Why do Trucks Get Submerged at Boat Ramps?

In this video, I help explain why trucks get submerged at boat ramps. I only used portions of my extensive online course. I go into much more detail in my online boating course titled "Trailering a Boat and How to Avoid Boat Ramp Disasters". Enrollees receive 40% off merchandise at "The Qualified Captain" and a percentage of all sales goes to the "Coast Guard Mutual Assistance" organization. Click the link below to learn more:

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To learn specifics on "How to Drive a Boat with Confidence" click here:

[edwardgrobe]

#1. People whose boats weigh five times more than their towing vehicle.

[seekqa]

I’m 2wd so I put a wheel chalk under my front driver tire with a rope attached, then as I pull out I pull the wheel chalk up through my window

[gregbrady]

Always chock your front wheel. It will save your truck. Have a string attached so when you drive up you just pull them. And never back in past the water line. Check ramp for algae. Some people bring a broom to scrub it.

[MM-vvmt]

I only use 4WDlso. I also put my studded wading boots on so I can keep on my feet in the algae when I go to unwinch and push my boat off the trailer. Sometimes in later summer I'll also bring a stiff bristle broom to clean off the algae from the ramp before I back in.

[smirkinatu]

Thank you for recording and posting this valuable educational video.

[jimf]

A Canadian, with 40 yrs of winter driving, can tell you that once you start to slip, you’re pretty much done. So going into a lower gear will reduce the speed of your wheels, and can prevent slippage.

[mustangracer]

I put a stiff nylon brush in the bed and a chock.. if the ramp is slimy I brush it down first.. takes a minute.
Tie the chock to the truck so it drags out when you pull out.

[kickford]

We had two incidents at a boat launch in one day. One guy was in our fishing group with a 2wd pickup. He got in the algae but held his brakes down the second he realized he couldn't go forward. Had another guy strap to him and pull him out to regain traction. Holding the front brakes saved him along with someone to pull him out. Another guy at the same launch later that day went under water with a 2wd ranger. He barely got out before the cab pressurized.
I can say don't put it in park!!! hold your brakes until someone can get to you.

[stevep]

Many years ago, I was at a harbour and went to the boat ramp as you do, to see if anyone had fish to show for their trip offshore. Once I got to the boat ramp, I noticed a boat was floating at the ramp, with the trailer FULLY submerged underneath it. Not only was the trailer fully submerged, but so was the car ! A V8 with a slippery boat ramp and a driver who forgot that when you lose traction on a boat ramp with a heavy boat you're in trouble. A very expensive car completely submerged!

[carlosgarcia-jzdq]

I bring a 4x4 piece of wood (chock) and put it on the ramp at the lowest point I'm willing to reach with the reach tires, when the tires reach it they can't go any further and they can't slide.plus I dont let the tires go in the water (it's also bad because in salt water it rusts the hell out of the bottom of the truck if you don't rinse it with fresh water later on). Also I'm mindful of the inclination of the ramp, algae or seaweed (I sweep it away) and the water level due to the tide. Been boating for 30 years, no problems.

[CapeCodTrainTodd]

Good tips here. I also use a chock block with a rope on it that gets looped over my mirror when retrieving. When I'm in the truck and just moving up the ramp I reach out grab the rope and pull the block in.

[ewicky]

No mention of holding the brakes? Even with 2WD, every vehicle has 4 wheel braking. How many boat ramp disasters could be prevented by just holding the brakes until help arrives?

[thedrummersclub]

Some great content rt here, Thank you !

[imnitguy]

The low gear idea is gold. What about bringing along a stiff brush in the back of the truck and scraping off the algae before using the ramp?

[williamgardner]

When I was younger I always took a 3 feet =1metre extension tube, to save car getting too close to the water. It was like a telescope, one piece fitting into the other. The extension fitted to the trailer, with a bolt or pin. The other fitted to the car tow hitch, i leave the design to you as some trailers are different than others. You can drill a few extra holes in the tube to suit the length you require. When you cut the tube to length, it can be cut even longer. Hope this helps.

[MISTERLeSkid]

I used to launch my 14' Princecraft with a dinky little Mazda Protegé, which was FWD so I could back up to my heart's content without worrying about slipping & sliding.

[Strykenine]

I wear spike shoes. They're kinda like ice cleats but super aggressive. It helps me not go down. The lake is the only place I use them.

[volkswagenginetta]

i have a paddle boat and i use the boat launch for it, not backing my trailer in but its a convienient place to put my 5x8 boat. that slimey launch is no joke ive slipped there so many times getting the boat in the water.

[ericchang]

Yeah I think one problem people have is backing up too much! I get it if its low tie but really whats that extra few minutes of just using the wrench to pull the boat to fit the trailer vs losing your vehicle!

[bassinbillRC]

I've been using two different all wheel drive vehicles over the last 6 years and have no problems pulling out my 15 and a half foot bass cat from the reservoirs here in Georgia.