down and trim up to trailer heigh and he completes the winching to the bow stop. See there is a use for a teenager. Wife pulls us to the parking lot.

She has a great fear of hitting something with the boat when close to shore and she refuses to let me teach here how to back up a trailer. Oh Well I still love her and she does love the water.

 

[made in china]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

don't forget the plugs!

 

[izoomie]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

This thread proves without a doubt that there are as many ways to launch a boat as there are boat owners.

That's why the boat ramp is so entertaining.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Launching / Retrieving questions

Yes the Plug is at the top of my Pre Launch checklist.


Thanks QC for the driveway trim advance.

I have no plans for my wife to back up the boat into the water and pull the boat and trailer out. Im good at backing things because I have a travel trailer and gotten very good at backing that up. Backing up a boat is nothing compared to the travel trailer. The only big differance is I have moving trailers and boats all around me.

Thanks as always for the terrific advance.