HOW TO: Launch and retrieve a boat by yourself

Keep in mind, this is NOT the only way to launch a boat solo. There are many other factors that come into play that will determine the best way to launch a boat by yourself, including the type of boat you're launching, the size of the boat, the type of ramp, the type and condition of the trailer, etc.

This method has worked very well for me for years. To ensure the success of launching a boat this way, you really have to pay attention to the depth of the ramp and how far back you put the boat into the water. This method works best when you back the boat up into the water until you see the back of the boat start to float. If you back the boat up too far and try this, your boat runs the risk of hopping the bunks on the trailer. Take your time. If you cannot back the boat off of the trailer under its own power, turn the motor back off, re-hook the winch to the tow eye of the boat, back the trailer in a few more feet, and try again.

Getting into a hurry is what gets most people in trouble.

Thanks for watching!

[jimquantic]

Soooo many good things about this. One thing he doesn't say, but he does--and it is good, is he TAKES HIS TIME. The guy who rushes you is--trust me on this--nowhere to be found if you mess up. One more thing, this video shows, as is normal, is putting in the boat next to a dock, but where I launch, there is no dock. Large, plenty of room avenue to open water--now, that is entirely different. The DOCK is one hundred yards away, and we always have two people, one drives the boat to the dock and side ties, while the other parks the truck and trailer. If you are alone, this becomes problematic, one answer is a cool step that you can purchase that fit on your trailer tongue, three steps up and over the bow, otherwise you would need to "go for a swim" to get on the boat. Good video, thanks for the reminders--and I really like the idea of leaving her inn forward while you mount the boat--also, really like that you don't back down so far, as many do, salt water damaging their truck. This is the right way. One last thing though, IMO, no one should boat alone--not ever. Just an opinion, but just as every system/tool on the boat should be redundant (having two or more), so should you have two--people. You just should, in my opinion. Safe boating--and cool rig too, truck and boat/trailer.

[jonphanspromotions]

Got no boat, got no truck, why am I watching this video, I have no idea. You made it looks too easy. Thanks for sharing.

[timothyjohnson]

You should do all your pre-checks in the staging area away from the ramp.

[elmametzloff]

I would never get off a boat with the engine running. Just like I would never get out of an aircraft with the engine running. Yours Truly, Captain Smith.

[RJN]

Few things are more stressful than backing down the ramp and launching your boat while being scrutinized by all the bystanders who have their own best way to do it. While I wouldn't leave my boat running while unattended, I appreciate your willingness to demonstrate your technique. The conditions at individual ramps can be significantly different so your approach may well be the best for your location.

[bobcathey]

Nice video in ideal circumstances. I launch a 28' cruiser myself. This video assumes the trailer has already been adjusted to the boat. Does not cover ramp conditions, current, and tide changes while boating. I prefer fenders out to avoid potential damage to hull, a flag of some sort to assist with wind speed and direction, and I think many seasoned boaters refer to boat ropes as dock lines. I really like the walk around inspection but boaters should disconnect the power between the boat trailer and tow vehicle before launching. Otherwise, we need more videos like this to start learning from. Boaters can launch by themselves if they have confidence and patience. Like another comment, I prefer to walk my boat on and off the trailer if there is a good ramp and dock. Thanks for the inspiration!

[pabloantillon]

first time boat owner here and this is so helpful....thanks!

[jeffreyhodgman]

Hi, Im from New Zealand, down here most boat ramps dont allow powering on or off the trailer because it can create a hole by shifting sand at the bottom of the ramp . When I launch by myself
I simply pull the boat off the trailer by ropes whislt standing on the jetty, tie it up, go park the trailer, then return and motor off . I have a laminated check list on the boat reminding me about life jackets, fuel, oil, KEYS ! etc so i dont forget antything . Anyway happy boating !!

[realgreencookie]

I don't own a boat, nor a truck, but I definitely want one in the future. Your video was immensely helpful to me to figure out how the heck do I get the boat into the water. I'm from a landlocked country and we sure as hell dont have boats for pleasure and its my absolute dream to own one! But no one in my circle knows ANYTHING about boating lol

[juanmallqui]

Thank you. This eased a lot of my fears about boating.

[jeremyworsham]

Perfect! No stress, no hurry! Thanks for the video

[tonyprice]

Trying doing without dock. On off boat that is active is dangerous

[astroplutonium]

That was a good instruction video. Thanks, have a nice boating summer everyone!

[derekkelley]

Most convenient ramp ever. Ill bet every launch comes with a complimentary breakfast

[Silkroadvideos]

Rule #1 of boating… never leave the helm while the boat is in gear.

[gj]

putting a gear in forward is something I never thought of..damn good tips are here

[Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

Interesting that you get off the boat while it's running in gear. I run a little 1648 jon boat so I'm sure that's the difference. I have never owned a boat over 18 feet. Well it looks like what you are doing is working perfectly for you. Thanks for sharing. There are always more than one way to do it. Be blessed and tight lines Captain. 😎👍

[ChevyGuy-kxim]

Excellent video! I haven't owned a trailerable since the early 80's and now that I am buying one again, this video was an excellent refresher. I also remove the plug once the boat is secured to the trailer and out of the water to let water drain while driving home and once I got there, thoroughly rinse both boat and trailer.

[niradz]

Love watching this after all the boat launching fails, nice work 👍🏽

[tvdtnmy]

I’m not sure about this...there’s probably a big split between leaving the boot hooked to the trailer and not when launching. Being single handed, leaving the helm with boat in gear looks like an issue at some time. I wouldn’t be afraid to get my feet wet and not giving up control of the vessel using a bow line in hand.