how to launch alone

[Big Wig]

I am a fairly new boater and I'd like to be able to go out alone or with my 6 year old son. I've never had to launch my boat alone. I usually back it down the ramp, walk on the tongue of the trailer to unhook it then handline it off the trailer (I have a 15 foot center console) ... but this only works if there's a dock.

I'd like some tips on launching the boat by myself and I'd also like to learn how to make a long rope with a clip on the end of it... this way I can hook the clip to the boat, tie the other end to the trailer, back down until the boat floats then pull up slowly.

Any avice on doing this right (and safely) and making my rope would really be appreciated. I really want to get good at this!

Thanks
Jay

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to launch alone

i do very much as you described. i have a 30 foot bow line, i get to the ramp, disconnect winch, make sure the bow line is not tangled, clip it to the winch stand, back down as the boat begins to float i tap the brakes, and the boat floats off, i pull up just enough to get the bow line, without getting wet, then walk the boat to dock or bank, tie it off. then move trailer.

you have one other thing to worry about. where do you leave the son. in the vehicle, where he could accidentially hit the gears shift. on the bank, in the boat. you have to decide for yourself, what to do. the boats the easy part.

i launch alone most of the time, as Sylvia, is no help. does not take direction, and does not remember from one time to the other.

 

[Big Wig]

Re: how to launch alone

OK, that's how I'll plan to do it. Where to leave my son is easy: definitely not in the truck! He actually does really well staying on the shore close to the dock... I put his life jacket on while we're at the staging area.

How do I make a splice to create such a rope?

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: how to launch alone

I have a dock, get your flip flops on and shorts. Back the boat in water just as it floats. Get out of truck un hook the front of boat jump in start up go dock it. Then go to truck and park that sucker.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: how to launch alone

I launch by myself quite a bit and use the method that TD described. The only thing that I would add is that I use a wheel chock all of the time, in addition to placing the transmission in park and firmly setting the parking brake, before getting out of the car. I also leave the engine running and, when I can, leave the driver's door open. I do these things to enable me to react to any sign of the vehicle slipping on the ramp, as quickly as possible.

As for your child, never leave him in the car (especially not buckled into a car seat) while you are moving on or off the ramp, or are out of the car. He should be outside of it, in a properly sized and fastened PFD. I have a three year old who often goes out with me when I will be operating in protected waters - I prefer to place him in the boat while launching or retrieving, if I have no one else to watch him. My logic in doing so is simply that, as long as the boat is only tied to the trailer via a long line, it isn't going to sink no matter what else happens.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: how to launch alone

I feel like such a noob. I launch by myself all the time and I generally back the boat in until it's floating then I just kinda man-handle it off the trailer and pull it onto the beach (no dock at our crappy ramp). A longer bow line and a brake tap would make this much easier. That's why I read this site.

 

[Firemedic09]

Re: how to launch alone

i can agree with that post. except i am a noobie. haha. i stumbled onto this site and im glad i did i learn a lot from snooping around this forum and asking my questions

 

[captquest]

Re: how to launch alone

Some of the best free entertainment there is ...the boat ramp.
Yea, that's what I do, back up until the boat begins to float. Make sure your truck (what ever) is on safe ground (not in the water). Lock the brakes , keep it running, get out. Now I unhook the boat from the winch and push it in while holding a mooring line. Go dock up, then go park your vehicle/trailer. When my daughter goes with me all she does is hold the mooring lines and docks it up (she's 13). And when I get back to the boat I remembered the boat key is still in the truck. Did you put the plug in?
Good luck, the buddy system is always better.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: how to launch alone

I launch by myself most of the time and use pretty much the same method as TD. Sometimes I hold the rope in my hand when backing down, this way I can pull it to the beach and let go, then park without having to ever get out of the truck. I do that with my aluminum jet boat, if you plan to do it with a fiberglass boat get keel guard type product to protect it from the sand or rocks

To keep it off a paved ramp, I just use the current or wind to move over to the side, if those aren't in effect, then I just launch at a slight angle so it floats off to one side.

 

[spock888]

Re: how to launch alone

I would be worried to leave my kids in the truck while launching. One little mishap, and the truck could be in the water... Leaving them on the boat has similar consequences. if you don't tighten the drain plug, or the line comes loose, they will be floating away...

I think they are the safest on the dock, preferably with someone you know!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to launch alone

this is an old thread, if you have a question, please start a new thread.