Launching - some tips and suggestions

Launching lore

Being able to trail your boat to different venues is a real benefit, but there are some golden rules to follow if you are to launch it  safely and efficiently, without beaching it, flooding your car, soaking yourself or otherwise becoming primetime viewing for those who enjoy watching others go wrong.

Tide & time. Many small boat owners do not feel that they need to bother about tide tables, but a slipway with too little water could frustrate both launching and recovery. The problem of not being able to reverse as far as you need to without getting your car into the mud or water is quite likely to occur at either the start or end of the day as high or low tides tides come in approximately six hour cycles. A quick check on the times of the high and low water at your intended slip will help you to decide the optimum times. The tables printed in MBM's Boatfile section every month will give you the basic information, but if you use the same site regularly you might find you can pick up a local set for that specific area.

Be prepared. Prepare the boat while you are still clear of the slip, as it frustrating for others queuing behind you if you are still taking off the cover and lighting board when they are ready to launch. Check that the ignition keys, fuel tanks, lines and paddles are aboard. Pump up the fuel line bulb on the outboard tank, and open the vent on the cap. Ensure the battery switch (if any) is turned on. But do not start the engine before immersing the leg, as just a few seconds of dry-running will damage its water pump impeller. Check that the trailer winch is on the pawl and cannot run out. Have a painter or bowline rigged between the boat and the trailer. Make sure too, that the person who will be on board the boat as you launch it knows exactly what is expected of him or her.

A longer line. The distance you will need to reverse the trailer into the water will depend upon the gradient of the slipway and the type of trailer you have; those with rollers help the boat slide off more easily. If you cannot reverse far enough without getting the car into mud and water, it is time to rig a line between the car and the trailer to lengthen the connection. In addition to the boats mooring warps it is a good idea to carry a spare line, of as large a diameter as is practical, for tying between the kingpost and the tow-hitch. Do not be tempted to manhandle the boat back without this,, as once gravity takes over  even a small boat can become impossible to arrest. Chock the trailers wheels before uncoupling it.

Saving brakes. Although contact with them is sometimes unavoidable salt water will degrade brakes. Trailer manufacturers prescribe flushing out brakes with fresh water immediately after immersion, although that is not always practical. When parking the trailer, especially for long periods it is better to chock off the wheels rather than heave the handbrake on, as this saves the brakes shoes from binding onto the drums.