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3-31
OPERATION 3
LAUNCHING
As a courtesy to other boaters, prepare
your boat for launching before using
the ramp.
Each launch may have particular differ-
ences, such as ramp angle, prevailing
wind, waves, and water currents. If
possible, watch a couple of boaters
launch their boats first to notice any
problems. While every boater develops
a preferred launch procedure, here is a
recommended general procedure:
1) Perform the Pre-Operation Checks
shown on page 3-4 that can be per-
formed on land, including operating
the blower for at least 4 minutes.
2) Remove all trailering tie-down lines
from the boat and attach your dock-
ing lines and fenders, if used.
3) Back the trailer down the ramp as
close to 90° to the shoreline as
you can. If possible, have a second
person stand aside as an observer.
Stop when the wheels are at least
halfway submerged. Set the parking
brake.
4) Remove the bow line from the bow
eye.
5) Back the trailer farther into the water
until just the tops of the fenders
show, then reset the parking brake.
Board the boat and start it. If pos-
sible, remain on the trailer until the
engines are warm and are respond-
ing to throttle.
6) Back the boat out into the water,
watching carefully for people, other
boats, or obstacles.
LOADING
1) Back the trailer down the ramp as
close to 90° to the shoreline as you
can. If possible, have a second per-
son act as an observer while stand-
ing to the side of the boat. Stop
when the tops of the trailer’s fenders
are about 3 inches above the water-
line.
2) With the boat moving at the slow-
est idle speed, guide the boat onto
the support rails. Use throttle only
if necessary for steering ability.
WARNING! Using too much throt-
tle can cause the boat to jump
over the front of the trailer which
can result in injury to the boat
operator and bystanders. Use
only enough throttle to maneuver
the boat into the correct position.