No one wastes any time in Metro Detroit once the sun is shining and weather is warm. If you’re one of the many boaters across the city who love spending a day out on the lake, then it is time to prepare your boat for the next few months of fun! Once you’re ready to hit the water, there are a few things you should know if you’re launching your boat from a trailer or towed automobile.
Backing a boat into the water can be extremely difficult, especially if you are not the only one with that idea for the day. We suggest taking time during cooler weather to practice launching your boat into the water, especially if you are new to this task.
Before you back your boat onto a ramp, you’ll want to make sure you’ve covered the following areas:
- Raise your lower unit so it doesn’t scrape across the ramp
- Install or replace any drain plugs
- Release the grip from the straps
- Remove the lights from the trailer
- Rig a rope or line that will make sure you can get a hold of the boat after you launch it
Once you’ve handled all of those tasks, it’s time to move your boat into the water. If you are launching your boat onto the lake for the first time, here are a few tips to safely get your vessel into the water.
- Go slow – There is no rush to get your boat in the water. This is important to remember, as from the time you turn to wheel to maneuver the trailer, there may be a moment or two before it actually turns. Don’t feel pressured to go faster or that your wheel isn’t working, just give it some time.
- Take advantage of mirrors – Instinct may have you looking over your shoulder, but you’re better off using your mirrors for this adventure. Especially if you have a larger boat, visibility will become a problem if you’re only utilizing the vision you have directly behind you.
- Make small corrections – If you are turning the wheel, do it in smaller doses. Again, due to the late reaction from a wheel to the trailer, it is better to make smaller movements, and add on, rather than always having to correct larger turns.
- Be prepared to make mistakes – You may just be stuck and not know which way to turn the trailer. This is why you’ve taken smaller steps and given yourself wiggle room to screw up. Trial and error is part of launching any boat into the water, and by utilizing our suggestions you’ll get better at it each time.
The more practice you have with backing up a trailer into the water and launching a boat, the easier and less stressful this practice will become in the future. We bet you’ll be a pro after just a few tries! Don’t worry if you get in the middle of an issue with your boat; that’s what insurance is for! For more information on boat insurance, contact E&Y Insurance Agency today! (248) 362-1313
