I'm Nervous About Launching My Jon Boat From Trailer For The First Time.

[Nelson Wormefeller]

Hello,

 

I bought a 14 foot jon boat and trailer, and this was the first time I ever towed anything.

So I have practiced backing up in an empty parking lot this weekend and feel I have the basics down, especially once I read that it's better to keep your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel.

 

So the main point of this thread... Can I expect the trailer to act differently when I am reversing downhill the boat ramp ? 

 

Thank you for any input.

 

**edit** The boat ramp I'll be using the first time is pretty wide and I'll be able to straighten out the truck and trailer before I reverse 

 

[iabass8]

It will act the same as if you were backing up in a parking lot. just take your time and go slow. learning to backup is just something that takes time. we all went through it. you'll get it with time. don't let any blowhard at the ramp that thinks he has to get out in the next 30 seconds bother you. Most of us can tell what new boaters look like and will offer to help if you are having a hard time. 

 

don't forget to put that plug in!

[Thornback]

Sounds like you'll do fine. Only advice I will offer is back up very slowly and make quick corrections. Be careful not to overcorrect. If the trailer get away from you, stop and pull forward to straighten up the trailer. then start backing slowly again.

[Vayned]

I'm in your shoes except I have a 20 ft. I'll find out this week!

[Way2slow]

I guess after over 50 years of backing, everything is kinda automatic and don't really think about it. I guess since I was never taught how to back, and they didn't have the internet back then, that's the first time I heard keep your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. I keep mine on top and just move that hand the direction the boat is headed.

[Dwight Hottle]

Sounds like you'll do fine. Only advice I will offer is back up very slowly and make quick corrections. Be careful not to overcorrect. If the trailer get away from you, stop and pull forward to straighten up the trailer. then start backing slowly again.

Good advice. Don't get nervous and just go slow. Everyone had to go through this initialing so you are not alone.

[A-Jay]

Take it slow and you'll do fine.

 

Sometimes it's a little challenging backing the trailer down the ramp without the boat on it.

 

Depending on the grade of the ramp, as you initially descend, the trailer often disappears a bit from view.

 

As you make your approach, try to make any line up adjustments before this happens when backing without the boat on the trailer.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[thomas15]

I would have to say that back up on the ramp was the high stress aspect of getting started boating.

 

One thing to you might try is putting one hand at the bottom or the steering wheel and point your thumb in the direction you want the trailer to go. Turn the wheel in the direction your thumb is pointing. Go slow and as other have said don't be afraid to pull forward and start again. Think about what you need to do and how to do it before you start moving.

 

If you are using an SUV as a tow vehicle it may be helpful to put the back seats down and open the liftgate. If you have a pickup, lower the tailgate. Use your side-view mirrors.

 

Backing up with your trailer is not as hard as you might imagine but it does take some practice. I would say it was about the 10th time doing it that I began to feel comfortable. Now in my second year I know that I can do it in just about any situation and with other boats on the ramp but I still make mistakes.

 

As another poster stated don't forget the plug. Also don't forget to have the outboard in the raised position going up and down the ramp. You will see long streaks in the ramp pavement where boaters pull their boats out forgetting to raise the motor.

[EvanT123]

As a second year trailer puller, I think you have received some great advice.

The first time I launched my boat a co-worker helped me. Once the boat was off the trailer and he said good to go, I hit the gas except the truck was still I'm reverse. I apologized profusely for almost killing him. He said it wasn't close but I think he might be trying to be nice. It's easy to get caught up in the event so just make sure you take your time and create a mental checklist.

Another tip I learned from an old timer at the ramp as I was struggling to load the boat was to back the trailer in to where the top of the wheel wells are just submerged.

A year later I'm doing pretty good. I can even back it at a 90 degree angle into my driveway between my house and the neighbors.

You'll do fine. Nothing to it but to do it.

[jbsoonerfan]

Backing an empty trailer on a ramp is much different than a trailer with a boat. I have a 7" lift on my truck and it is next to impossible to see the trailer without a boat on it. Depending on the grade of the ramp will affect your abity to see the trailer.

[zachb34]

Backing an empty trailer on a ramp is much different than a trailer with a boat. I have a 7" lift on my truck and it is next to impossible to see the trailer without a boat on it. Depending on the grade of the ramp will affect your abity to see the trailer.

This my jeep had 8" of lift and was tricky, my friends boat has 4" and wasn't too bad, my new truck is stock and not leveled or lifted yet, and it's even harded. I can't see my trailer until I've already messed up. Guide posts are your friend.

[Nice_Bass]

Its as easy as you make it.  Just make sure you are prepared prior to the actual ramp. No one really minds someone that takes their time and backs up a ramp correctly or learning to do so- we have all been there.  Just make sure when it is your time at the ramp that you have all your straps, motor mounts off, etc. and your plug is in as most people will get really frustrated if you are stopped at the ramp for things that should have been done prior to taking a place.

Also, if it is dark, turn your lights off when backing in or else the person backing in next to you cant see a thing in his/her mirrors.

[Jaderose]

I didn't see this in any of the advice so I'll throw this in.....Go when it's quiet.  If you get in a line with a bunch of others standing there waiting and watching, you are waaaay more likely to make a mistake or forget something.  I sure as heck would.

[jbw252]

You'll do fine. Take your time & enjoy your boat. Good luck fishing at Assunpink.

[Bluebasser86]

Learn to back using the mirrors if you haven't. That turning around and backing stuff is just fine until you have to back a trailer behind a big SUV. It's much easier to see an empty trailer behind you using the mirrors than trying to look over your shoulder as well. 

[Ringonu]

Backed mine up thos weekend for the second time solo. I was all over the place and had to straigten it up plenty. Had a nice audience too but nobody waiting in line. Unloading was okay. The wind and wake kept pushing boat back on the trailer. Backing up without the boat sucked. I think i'm going to add a guide post on my trailer. You'll get used to it. I didn't care so much what people thought. Good luck!

[Nice_Bass]

3 biggest mistakes I see at the ramp.

1) not being prepared (straps, motor support, kids, etc.)

2) putting the trailer too far in when taking the boat out.

3) not pulling up far enough prior to backing in if you are newer or still learning.  If you can, just pull up far enough to start straight, and then keep it straight.

 

Also, seriously, lights off if it is dark out (I got killed by it twice this weekend.) 

[Bluebasser86]

3 biggest mistakes I see at the ramp.

1) not being prepared (straps, motor support, kids, etc.)

2) putting the trailer too far in when taking the boat out.

3) not pulling up far enough prior to backing in if you are newer or still learning.  If you can, just pull up far enough to start straight, and then keep it straight.

 

Also, seriously, lights off if it is dark out (I got killed by it twice this weekend.) 

Those two man. If you pull onto the launch ramp and block a lane you'd better to be ready to launch. I had guys park their pontoon at the top of a single lane ramp at a local lake last week, then they got out to unstrap it, load their gear out of their truck into the boat, and who knows what else. Luckily they were far enough from the ramp that I was able to do some fancy backing and get my boat launched real quick (I was actually ready), parked and left while they were still screwing around and blocking the ramp.

 

I won't even try to back down if someone has their lights on. I'm not going to be responsible for backing into someone because I was blinded by someone else's lights. Headlights do nothing when you're backing up so why have them on?

[Fishing Rhino]

I'll add this to your list.

 

If you are alone, be sure to attach a sufficient length of line to the bow of the boat that will allow you to pull the trailer clear of the water without pulling on the boat.  Be sure to attach the opposite end to the trailer, or hang onto it with your hand as you pull the trailer clear of the water.

 

Once the trailer clears the water, you can pull the trailer to the ramp, or to a dock when possible.  If there is a sandy or grassy shore beside the ramp, pull the boat onto that.  Concrete ramps are tough on the bottom of any boat, and they will always contact the ramp in the same spot on the bottom. 

 

It's not a bad idea to get a cheap pair of hip boots or waders.  In the colder weather, you can still get in the water to move the boat off the trailer on onto the beach.  At some ramps, they are almost a necessity.

 

They are even more helpful when loading the boat onto the trailer.

[Trek]

   What I see in newbies more then anything is what I'm seeing here. Your giving it to much thought. You've done your practice now just go do it. And like one mentioned use your mirrors. If you don't one day you'll have to and you'll be a newbie all over again. I would go to a ramp that wasn't very busy and back it in and out a couple of times. It is easy and once you get the hang of it you'll wonder way you worried about it.

[Nice_Bass]

Those two man. If you pull onto the launch ramp and block a lane you'd better to be ready to launch. I had guys park their pontoon at the top of a single lane ramp at a local lake last week, then they got out to unstrap it, load their gear out of their truck into the boat, and who knows what else. Luckily they were far enough from the ramp that I was able to do some fancy backing and get my boat launched real quick (I was actually ready), parked and left while they were still screwing around and blocking the ramp.

 

I won't even try to back down if someone has their lights on. I'm not going to be responsible for backing into someone because I was blinded by someone else's lights. Headlights do nothing when you're backing up so why have them on?

No kidding about the headlights.  I was forced to wait until people pulled out both days with a line of boats behind me.  It is a two spot ramp so I just hoped the people behind me knew why I had to wait.  I assume several did, but at least one probably was wondering what the heck I was doing not putting in lol.

[Ratherbfishing]

On short, steep ramps, if you are using your rear view mirror, the boat/trailer may suddenly "disappear" on you when it drops down so be sure your boat and vehicle are relatively in-line with one another (or use your side mirrors).  Otherwise, you could "jack knife" the trailer on the ramp.

 

Use courtesy and common sense.  A couple weeks ago a couple of yahoo's decided they were special and cut in front of us (and another party) and tried, hurridly, to back the boat down the ramp.  That part went okay for them except,  In their haste, they forgot to disconnect the front strap and, when they tried to pull the trailer out, they almost flipped the boat.  Had there not been one of them IN the boat at the time, I would have had to laugh my self silly.

[Thornback]

You will learn by doing. You have practiced and received a boat-load of advice here. Go do it. There will be helpful and considerate people at the ramp and there will be a jerk once in a while. That is a fact of life. I once tied up to a pier prior to loading my boat. The guy ahead of me had backed his trailer down the ramp and his wife was going to load the boat. She made about three attempts and couldn't do it. He shouted at me, "Inexperienced boat driver." I shouted back, "Well we all had to learn at one time." We both laughed. 

[Gotfishyfingers?]

Just don't forget to put the drain plug in and you'll do fine...

[Nelson Wormefeller]

**Follow up** I just wanted to thank everyone for the great advice. I'm now comfortable launching and retrieving the boat solo. The best advice for me was to take my time and not rush things. My only mishap so far was I left the trolling motor down once and scratched the metal fin on the bottom. Had a laugh about it and double check now.

Thanks again !