Safe Boat Launching

Towing Safety -

• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and capable of towing your trailer and boat.
• Follow manufacturer and legal guidelines to determine your vehicle’s towing capacities.
• Confirm that the towing hardware of your vehicle matches that of your trailer.

Pre-Launch Safety -

• Pay attention to the local weather forecast. Determine if it’s a safe day to venture out, and be ready for emergencies.
• Prior to backing your boat into the water, make sure it’s properly secured on the trailer and winch (don’t disconnect the winch strap).
• Remove transom tie-downs and confirm that the drain plugs are installed.
• Place vehicle keys and/or mobile devices in a safe, dry place – not in your pockets (anticipate getting wet while launching).
• Check that the mooring lines are attached to the boat and are readily accessible. Mount necessary electronics like a GPS device or a depth finder.
• Bring enough properly sized and Coast Guard-approved life jackets for each person going aboard, along with a throwable flotation device.
• Pack a first-aid kit and secure loose items such as fishing rods, coolers and water sports gear.

Launch Safety -

• Observe proper boat ramp etiquette. Have the boat ready to launch before entering the ramp.
• Inspect the ramp before backing down to determine the distance you have to back the trailer into the water and whether there’s any debris to avoid.
• Back the trailer slowly down the ramp until the boat starts to float. Don’t back too far into the water or off the ramp. Also, don’t submerge the exhaust of the tow vehicle.
• Keep the trailer winch locked and the winch strap connected to the boat until you’re ready to float the boat off the trailer. Unwind the winch slowly and carefully.
• Be prepared to handle the vessel once it’s launched, either by rope or someone in the vessel.