How to launch a boat alone

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[claydlugos]

I just wanted to thank you for your great instruction! I took my first boat out today and launched it and retrieved it using the technique you showed. It worked great and made that part of my day super easy. I even had a guy at the launch ramp laughing at me and then he saw how well it worked and he didn’t laugh anymore. I can’t thank you enough! Take care Sir!

[Cureton]

Amateur boater here and your instruction videos are PRICELESS! I will always refer to them until I get comfortable doing it alone. Matter of fact, I will save this one and the docking video to my file. I would like to email you with questions I may have because Spring 2015 will be my first time doing this. I took a Coast Guard sponsored class and received a SCDNR certification but it was some things you covered which a classroom cannot properly teach.  

[flyinbryan]

why would anyone dislike a video like this? dudes taking up his fishing time to try to help less experienced boaters. anyways, good video tony

[pringals]

After all these years, this is still the best how to solo launch on YouTube. Came back for a refresher since I've started solo fishing again. One addition I've been doing is backing up in neutral, letting gravity guide your truck and boat to the water. That way, if the foot slips off the break, you don't accidently slam on the gas while reversing. I've found its also easier managing the trailer direction with the slower approach to the water.

[rodneymosley]

Thanks for the great info Tony. Being a new boat owner this helps a great deal.

[Lpmgato]

Good job, video. I launch a 24 ft. Center Console, often by myself. My trailer has tall guide poles in rear, which help to center boat when recovering, especially in wind. I like your idea of tying launch rope to post in front of trailer, ensuring your bow is remains centered when boat floats off. I think I could use your technique, and "skip" rope over the rear guide poles. Thanks for posting this. Appreciate your interest in helping others. You set a great example to boating/fishing people.

[heloman]

I've been boating for a long time and I always help people when I can. I like your video; perfect job, I'm with you all the way, take your time and do it right!

[WanderOverlanders]

I’ve watched a lot of boat launch alone videos and Tony yours is the best. Easy and straight to the point. Thank you.

[DESERT_DISCIPLE]

Just bought a new 2020 tracker xl boat last Saturday. First boat. This helped a lot.
I appreciate the pointers. Thank you, Sir.

[Tigggzz]

Hey, thanks for the awesome tip. Saved the day from a disaster. Launched my brand new boat the first time ever and I was with moms who can't swim and needed to hold the ropes. So I thought. First attempt, mom lets go of  stern rope out of fear of the water no biggie. 2nd attempt, mom is in the water knee deep with shoes on and not letting out any slack. (mom is 73). Then I remembered your tip, "tie the rope to the trailer". Thank God no one was at the ramp till I had the boat setup right on the dock like I've done it a million times. I'v learned a ton from your videos. Cheers!

[pringals]

Best launch and load tutorials on YouTube. Thanks Tony. Especially love how you point out the importance of leaving the winch connected until you are in the water. So many other "solo launch" videos here on YouTube don't do that and it's just a matter of time before they experience why they should leave the boat connected to the winch.

[guyh.]

Hey Tony, re-watching this again.THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You are the VERY 1ST ONE to say "Don't remove the winch strap, as it could make for a very bad day!" THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Different placing of line but whatever works for you! Your method is more representative of how we need to launch in the Pacific Northwest. I'd go on the water any day with you. Very good! Thanks!

[BrianNYMusicMaker]

Great video Tony. . .Just got a boat after 20 years of being stuck on land. Great refresher!

[eddieraycantrell]

someone with some DAMN sense showing people how to launch a boat by

[wincav]

Thanks Tony for taking the time to share this.  I like the launch rope technique you use. 
When I see an individual launching I offer to help.  Sometimes they have it down well and don't need it, other times they are appreciative. You never know what you may learn.

[blackknife]

I go out alone most of the time, but I usually just back in until it floats, then take the bow strap off, put on a pull line like yours, and push the boat off the trailer. I use the pull line to beach it, or bring it to the dock depending where I'm fishing. When I load up, I beach it to the side, back my trailer in, push the boat out, and use the pull line to guide it on to my trailer, then winch it on. I never power load. Nice set up btw. I'd like to have a Power Pole or Talon, they're just so damn expensive.

[adrianbray]

This video helped me alot. I dont have a boat near as big as yours but I just picked it up and will be going out alot by myself. When you watch an instructional video you never know what you pick up that will help and in this case it was that long line you had connected from boat to trailer that REALLY helped me. Thanks again bro !

[lanemortensen]

Just came across this video. Well done sir! Very clear explanation and I learned a new technique for getting my boat on the water! Thanks for taking the time to share this.

[cloudattack]

Thanks Tony. I've just bought my first little 15ft half cab for fishing and your advice has given me a lot of confidence.

[redbeard]

When backing up a trailer, grab the steering wheel by the bottom. Moving the bottom right, will cause the trailer to go right.