How can one person solo launch his own boat?

Answer 1

Pull into the pre-launch area... (or even while in line)

1) Put the plugs in the boat (I have two)

2) Untie transom straps... disconnect bow safety chain (leave winch strap in place though)

3) Hook up all electronics (gps/sonar/vhf/etc)

4) Put up antennas

5) Turn on batteries (I need both on for initial startup)

6) make sure key is in ignition

7) Bow and stern lines out (both in reach from bow!)... any dock lines or bumpers too.

8) Get lifevests out of cuddy

9) Load all personal effects and secure as best as possible

10) Show any new person (to my boat) where safety equipment is located

11) When its clear, back down ramp. (With my boat, going in until my trailer fenders are just under water is perfect for a float off...)

12) Grab bow (and if being used, stern) line... tie to dock with slack OR if no dock, tie to winch support with slack.

13) Relieve pressure on winch hook, remove from bow ring

14) Push boat off trailer using guide lines to steer boat where you want it.

15) Tie up boat securely and out of next launchers way

16) Hop back in vehicle and pull out of launch ramp to parking area.

17) Get in boat and have a great time! For LOADING... do in reverse... I have found that leaving the back sets of rollers slightly exposed from the water makes it much easier for me to line up the boat for loading. Once the hull slides past these rollers it serves to keep it from moving sideways in the current.

I always float the boat on... but you pretty much NEED a dock beside the ramp to do that. If doing this, leave your boat tied up to the dock beyond where the back of your trailer will rest. Once trailer is in water, grab the bow line (and stern line if used) and move up to winch post of trailer. Now simply pull the bow of the boat up through the center of the trailer. (You may need to get off the trailer to pull the ropes from a greater angle to steer the bow onto the roller or bunks) Once boat is started on trailer, give it a good pull so it comes as far forward as possible. Tie bowline to winch post to keep the boat from sliding back. Now let out slack in winch strap, hook bow ring and winch boat up tight. Once snug, pull out of ramp and complete your "breakdown" in the post-launch area. (Don't forget to hook safety chain, transom straps and pull out plugs)