Lauching question

nightvision

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 7, 2004
Messages
252
Hi all,<br />The wife and i are still new at launching and have a question. When do you release the winch hook and safety hook from the boat. Do you do this when the boat is completely in the water or just before you put the trailer in the water. The last time we were out, we back the trailer into the water with the winch and saftey hook still on. It was a little difficult to unhook the whench and safety chain. Should we remove them when the boat is only half way into the water?<br /><br />THanks.
 

magster65

Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
2,573
Re: Lauching question

I don't take the safety off until the bottom of the ramp. The steep ramp is where the ratchet will fail if it's going to so I just leave it on 'til last.
 

novicetech

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 19, 2004
Messages
267
Re: Lauching question

You are doing it right, the ratchet will release easier it you try to tighten the strap while moving the ratchet mechanism from forward to reverse.
 

bayman

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 2, 2000
Messages
669
Re: Lauching question

What you don't want is to accidentally release the boat at a bad time. For example, letting your boat slip off onto a dry concrete ramp is not preferred.<br /><br />I think most winches have a little release on the side. When you use the release you can then let out the strap. If the winch release doesn't want to let go, you may have to crank the winch a little bit to tighten it up and then try the release. Each winch may be a little different so test the winch out a little on flat ground first. Then make sure you have it is holding properly before going anywhere or backing down the ramp.<br /><br />Be very careful when launching as many people make mistakes in this area. Some people watch others who remove the winch before going down the ramp...and then those people go and try this themselves, not realizing that they have keel rollers. If you have keel rollers you can lose your boat just about anywhere if it isn't also secured properly.<br /><br />You are correct to think all of this out and investigate things before acting!<br /><br />You may want to read the stupid human tricks area to know what to watch out for...One can't possibly cover everything in one post.<br /><br />Good luck and have fun nightvision!
 
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