How do you launch a boat?
  1. Unload the boat away from the ramp if possible. To avoid making waves, arrive at a slow speed near the ramp. Take the time to get your ropes and fenders out and ready for docking. If you are accompanied, have the person who will pick up the vehicle disembark at the dock. Once the ramp is available, this person will back your trailer onto the ramp so that it is completely underwater.  

  2. Maneuver the boat carefully onto the submerged trailer, attach a bow line and shut off the engine prior to raising it.

  3. Winch the boat onto the trailer and secure it. Stay away from the direct line of the winch cable. It could break and cause an injury.

  4. Pull the trailer and boat well away from the ramp area for cleanup, reloading, securing equipment and safety check. (Be sure to remove any remnants of nuisance species before leaving ramp area.)

  5. Remove the drain plug to allow water to drain from the bilge.