Re: launching at boat ramp
Here's some basics. Back up almost to the water and do a quick walk around the boat to check that the plug is in, that the motor is tilted up a bit so not to hit the ground while backing down the ramp, that there are no rear lines holding the boat to the trailer and only the front cable on the winch is what's left holding the boat to the trailer (sometimes people, myself included, tie their bow lnie around the tongue of the trailer by the winch as extra precaution of the boat coming off the trailer while on the road. If you do try to start the motor at home before leaving, just let it run for a fraction of a second, or use water cooling muffs and a hose or else you will quickly damage the water pump impeller. So now the boat is untied except for the cable, I make the bow line accesible on the bow but make sure it can't slide off and get stuck in something. Now back the boat in the water, enough so the boat starts to float at the back but not enough so the winch area on the front of the boat is in the water (this depends on the slope of the ramp sometimes since a slow pitch ramp may require you to back in until the wheels on your tow vehicle are in the water. Aslo depends on what type of trailer you have, roller or bunk. Bunk Trailers are harder to get on and off. So now the boat is backed into the water, step out of the car (emergency brake on and in park) and go to the winch. some trailers have a secondary chain that is just below the winch, in a slot that links fit through only when lifted by hand, If you have a secondary chain, you should release the chain link below the winch and then unhook it from the boat bow eye. Now crank the winch a tiny bit forward and while holding pressure on it, flip the lever to release position. Start letting the crank turn while you control it with your hand but be aware that if it starts to turn fast and you lose control of it, let it go. Cranks can break your hand trying to stop them. You can always crank the boat back in if that happens. I've also seen winch cables break, sending the broken end back at the person at the winch at dangerous speeds. I always stand a bit to the side if winching a heavy boat with a lot of pressure on the cable. These things usually only happen with very heavy boats, not likely with a 16' glastron but just giving you the complete lesson. So grab the bow line and then you let the boat out and when you have good slack in the line, release the clip from the winch cable by pulling in the boat with the bow line and the winch cable should now be slack. Hop in the boat after pulling it back in and climb over the bow, start it up and back on out. If the boat won't slide off the trailer when you get it in the water you can unclip the winch cable by pulling it in a bit and releasing, then climb in the boat which is still sitting firmly on the trailer, be sure you are pretty well in the water and that the motor is in the water well below the cooling intake, start the boat and be sure bow line is clear of the trailer and neatly up on the deck and back the boat off the trailer. When you come back in, put the trailer in so that the hitch is about at the water line of the lake or ocean and approach the trailer nice and striaght on, backing up if not well lined up, then drive slowly onto the center of the trailer until it is stuck on a bit, allowing you to get out and attach winch line and winch the rest of the way. A big problem for new boaters is not putting the trailer far enough into the water on the launch and then putting it too far in on the retrieve. If your trailer is too deep when you are putting the boat back on, the boat will float around above the rollers or bunk and not stay centered, which can creat a proble when you pull it out since it may be well off center instead of neatly centered on the trailer. I drive my boat onto my trailer enough so that it is stuck on, then winch the balance. Be sure the cable is winched up tight before driving away and it is wise to use extra lines as well. I use stern lines on both corners of the back of the boat. TILT THE MOTOR a bit before pulling it out so as not to damage the lower unit or prop on the ramp or road on the way home and be sure the key is turned off to keep electrical system and battery in good order.
