The time may come when yo want to get your boat on the water, but you don’t have help available. That time was last weekend for me. So here is our step by step guide to getting your boat safely launched, whether you are launching for the season or just for the day. It’s really about Step 3 being the most important thing you do.
Before you even begin this process, make sure you have drained any water / coolant (and disposed) or other contaminants from your boat and that you test start your motor and ensure the tilt mechanism is operating properly. Don’t wait to discover a mechanical problem with your boat at the launch.
Last check, make sure you have at least one life jacket in the boat.
Step 1 – The Hook Up
I’m going to assume you know how to get your tow vehicle hooked to your trailer. If that is a mystery to you, then you should stop now.
Solo launching a boat is going to take longer than the days when you have help so you should plan for a day/time when the launch isn’t busy.
Another consideration is the weather. You are going to have to handle your boat around the dock with just your own power. A calm day is ideal to ease the effort needed but here in Saskatchewan, a calm day is a rarity, so pick a day when the winds will be in your favour and not blowing whitecaps into the launch / dock area.
Step 2 – Prep at the Launch
Time to get the boat / trailer ready to launch. Pull off to the side and remove any tarps, your tie-down straps and the winch strap. While you are at it, make sure you have the plug securely fastened in the drain hole. Before you move onto the next step, we recommend you take a quick glance down at the launch to familiarize yourself with the launch conditions and any potential hazards.
Step 3 – Tie On
The most important step. Securely tie a piece of rope from some strong anchor point on the boat, such as a rope tie, to a point on the trailer near the winch. Leave approximately 3/4 of a boat length of slack in the rope.
Step 4 – Get Wet
You are all set, now get wet. Back your trailer slowly into the water. Keep a close eye on the boat and stop when the boat just begins to float. The rope you attached will keep your boat from ending up floating out of reach.
Step 5 – Tie Up
You will need to wade into the water to the winch to untie the rope from the trailer winch area. Keep ahold of the rope and get up on the dock. Move the boat from the launch side of the dock onto the opposite side and tie the font and back of the boat to the dock. Before you move onto Step 6, hop in the boat and test start again. Now is not the time for a dead battery!
Step 6 – Park the Trailer
Move the tow vehicle and empty trailer to a designated parking area.
Step 7 – You Are Launched
Return to the dock. Untie your anchor ropes and push off.
Going the Extra Miles
When I’m solo launching my boat, I’m usually launching for the season and then parking the boat at my cabin.
That leaves me with another step. I need my trailer and tow vehicle. That’s why I am careful to choose a calm day, or a day with the wind in a favourable direction. The launch is East of my cabin, and across the lake, so I need either a very light wind or a wind from the West, as I hop in my kayak and paddle back to the launch. Once I reach the launch via kayak, I haul the kayak to the boat trailer, winch-strap it on, and head back to the cabin.
I do get a few looks. It looks like a ridiculous amount of trailer for one kayak! A quick drive back to the cabin and all is done.
