I have dropped my boat hundreds of times. And yet, here I am watching this video. Nothing I would change about what is said. Everyone should watch this when they get their firsr boat.
I always open a window in the tow vehicle while backing up. That way if there is an issue someone can warn you. It could be a kid, dog anything. Too many time I see the windows closed, AC On, radio on. There is no way anyone can warn you of a possible problem
Love the pickup with 231,000 miles. I drove my Tahoe for 21 years and had about the same. No payments. Saved me a lot of money and towed my boat great.
NEVER EVER leave the helm with your motor in gear! I've been trailering since 1973 and I've seen my share of boat ramp incidents! Another rule of thumb is to back the trailer until the trailer fenders are barely under water. And with a pick up lower the tailgate before backing down the ramp, this helps visibility and a platform to access the winch.
Everything on point except for disconnecting the lights. When you have surge brakes on your trailer you need that reverse power to disengage the trailer brakes. Great video.
I know most people unhook the boat from the winch before backing down, but I’ve seen two boats end up on concrete doing this. I always keep the boat hooked up until my winch is close to the waterline. Takes 10 seconds to get out of my truck and unclip…. worth the peace of mind. Both boats were 20 foot aluminum bass boats with large (but factory recommended) outboards. Slide right off the trailer on dry bunks.
Exactly so. I take off the safety chain when I set up the boat but I leave the winch on until it's in the water. It only takes a second to undo, but it can save you from a very bad day.
I keep the winch and safety chain both hooked until the boat is in the water and it is time to launch. There is no way that I would trust using the winch only.
I launch my boat 3-4times a week and I will say with confidence I never was that guy at the ramp. Since day 1 I was that guy who did it 1 and done. That being said did I get better over the years… most definitely
Great video simple to the point, although a very stressful situation the first few times you can assure it will get better later, my rule of thumb is "no kids around during this process", trust me...thanks Aaron for sharing.
Even if you're an experienced boat launcher, watch this video. There is a cool tool I made to lock all four weeks using my brakes. Measure the distance between the front of the seat and the applied brake pedal. Using a piece of 1.5" PVC cut it to that length. Add end caps to the PVC. The end caps protect your seat and add the little more length you need for a friction fit as the front of the seat will give when this PVC is installed. Now all four wheels have applied brakes.
I always comment on these videos. I have the same boat. 2006 1720. I have a dock line permanently tied to my trucks tie down cleat with a stainless carabiner. I just hook my bow line and back in. The rope just lets the boat glide off. Also your scuppers are letting a bunch of water in. Mine has the ping pong balls that float up and seal the scupper. They seem to work well. This winter I will be doing a buff and wax, she’s showing her age.
Good idea, thanks. It Could be interesting to see a video on how to set up the bow stop. A common issue for most new boaters is taking the boat out of the water because it is too high.
Great video could you make some handling videos as well like from start to finish? Launch, load, handling and basic boating I like how you present the material in an easy to understand format!
Get a Drotto installed on your winch stand, and you'll NEVER have any of these troubles again! Never again! :) Also, I've never been where new boaters are when launching boats. I was born knowing how to back a trailer and launch/retrieve a boat. Because I'm a MAN, I was born knowing how to do ALL of these things that MEN should know how to do. If you're a male and you can't back a trailer, just know that I'm watching and laughing at you because you didn't practice in the off season while no one was around. ;)
I never drive the trailer so far into the water the boat float up. My trailer has rubber rollers, and this is the most common in Norway. I avoid having the trailers break drum in the water also. I guess in US this is mostly a freshwater phenomen, and not that much corrosion. Greetings from Oslo Norway😊
Make your bow/launch line into a rope chain, so when you back down the ramp you can control the boat without having to tie to the dock,etc. you never know what the wind/current might be day to day.
How about adding that to be sure it is legal at your ramp to power load your boat. Most of the ramps I've been to in Michigan say no power loading. Power loading can damage a ramp by washing away the sand/dirt supporting the bottom of the concrete.
Same way I do been doing it for years I hook to trailer had to learn nobody could always go fishing with me so wasn't going let that stop me from going .it works great
Disconnecting the trailer lights is not necessary with modern sealed LEDs. Plus this way you don't leave them disconnected when you drive off after a long day on the water. Says "use mirrors" then immediately looks over his shoulder (haha). If I could go back in time I would learn to use my mirrors more because the over the shoulder trick becomes a problem when you get a different vehicle or boat and your visibility becomes blocked. Those 18-wheeler semi drivers only use their mirrors so if they can do it so can you (with practice of course). I do the same thing with the rope from the bow to the truck. Having the rope tied to the truck means you can grab it without getting your feet wet or getting anything tangled on the dock. I also run the bow line around two posts and tie off to the stern, this way the boat stays parallel to the dock regards of wind or tide.
If you unload your boat by yourself, you should have a pre-measured length of rope, slightly longer than your trailer, attached to the most front located cleat and then tied to your trailer winch. Once your winch line is removed at water line, the boat can be backed into the water until it floats off. Then, slowly pull forward and your rope will pull the boat behind the trailer so you can unhook it from the trailer without getting your feet wet. It's quick and you can get out of everyone's way. Also, your reference on the water line when you launch may not be the same as when you take your boat out of the water due to tidal movement. Use the depth of your trailer when you launch as your reference for how far you back your trailer in.
Great vid once again. Was hoping you would show bunk adjustments and how they could help launch/retrieve and make towing more efficient. Any who... wondering what the consensus is regarding leaving the boat idling while parking the trailer: let the powerhead warm up or don't risk a yahoo taking your boat for a joy ride?
When loading my bass boat I’ll dunk the bunks and pull up so the longer bunks are about 2-3in out of water and drive up, idk if that would be the same for larger boats but I’ve see a few guys smack the hull and crack it on the roller bracket from the trailer being in too deep.
I like your low tech transom saver but is there any danger of the board impacting any components of the trim tilt like the pipe that goes from the power tilt assembly down to the gear pump assembly?
U missed one of the key parts of the process. How to get the rope out of the bed of ur truck. I assume u did not include this because it is mostly a PITA but very crucial part.
Not exactly a transom saver, more a hydraulics saver... it puts the weight of the motor directly on the mounting point instead of bouncing on the trim/tilt hydraulics. I have something similar, a block of rubber with a notch in it that fits around the hydraulic ram which you lower the motor onto. Unfortunatley the rearmost crossmember on my trailer has a gap in the middle so I can't use a prop from the trailer to the outboard leg. It's not a perfect solution but it's better than killing the hydraulics.
Another tip for those like yourself who're driving a truck is to put the tailgate down when reversing. That means you can see a lot more of the trailer, especially if there's no boat on it or it's a small trailer like for a jet ski.
Too much steering input when backing up ends up making u zigzag down the ramp . Line it up straight when possible and minimal correction and ull keep the trailer much steadier/straighter
that lumber isn't saving your transom. its still got the same weight and pressure on it. the ONLY transom savers that work are ones that transfer the weight to the trailer. simple fiziks.
Great video. One thing to mention - no need to put it in 1st gear, as that's what OverDrive is going to use anyway...until a speed is reached that's way faster than driving up a boat ramp.
Older vehicles probably should stay out of overdrive anyway if towing as it will heat up the tranny. Newer trucks monitor temps and know they're towing once the 4/7 pin is plugged in
Gday mate i would have to be the worst reverser in the world well maybe the second worst i get embarrased at having to try 4 times to get the boat in the right spot just me and trailers ,i have seen both of the things you mentioned at my local ramp people forget to put in the bungs and also people driving off without raising there engines and grinding down there skeg ( less drag for the boat ) both probably more embarrasing then me and my trailer antics every time i try to correct i go the wrong way oh well one day ill get it .
I knew a guy who bragged about how fast he was launching his boat, complaining about everybody else- how slow and useless they were. Eventually he screwed up and ended up with his truck underwater . Don’t be that guy, it’s not a race.
You say (more than once), to watch the mirrors to see how things are going back there, and then you spend the entire time twisted like a pretzel, looking out the back window of the truck. I don't think you should be giving advice about how to launch a boat until you learn how to drive properly. You can see a LOT more in the mirrors than you will ever be able to see by craning your neck and looking out the window. If you have done this so many times, how come you haven't learned this yet?
Bearings should be sealed. We were always taught to go until the vehicles rear wheels touch the water. So a tad less than this, but the trailer wheels will always be under water. I cringe when I see folks stop miles from the water, hooking up the boat and literally winching the whole thing out of the water and up onto the trailer, it's not designed for that!
My boat won't float off the bunks unless the trailer's in to the top of the guards. That's ok, the bearings are sealed and I use bearing buddies. Just gotta keep the maintenance up.
I have dropped my boat hundreds of times. And yet, here I am watching this video. Nothing I would change about what is said. Everyone should watch this when they get their firsr boat.
I always open a window in the tow vehicle while backing up. That way if there is an issue someone can warn you. It could be a kid, dog anything. Too many time I see the windows closed, AC On, radio on. There is no way anyone can warn you of a possible problem
Love the pickup with 231,000 miles. I drove my Tahoe for 21 years and had about the same. No payments. Saved me a lot of money and towed my boat great.
NEVER EVER leave the helm with your motor in gear! I've been trailering since 1973 and I've seen my share of boat ramp incidents! Another rule of thumb is to back the trailer until the trailer fenders are barely under water. And with a pick up lower the tailgate before backing down the ramp, this helps visibility and a platform to access the winch.
Everything on point except for disconnecting the lights. When you have surge brakes on your trailer you need that reverse power to disengage the trailer brakes. Great video.
This is exactly how my Dad taught me when i was younger, EZ,..great video..Keep looking up!
I know most people unhook the boat from the winch before backing down, but I’ve seen two boats end up on concrete doing this. I always keep the boat hooked up until my winch is close to the waterline. Takes 10 seconds to get out of my truck and unclip…. worth the peace of mind.
Both boats were 20 foot aluminum bass boats with large (but factory recommended) outboards. Slide right off the trailer on dry bunks.
Exactly so. I take off the safety chain when I set up the boat but I leave the winch on until it's in the water. It only takes a second to undo, but it can save you from a very bad day.
Speaking from personal experience, you only need to drop a boat once, before your advice is really worth paying attention to!
@@kishidabu sensible people learn from their mistakes. Wise people learn from other peoples' mistakes.
@@SandmannOZ Sage advise...
I keep the winch and safety chain both hooked until the boat is in the water and it is time to launch. There is no way that I would trust using the winch only.
I launch my boat 3-4times a week and I will say with confidence I never was that guy at the ramp. Since day 1 I was that guy who did it 1 and done. That being said did I get better over the years… most definitely
Great video simple to the point, although a very stressful situation the first few times you can assure it will get better later, my rule of thumb is "no kids around during this process", trust me...thanks Aaron for sharing.
One, two, or D, the transmission starts in the same lower gear...not referring to 4 wheel drive units.
Even if you're an experienced boat launcher, watch this video.
There is a cool tool I made to lock all four weeks using my brakes. Measure the distance between the front of the seat and the applied brake pedal. Using a piece of 1.5" PVC cut it to that length. Add end caps to the PVC. The end caps protect your seat and add the little more length you need for a friction fit as the front of the seat will give when this PVC is installed. Now all four wheels have applied brakes.
Excellent video for those new to boating
I got my first boat this summer and backing the trailer up the first time was nerve racking. After about 14 times it's easier still need practice.
Find an empty carpark or similar and spend an hour or two reversing your boat around it, you'll never have a problem at the ramp again.
I always comment on these videos. I have the same boat. 2006 1720. I have a dock line permanently tied to my trucks tie down cleat with a stainless carabiner. I just hook my bow line and back in. The rope just lets the boat glide off. Also your scuppers are letting a bunch of water in. Mine has the ping pong balls that float up and seal the scupper. They seem to work well. This winter I will be doing a buff and wax, she’s showing her age.
Great instructional video great job there is a lot of first time boat owners
Well done and this should help folks out and give them the confidence to make the “ramp” and friendly place to be vs stress.
Good idea, thanks. It Could be interesting to see a video on how to set up the bow stop. A common issue for most new boaters is taking the boat out of the water because it is too high.
Great video could you make some handling videos as well like from start to finish? Launch, load, handling and basic boating I like how you present the material in an easy to understand format!
Get a Drotto installed on your winch stand, and you'll NEVER have any of these troubles again! Never again! :) Also, I've never been where new boaters are when launching boats. I was born knowing how to back a trailer and launch/retrieve a boat.
Because I'm a MAN, I was born knowing how to do ALL of these things that MEN should know how to do. If you're a male and you can't back a trailer, just know that I'm watching and laughing at you because you didn't practice in the off season while no one was around. ;)
Another great video king! Keep up the great content. I’m sure this will help a ton of your followers. Happy Thanksgiving
I never drive the trailer so far into the water the boat float up. My trailer has rubber rollers, and this is the most common in Norway. I avoid having the trailers break drum in the water also. I guess in US this is mostly a freshwater phenomen, and not that much corrosion. Greetings from Oslo Norway😊
Refresher course never hurt anyone. Thanks!
Make your bow/launch line into a rope chain, so when you back down the ramp you can control the boat without having to tie to the dock,etc. you never know what the wind/current might be day to day.
How about adding that to be sure it is legal at your ramp to power load your boat. Most of the ramps I've been to in Michigan say no power loading. Power loading can damage a ramp by washing away the sand/dirt supporting the bottom of the concrete.
Same way I do been doing it for years I hook to trailer had to learn nobody could always go fishing with me so wasn't going let that stop me from going .it works great
Disconnecting the trailer lights is not necessary with modern sealed LEDs. Plus this way you don't leave them disconnected when you drive off after a long day on the water.
Says "use mirrors" then immediately looks over his shoulder (haha). If I could go back in time I would learn to use my mirrors more because the over the shoulder trick becomes a problem when you get a different vehicle or boat and your visibility becomes blocked. Those 18-wheeler semi drivers only use their mirrors so if they can do it so can you (with practice of course).
I do the same thing with the rope from the bow to the truck. Having the rope tied to the truck means you can grab it without getting your feet wet or getting anything tangled on the dock. I also run the bow line around two posts and tie off to the stern, this way the boat stays parallel to the dock regards of wind or tide.
I feel like you came to Sebastian to do this video. It would have been awesome to see you in person
1 better, join a dry stack marina. 1 call, the boat is in the water. Best investment ever.
If you unload your boat by yourself, you should have a pre-measured length of rope, slightly longer than your trailer, attached to the most front located cleat and then tied to your trailer winch. Once your winch line is removed at water line, the boat can be backed into the water until it floats off. Then, slowly pull forward and your rope will pull the boat behind the trailer so you can unhook it from the trailer without getting your feet wet. It's quick and you can get out of everyone's way. Also, your reference on the water line when you launch may not be the same as when you take your boat out of the water due to tidal movement. Use the depth of your trailer when you launch as your reference for how far you back your trailer in.
I always use 2 ropes. 1 hooked to the tow vehicle and a anchor rope attached to cleat anchor in tow vehicle.
With no dock and current angle the trailer down current. Boat floats off easier and loads easier.
Awesome tutorial Aaron!
Great vid once again. Was hoping you would show bunk adjustments and how they could help launch/retrieve and make towing more efficient. Any who... wondering what the consensus is regarding leaving the boat idling while parking the trailer: let the powerhead warm up or don't risk a yahoo taking your boat for a joy ride?
On my new trailer, I don’t unhook the trailer lights so the reverse solenoid will operate on the surge brakes.
Most of it is based on the side of the boat and time and patience. Dropping the truck tailgate is a good move which I don’t do.
What are your thoughts about the keeping the truck transmission in gear rather than park, with the e-brake set?
When loading my bass boat I’ll dunk the bunks and pull up so the longer bunks are about 2-3in out of water and drive up, idk if that would be the same for larger boats but I’ve see a few guys smack the hull and crack it on the roller bracket from the trailer being in too deep.
I like your low tech transom saver but is there any danger of the board impacting any components of the trim tilt like the pipe that goes from the power tilt assembly down to the gear pump assembly?
Can you talk more about the transom saver sometime (or that block of wood) haha. Is there a real benefit when trailering/towing your boat?
This looks like the ramp to go into the Sebastian River.
I live in Indian River and recognized the ramp. I am also in the marine industry and a native of Indian river. Reach out
What ramp was this at? I boat in the keys sometimes and aim always looking for ramps
Great info thank you
Driving the boat onto the trailer (power loading) is not allowed everywhere.
U missed one of the key parts of the process. How to get the rope out of the bed of ur truck. I assume u did not include this because it is mostly a PITA but very crucial part.
Watching this type of edited instructional video will make trailering, putting your boat in and getting it out complicated.
Transom Saver? How does that 2x4 work? I’ve never seen that setup.
Not exactly a transom saver, more a hydraulics saver... it puts the weight of the motor directly on the mounting point instead of bouncing on the trim/tilt hydraulics. I have something similar, a block of rubber with a notch in it that fits around the hydraulic ram which you lower the motor onto. Unfortunatley the rearmost crossmember on my trailer has a gap in the middle so I can't use a prop from the trailer to the outboard leg. It's not a perfect solution but it's better than killing the hydraulics.
Another tip for those like yourself who're driving a truck is to put the tailgate down when reversing. That means you can see a lot more of the trailer, especially if there's no boat on it or it's a small trailer like for a jet ski.
Too much steering input when backing up ends up making u zigzag down the ramp . Line it up straight when possible and minimal correction and ull keep the trailer much steadier/straighter
Is that Key West your personal ride? Are they quality builds?
Forgot to mention...DRAINPLUG. 😂
and why so much water on the deck?.
Ohh you mentioned the drainplug...scratch that. 😊
Solid video, except for tying your dock line to the bow rail. Definitely a no-no.
that lumber isn't saving your transom. its still got the same weight and pressure on it. the ONLY transom savers that work are ones that transfer the weight to the trailer. simple fiziks.
I have the same boat. KW 1720
What about the tide it's not the same when you reload your boat don't misinform, could be a problem for some people
I have the same transom saver
Great video. One thing to mention - no need to put it in 1st gear, as that's what OverDrive is going to use anyway...until a speed is reached that's way faster than driving up a boat ramp.
Older vehicles probably should stay out of overdrive anyway if towing as it will heat up the tranny. Newer trucks monitor temps and know they're towing once the 4/7 pin is plugged in
Gday mate i would have to be the worst reverser in the world well maybe the second worst i get embarrased at having to try 4 times to get the boat in the right spot just me and trailers ,i have seen both of the things you mentioned at my local ramp people forget to put in the bungs and also people driving off without raising there engines and grinding down there skeg ( less drag for the boat ) both probably more embarrasing then me and my trailer antics every time i try to correct i go the wrong way oh well one day ill get it .
I knew a guy who bragged about how fast he was launching his boat, complaining about everybody else- how slow and useless they were.
Eventually he screwed up and ended up with his truck underwater .
Don’t be that guy, it’s not a race.
Truck in park and the ebrake set every time when I come out of the truck. Can launch my boat in no time.
I don't like getting car tires in water, especially in salt water, will kill your breaks ...
Perspective- for some, 20 launches could take 20 years.
lower your tailgate. Makes life easier
One of my least favorite ramps in the southern Brevard/northern Indian river county area. What brought you up to these parts?
I’m in Melbourne. What ramp is that?
You say (more than once), to watch the mirrors to see how things are going back there, and then you spend the entire time twisted like a pretzel, looking out the back window of the truck. I don't think you should be giving advice about how to launch a boat until you learn how to drive properly. You can see a LOT more in the mirrors than you will ever be able to see by craning your neck and looking out the window. If you have done this so many times, how come you haven't learned this yet?
It's very easy to launch and retrieve a boat. But unfortunately a lot of humans are useless 😂
+
Your trailer is too deep. My God... think about the wheel bearings.
Australian salt water: old boy!!!
🌏🫛
Bearings should be sealed.
We were always taught to go until the vehicles rear wheels touch the water. So a tad less than this, but the trailer wheels will always be under water.
I cringe when I see folks stop miles from the water, hooking up the boat and literally winching the whole thing out of the water and up onto the trailer, it's not designed for that!
My boat won't float off the bunks unless the trailer's in to the top of the guards. That's ok, the bearings are sealed and I use bearing buddies. Just gotta keep the maintenance up.