How to Launch a Pontoon Boat | PowerBoat Television Boating Tips

Launch ramps can be super intimidating, especially with a big pontoon. We share a few helpful tips we've learned over the years.

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This segment was featured in an episode of PowerBoat Television.
PBTV 2020 E12

[mitchmontoya]

Great video. "Disconnect trailer lights"... So basic yet so forgotten. Thanks for the reminder.

[alquinn]

One of the best videos I have seen with proper ways to launch and load. Well done!! If you ever want to learn the wrong ways (want to be entertained)go to your local ramp and hang out for a while. You will see temper tantrums, lower units grated off, bad backing, and just all around lack of consideration for other boaters. Add wind and it really gets good.( sadly) ( ps prep the boat before trailering it into the water, nothing angers people more than keeping them off the lake waiting for you to prep while blocking the ramp)

[kevinhawk]

Short, simple and to the point.
Great!

[chromer]

Great video. Great instruction. Very clear. Thank you.

[akimatenna]

Thank you for this! Just bought one and taking it for a spin this weekend 😁

[Ken-ghwk]

And the most important piece of advice. Prep the boat for the launch before taking position at the ramp. After loading the boat on the trailer, gtfo of the way to do the rest.

[ScottH]

I might add, please don't prep your boat while blocking the ramp. Also, power loading your boat onto the trailer is illegal where I'm from.

[PontoonPilot]

If I might add... how you wenched it at the end... face level... if that strap let's loose or breaks while wenching there.. you've got some bad facial injuries....
I usually make it a point to power load until the front frame of the boat touches the front bump stops...then wench from above to lock in place..
Great video though!!!!

[newstart]

That cleat hitch at 1:56 was wrong. Make a full turn around the cleat first. lol

[sandergoldberg]

STOW THE BIMINI. The wind at 60mph WILL destroy the aluminum frame. Also don't be lazy and tuck the Bimini in the zipper boot. Avoid boat ramps that are too steep, the Pontoons will not be aligned at the rear and if you pull the boat out of the water with the pontoons crossed on the bunks, they can easily tear out the screws from the bracket, or worse, the 2x4s will crack.

[clydeholiday]

Your parking brake the only good for the rear brakes and as back wheels are in the muck I need to put wheel chocks behind your front wheels cuz your boat could slide in the

[crewmax]

Good stuff. I would add, don't do your pre-launch on the ramp.

[bestamerica]

'
the motor vehicle must use a shift '' N '' as neutral with a trailer boat while slow down ramp to the water...
dont use a shift '' R '' as reverse

[backyardfishing]

Some good tips but if you have surge breaks on the trailer do not disconnect your power. You must have it connected in order for the breaks to not engage when in reverse. Most modern pontoons have LED lights so there is no issue there. Just verify if you have a surge breaks. Made that mistake when I bought my boat in 2016. Could not figure out why my trailer was making some weird noises when I backed it down the ramp. Called the dealer and found out I have surge brakes and I must keep the power connected in order to back the boat down the ramp. I have had them connected for going on my 6th season and have had no issues.

[rainysunday]

If you’re afraid of getting wet why are you even on the water stay on land

[wayneking]

Parking brake only holds the REAR wheels!

[justmedontknowdoyou]

Why use the motor to launch the boat ? Just back it down and do the BRAKE CHECK it will slide right off >
Why wouldn't you want your helper use a bow Line instead of the stern line??
I'm Just Saying