---
title: Launching a boat
description: Do initial launch preparations away from the ramp. Raise the motor, remove the support bracket and install the drain plug. Disconnect the trailer wiring.
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/how-do-you-launch-a-boat.png
---

![Launching a boat](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/how-do-you-launch-a-boat.png?width=1100&height=619&name=how-do-you-launch-a-boat.png)

## Basic steps to launch your boat

- **Do initial launch preparations away from the ramp so as not to impede launching for others.**
- **Raise the outdrive or motor, remove the support bracket and install the drain plug.**
- **Disconnect the trailer wiring. Remove tie down straps and again check the drain plug.**
- Make any equipment adjustments necessary and check the drain plug.
- Connect the fuel tank, check fluid levels and check the drain plug.
- Drive to the ramp and back the boat and trailer down the ramp, keeping the tow vehicle's wheels out of the water.
- Set the emergency brake, shift into Park, and block the wheels.
- Someone should get aboard the boat, turn on the blower, lower the motor, look for water entering the boat, sniff the bilge and start the motor.
- Make sure you have attached a bow line  to the boat, then release the winch and disconnect the winch line.
- You should be able to launch the boat with a slight shove or by backing the boat off the trailer under power.
- **Move the boat to an area away from the ramp to load additional equipment and passengers.**
- **Return the towing vehicle to the parking lot as soon as the boat is launched so the next person in line may proceed.**

- [** Follow Ace Boater on YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJABNcQHyTGe3ta_lZJ4exw)
- [** Join Ace Boater on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/AceBoater)
- [** Contact Ace Boater ](https://course.aceboater.com/en/contact)
- [** AceBoater on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/aceboater/)
- [** AceBoater on X ](https://twitter.com/AceboaterCanada)

[![Ace Boater - Boating license and exam online](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/aceboater/brand/ace-boater.svg)](https://aceboater.com/canada)

#### Boating License & Pleasure Craft Operator Card online exam - Accredited Transport Canada

[↑](https://aceboater.com/launching-a-boat#top)

- [Refund Policy](https://aceboater.com/refund-policy)
- [Privacy Policy](https://aceboater.com/privacy-policy)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "WebPage",
  "breadcrumb" : {
    "@type" : "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement" : [ {
      "@type" : "ListItem",
      "item" : {
        "@id" : "https://aceboater.com/canada",
        "@type" : "WebPage",
        "name" : "Home"
      },
      "position" : 1
    }, {
      "@type" : "ListItem",
      "item" : {
        "@id" : "https://aceboater.com/boat-license-canada",
        "@type" : "WebPage",
        "name" : "FAQ"
      },
      "position" : 2
    }, {
      "@type" : "ListItem",
      "item" : {
        "@id" : "https://aceboater.com/safe-boating-course-review",
        "@type" : "WebPage",
        "name" : "Table of Contents"
      },
      "position" : 3
    }, {
      "@type" : "ListItem",
      "item" : {
        "@id" : "https://aceboater.com/launching-a-boat",
        "@type" : "WebPage",
        "name" : "Launching a boat"
      },
      "position" : 4
    } ]
  },
  "dateModified" : "2024-03-08T10:04:01.955-0500",
  "datePublished" : "2022-03-03T11:35:08.000-0500",
  "description" : "Do initial launch preparations away from the ramp. Raise the motor, remove the support bracket and install the drain plug. Disconnect the trailer wiring.",
  "headline" : "Launching a boat",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/how-do-you-launch-a-boat.png"
  },
  "lastReviewed" : "2024-03-08T10:04:01.955-0500",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/aceboater/brand/ace-boater.svg"
    },
    "name" : "E.S.N.N.A. Inc."
  },
  "url" : "https://aceboater.com/launching-a-boat"
}
```