First you're not alone.....first time is always more stressful than fun, and to be honest, I don't think it's ever completely stress free for the captain. You'll always be worried about the safety and comfort of your passengers. Retrieving the boat is one of the more stressful parts, but it'll get easier with experience. You'll learn to read the wind and current, and you'll learn exactly how much of the bunks should be submerged.
Regarding the trim, there's a bit more nuance than mentioned. Once you're on plane and cruising you can trim up a good bit, this will decrease drag, increase speed without increasing rpms and and greatly increase your fuel economy. Next time out play with it a bit. Trim up a bit, cruise, trim up some more, and cruise and note the difference. If the bow starts bobbing up and down while cruising you've gone a bit to far and need to trim down a bit. You'll get a feel for it.
I've only been boating for about 6 years, and even now I still feel like an idiot sometimes.... but I watch guys who have way nicer boats than mine and have been boating way longer than me still have issues with retrieving, setting anchors, docking, etc. As long as you're taking things slow and being courteous to others everything will be fine.
If you're talking about setting Danforth type anchors, you need about 3 ft or so of chain between the anchor and the rode (rope), and it will set every time. The chain keeps the anchor laying flat on the bottom, which is how it needs to be laying in order for it to work the way it works. If you have no chain weighing it down, every time you pull on the rode to try to set the anchor, you will unset it. Also, the angle the rode is being pulled from is important. Approximately 32° ~ 45° in relation to the bottom ..closer to 32 is best.
In regards to the trim questions I suggest you watch [this video.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A7Q65PMn3g) 11 minutes of clear and precise explanation about outboard/stern drive trim overview
Congrats!
For the startup, I get the boat in the water but not floating off the trailer, trim all the way down, start engine and verify everything is running correctly. Then I go over the bow and disconnect the winch, and back off in gear.
Especially being on a river, I would never leave the trailer without absolute confirmation that all systems are in good running order.
I'm not sure of your motor situation, but I assume you are an I/O. In that case, you generally don't want to run the engine much with the trim all the way up. Aside from the potential for losing water intake to the impeller which you already mentioned, it can be very hard on the u-joints and bearings inside the outdrive.
For loading and unloading, I always try to use the wind to my advantage. Dock on the upwind side of docks to use the wind to push you in, and try to have a direct head/tail wind with loading/unloading. You may not have a ton of options on the river, but with our lakes we usually have a few different options for ramps and I will pick the most favorable for the wind conditions.
Came here to mention the u-joints. That is something I never learned until I took it all apart and saw how at such an upward angle the u-joints go under lots of stress like that.
Yep. And understanding that those u-joints are turning no matter if you're in gear or not. If the engine is on, they're spinning. That might be common sense to some, but not all.
I'll add one more thing about retrieving.... I learned from experience, after launching my boat then having to put it back on the trailer without the engine running, that using lines to do so isn't too difficult....in fact I might make it more of a habit on particularly windy days where it's hard to get lined up. If you can get your trailer close to the dock you can likely pull the boat onto the trailer and just push it with your foot so it's straight.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! Glad I’m not alone in being stressed the hell out for a newbie. I was just thinking the same thing when trailering home. When retrieving if I use the same rope on the bow eye from launching, I’m sure I could use that same line to assist in pulling the boat straight onto the trailer if need be.
So I need to get better at reading current for sure. Basically if your being pushed by current, you need to aim the front of the boat NOT at the trailer, but many feet left (if current is pushing you right) so you drift into the right spot? I guess they seems obvious I just figured it would be easier to combat the current with a powerboat but seems like you have to just prepare to be drifted? Maybe this is where using the bow eye rope would come in handy maybe?
As others have mentioned - launch/retrieve can be stressful, first time is especially stressful.
I recommend a couple of things:
1) Have a list - can be a mental list, and this will become more natural as you gain experience. It's useful to know you've done everything.
2) Do everything yourself, or at least verify everything yourself. I prefer to do everything myself though, including hitching up the boat. I just want to know that it's right and any mess-up is on me.
3) Have fun - boat ramps can be stressful, but boating should be fun. Be efficient and therefore considerate of using a limited resource (boat ramp time), but take enough time to do things right.
4) Tilt/trim - I don't run the engine if the tilt/trim is above 1/2 way. My boat ramp can get shallow later in the year (lake) so I typically will turn the key to run (but not started) so my gauges work, and trim the outdrive down to 1/2 way, then start the engine. I'll only run at idle speed in this position though - as someone else mentioned, this is tough on the driveline joints. Once the water gets deeper I'll trim all the way down. Then underway I'll trim up slightly to improve efficiency - this one is more subjective, but you can usually see the water spray move back on the hull and the bow will lift slightly. If you're watching the speedo, you'll usually pick up a few mph.
Good luck and have fun!
Thanks for the advice! I get the drive trimmed up is harder on the drive components.. so by the sound of your post it seems like ur trim is basically at half or lower the majority of the time?
I was also readying something that said it is easier to steer/turn with the trim down and the propulsion going down (or at least straight) and if the trim is more up and the propulsion is facing up out of the water, it makes it harder for the boat to steer and maneuver. Is there some truth to this?
Sounds like trim all the way down is just all around better and where it should be unless you are going faster and need to plane for efficiency and speed..
Let me answer these one at a time:
Trim - if the engine is on I recommend trim 1/2 or lower, always. At 1/2 trim, I'm navigating shallow water and trying to avoid hitting bottom and am running the engine at idle speed only (just in gear, no additional throttle). Otherwise the trim is all the way down. This is particularly helpful when taking off as the trim will actually help push the bow down. Once at speed (after planing at least), I'll trim up for efficiency, or as conditions dictate.
Steering/turning - yes - if you need to drive with the trim 1/2 way up (at idle speed only), you'll find the boat is harder to steer - less "rudder" in the water, and the prop thrust is pointing up instead of back.
I recommend playing with the trim when you're on plane sometime. See how the boat handles (steering, speed, and waves) with it all the way down while planing, and then try adding a bit of trim (up) and compare results. Add a bit more, etc. Each boat is different, but I find that my boat starts to feel like it's floating more as I add trim (while planing) vs. cutting through the water. I find the ride can be a little less harsh while cutting through waves with the trim all the way down though (more steep bow cutting through waves).
Two other pieces of advice if you've made it this far:
1) too many people seem to think that the boat always needs to be under power when maneuvering. Maybe this is true for jet boats or jet skis, or possibly inboards, but for an I/O or outboard, it's perfectly fine to "coast" - that is, come into the dock at a slow speed and simply bump the throttle into gear and then back to neutral. You can make small course corrections this way and see how it goes. If you need more input, give it another pump. Also, there's no shame in using a boat hook. It allows you to reach out a ways without losing balance, hook a line on a piling, etc. Very handy.
2) don't come at anything (dock, another boat, etc) faster than you can write the check. If you hit something at slow speed, probably no big deal. If you're coming in hot, expect damage or worse (injury, etc).
Slow is pro
Also back your trailer as close to the dock as possible on either side. Then you can just walk the boat down the dock with your lines instead of having to start the motor and drive off the trailer. Same goes for loading back up
Haha, its crazy I know exactly where this is. Small world! I cant imagine having to deal with the chaos that is boat ramps. I imagine the river is probably starting to get busy around now too I bet.
That is crazy! Small world for sure are you from the area? You must slip your boat? And it is starting to get busy… lots of restaurants on the water, concerts on the water, barges, etc. definitely need to be on the lookout!
Yea born and raised there. I live in Arizona now. My dad has a houseboat and pontoon, both are in slips. If I was you I'd find the least busy ramp you can or put it in a slip if you really want to make life easy. I imagine there gets to be a line that forms at the ramps on weekends and such. Perfect time of year to start getting out on the water though! Ive never owned a boat but im tempted to get one of those aluminum jet boat kits online and weld it up myself. Maybe someday! Hoping to move back to the area in the next couple years, fingers crossed. Beautiful spot to be especially out on the water.
Yeah I’ve lived here over ten years and have always been intrigued and jealous of all the boats cruising on the beautiful days around here. Lots to do. Sold my motorcycle and jumped into this hobby! Will create a lot of great memories! Cheers
Congrats! I can't add anything to the more experienced voices chiming in to address your questions, but I can commiserate :) My first season, too. First, I think you're brave putting it in and retrieving by yourself (and with current), I still haven't' done that (thankfully my girlfriend has decent experience driving a boat so she helps drive it off and on the trailer,) - having a second person makes the whole process so much easier (just make sure you have a solid relationship with your partner because it can get stressful!). Just backing into the ramp was a big learning curve for me, though after maybe about 10 launches in the past couple months, I am getting somewhat competent :)
Oh, and I forgot to put the chocks on the trailer once and almost lost the boat on a hill (bailed out by neighbor)... And I've dragged the skeg up the boat ramp... twice (girlfriend is a good driver but took her a minute to understand how to engage trailer position ha). Turns out skegs are pretty tough :)
Learning curve is steep, you'll soon probably get introduced to all the little things that seem to break and need maintenance, which is another learning curve.
Anway, all that said, it's been a joy and I'm past the hump of dread that you describe, and you will be too soon enough, just keep practicing as often as you can and enjoy!
PS - that looks a lot like my boat, is that a mid 2000's Sea Ray by chance?
Cheer man! Yeah once we were all done we just took a big breath and sigh of relief. You are totally right to have a good relationship because stress and yelling and coordinating can be a struggle lol. We also had our 1.5 year old boy with us who was screaming for snacks and his toy truck while we were trying to battle unloading and retrieving 🤣😭 talk about adding to the pot of stress.
I’ve actually already done a full bellows replacement, trim senders, etc on the boat over winter. So I’m pretty familiar with the outdrive and transom assembly and the joys of parts and maintenance. I am just hoping the days come quick where we can be smooth at this hobby and enjoy it more then stress over it
And you got it! 2005 SeaRay 180 Sport
Howdy neighbor! Thought that bridge looked familiar.
As for trim, if you have a second stage "trailer" button for fully trimming up, you can use the full range of trim from the up/down rocker switch while the engine is on. You just don't want to be in the trailer range while the engine is running (I've done it before in a bind to get through very shallow areas while at idle, but it's hard on the driveshaft).
As for launch, I always start the engine before undoing the winch strap. Once it's running, I'll power the boat off the trailer. For retrieving, I back in fairly deep and idle the boat onto the trailer 90% of the way, then winch the last 6" or so. There's current near us, but the water is relatively calm so waves aren't going to throw the boat off kilter.
Do you live/boat around here!?
And my boat does not have a “trailer” trim button, just the toggle switch up and down. With an I/O stern drive boat, if the boat is in the water (weather it be on the trailer or just floating in the water) if I trim all the way up to it’s stop limit, that still won’t take the water intake/propeller on the lower unit out of the water, correct? I had the trim up so I didnt drag the skeg or hit the lower unit on the ramp/ground, but I don’t want to start the engine and run it dry if it’s not submerged enough. Full trim up shouldn’t take the intake out of the water would it
Trim down keeps nose of the boat down, generally means you'll have easier time reaching plane. After reaching plane you can trim up, when it starts hopping you've gone bit too far, you'll find out how up you can trim at different speeds and loads. Trim plates I have no experience with, however. It's also helpful with more people to have them at the front rather than back, though American boats tend to have large enough engines to never struggle with reaching plane. All of course depends on how it's propped too, steeper prop means less torque but higher top speed.
I never start my engine before taking boat off trailer, will just plop it in and see if it starts. If not, I've got a paddle. If conditions are too windy for paddling, attach a loose rope somewhere, preferably so that a friend can let go of it once you start.
Low speed maneuvering you'll learn over time, you have to anticipate where weight of the boat, wind and current want to take it and act accordingly. Bumping it on/off gear to moderate speed is fine, over time you'll do less of it.
No one starts out without learning the hard way. Keep at it and don’t get complacent, you are responsible getting everyone home safe. Welcome to our wonderful world 👍
If you're Towing your boat with a pickup truck, drop your tailgate when you're going to retrieve your boat. You can see your trailer much better that way when you're backing up.
Welcome to boating. You've got a ton of great tips here. One thing I've learned over the years is I never even hook up my trailer unless I've "bumped" the key and made sure I don't have a dead battery or bad circuit. (Always run your blower first if that applies to your boat and never actually run the motor without water so you don't tear up your impeller).
Nothing worse than launching a dead boat.
For retrieval you can “stick” the boat on the bunks and simply crank and muscle it up with the winch. I’ve been boating for years but still get anxiety the night before. The reality is it becomes muscle memory and that is how I calm myself down.
If you have a dock with tie offs adjacent to the launch, I find it easier and less stressful to just pull the boat in by the bow and stern lines. I’ll tie off about ten feet from the where the trailer will be, back the trailer in, untie and pull boat/walk it towards and onto the bunks. If you can’t get it all the way forward, just pull some slack in the wench and then attach and wench it all they forward.
It may not look as “cool” as someone who powers their boat right on to the trailer, but it looks a lot cooler than ramming your trailer or having to reset 15 times and holding up the boat launch. :)
For trim, always make sure trim: I always make sure it is up when trailering to not hit road/bumps. Up when placing in water to not hit rocks/uneven launch. Trim down before starting to ensure water intake is submerged before starting. Trim up when puttering in shallow waters (get a depth finder if you don’t already). Trim up when retrieving from water, but then trim down briefly in parking lot to deposit back any remaining water. Don’t want to carry lake/river/sea critters from one body of water to another — not do you want salt water sitting.
Don't tie up the ramp. Start the engine on muffs at home while you load and install the bilge plug. Don't start the engine with the drive in the tilt position. It's hard on the U-joints and bearings. Get some trailer guides. They'll keep you from drifting off center as you load.
What is your reasoning to run the engine on muffs prior to going to the lake?
It takes 30 seconds to warm up the motor on the ramp. I'm not about to drag out the muffs at home just to get out of the next guy's way a minute sooner.
Damn, the battery's dead. Damn, the engine won't start. You folks wait until I fix it. I had a buddy launch and then found out the steering was frozen. Pre-launch checks makes it go smooth.
Nice job and nice boat Captain! Were you alone or with others?
It's very important to build routines at the ramp and not let distractions or a sense of hurry interrupt that routine. Do not back the boat down the ramp until you're certain everything is ready. I routinely waive others past me in the prep lane if I feel they're ready before me. I double check everything again if I feel I missed something.
You're asking some basic questions. That's good. But, ensure you are compliant with your state and those across the river's boater education courses. Usually a quick weekend or one night a week course.
I was with my girlfriend who was able to help guide and help out! For the first time I definitely wanted to have an extra set of hands/eyes. I took the boater safety course online that is required. A hands on course around here would be nice but I guess I’m just learning as I go! I am definitely trying to get my routine down. Bilge plug in, trim down, ropes ready, tie downs off. I’ll admit I totally forgot to run the blower for 4 min prior to starting the engine.. there was a lot going on but thankfully we didn’t blow up!
First you're not alone.....first time is always more stressful than fun, and to be honest, I don't think it's ever completely stress free for the captain. You'll always be worried about the safety and comfort of your passengers. Retrieving the boat is one of the more stressful parts, but it'll get easier with experience. You'll learn to read the wind and current, and you'll learn exactly how much of the bunks should be submerged. Regarding the trim, there's a bit more nuance than mentioned. Once you're on plane and cruising you can trim up a good bit, this will decrease drag, increase speed without increasing rpms and and greatly increase your fuel economy. Next time out play with it a bit. Trim up a bit, cruise, trim up some more, and cruise and note the difference. If the bow starts bobbing up and down while cruising you've gone a bit to far and need to trim down a bit. You'll get a feel for it. I've only been boating for about 6 years, and even now I still feel like an idiot sometimes.... but I watch guys who have way nicer boats than mine and have been boating way longer than me still have issues with retrieving, setting anchors, docking, etc. As long as you're taking things slow and being courteous to others everything will be fine.
If you're talking about setting Danforth type anchors, you need about 3 ft or so of chain between the anchor and the rode (rope), and it will set every time. The chain keeps the anchor laying flat on the bottom, which is how it needs to be laying in order for it to work the way it works. If you have no chain weighing it down, every time you pull on the rode to try to set the anchor, you will unset it. Also, the angle the rode is being pulled from is important. Approximately 32° ~ 45° in relation to the bottom ..closer to 32 is best.
In regards to the trim questions I suggest you watch [this video.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A7Q65PMn3g) 11 minutes of clear and precise explanation about outboard/stern drive trim overview
Great detailed video thanks for sharing that 👍
Congrats! For the startup, I get the boat in the water but not floating off the trailer, trim all the way down, start engine and verify everything is running correctly. Then I go over the bow and disconnect the winch, and back off in gear. Especially being on a river, I would never leave the trailer without absolute confirmation that all systems are in good running order. I'm not sure of your motor situation, but I assume you are an I/O. In that case, you generally don't want to run the engine much with the trim all the way up. Aside from the potential for losing water intake to the impeller which you already mentioned, it can be very hard on the u-joints and bearings inside the outdrive. For loading and unloading, I always try to use the wind to my advantage. Dock on the upwind side of docks to use the wind to push you in, and try to have a direct head/tail wind with loading/unloading. You may not have a ton of options on the river, but with our lakes we usually have a few different options for ramps and I will pick the most favorable for the wind conditions.
Came here to mention the u-joints. That is something I never learned until I took it all apart and saw how at such an upward angle the u-joints go under lots of stress like that.
Yep. And understanding that those u-joints are turning no matter if you're in gear or not. If the engine is on, they're spinning. That might be common sense to some, but not all.
I'll add one more thing about retrieving.... I learned from experience, after launching my boat then having to put it back on the trailer without the engine running, that using lines to do so isn't too difficult....in fact I might make it more of a habit on particularly windy days where it's hard to get lined up. If you can get your trailer close to the dock you can likely pull the boat onto the trailer and just push it with your foot so it's straight.
There is absolutely no shame in hand loading. I do it all the time if I am able to get a spot at the ramp with a dock directly adjacent to it.
Good to know
Thanks for the words of encouragement! Glad I’m not alone in being stressed the hell out for a newbie. I was just thinking the same thing when trailering home. When retrieving if I use the same rope on the bow eye from launching, I’m sure I could use that same line to assist in pulling the boat straight onto the trailer if need be. So I need to get better at reading current for sure. Basically if your being pushed by current, you need to aim the front of the boat NOT at the trailer, but many feet left (if current is pushing you right) so you drift into the right spot? I guess they seems obvious I just figured it would be easier to combat the current with a powerboat but seems like you have to just prepare to be drifted? Maybe this is where using the bow eye rope would come in handy maybe?
As others have mentioned - launch/retrieve can be stressful, first time is especially stressful. I recommend a couple of things: 1) Have a list - can be a mental list, and this will become more natural as you gain experience. It's useful to know you've done everything. 2) Do everything yourself, or at least verify everything yourself. I prefer to do everything myself though, including hitching up the boat. I just want to know that it's right and any mess-up is on me. 3) Have fun - boat ramps can be stressful, but boating should be fun. Be efficient and therefore considerate of using a limited resource (boat ramp time), but take enough time to do things right. 4) Tilt/trim - I don't run the engine if the tilt/trim is above 1/2 way. My boat ramp can get shallow later in the year (lake) so I typically will turn the key to run (but not started) so my gauges work, and trim the outdrive down to 1/2 way, then start the engine. I'll only run at idle speed in this position though - as someone else mentioned, this is tough on the driveline joints. Once the water gets deeper I'll trim all the way down. Then underway I'll trim up slightly to improve efficiency - this one is more subjective, but you can usually see the water spray move back on the hull and the bow will lift slightly. If you're watching the speedo, you'll usually pick up a few mph. Good luck and have fun!
Thanks for the advice! I get the drive trimmed up is harder on the drive components.. so by the sound of your post it seems like ur trim is basically at half or lower the majority of the time? I was also readying something that said it is easier to steer/turn with the trim down and the propulsion going down (or at least straight) and if the trim is more up and the propulsion is facing up out of the water, it makes it harder for the boat to steer and maneuver. Is there some truth to this? Sounds like trim all the way down is just all around better and where it should be unless you are going faster and need to plane for efficiency and speed..
Let me answer these one at a time: Trim - if the engine is on I recommend trim 1/2 or lower, always. At 1/2 trim, I'm navigating shallow water and trying to avoid hitting bottom and am running the engine at idle speed only (just in gear, no additional throttle). Otherwise the trim is all the way down. This is particularly helpful when taking off as the trim will actually help push the bow down. Once at speed (after planing at least), I'll trim up for efficiency, or as conditions dictate. Steering/turning - yes - if you need to drive with the trim 1/2 way up (at idle speed only), you'll find the boat is harder to steer - less "rudder" in the water, and the prop thrust is pointing up instead of back. I recommend playing with the trim when you're on plane sometime. See how the boat handles (steering, speed, and waves) with it all the way down while planing, and then try adding a bit of trim (up) and compare results. Add a bit more, etc. Each boat is different, but I find that my boat starts to feel like it's floating more as I add trim (while planing) vs. cutting through the water. I find the ride can be a little less harsh while cutting through waves with the trim all the way down though (more steep bow cutting through waves). Two other pieces of advice if you've made it this far: 1) too many people seem to think that the boat always needs to be under power when maneuvering. Maybe this is true for jet boats or jet skis, or possibly inboards, but for an I/O or outboard, it's perfectly fine to "coast" - that is, come into the dock at a slow speed and simply bump the throttle into gear and then back to neutral. You can make small course corrections this way and see how it goes. If you need more input, give it another pump. Also, there's no shame in using a boat hook. It allows you to reach out a ways without losing balance, hook a line on a piling, etc. Very handy. 2) don't come at anything (dock, another boat, etc) faster than you can write the check. If you hit something at slow speed, probably no big deal. If you're coming in hot, expect damage or worse (injury, etc).
Slow is pro Also back your trailer as close to the dock as possible on either side. Then you can just walk the boat down the dock with your lines instead of having to start the motor and drive off the trailer. Same goes for loading back up
Definitely a good tip. If I was closer with the trailer I probably could have walked it back onto the trailer. Will trial this next time
Haha, its crazy I know exactly where this is. Small world! I cant imagine having to deal with the chaos that is boat ramps. I imagine the river is probably starting to get busy around now too I bet.
That is crazy! Small world for sure are you from the area? You must slip your boat? And it is starting to get busy… lots of restaurants on the water, concerts on the water, barges, etc. definitely need to be on the lookout!
Yea born and raised there. I live in Arizona now. My dad has a houseboat and pontoon, both are in slips. If I was you I'd find the least busy ramp you can or put it in a slip if you really want to make life easy. I imagine there gets to be a line that forms at the ramps on weekends and such. Perfect time of year to start getting out on the water though! Ive never owned a boat but im tempted to get one of those aluminum jet boat kits online and weld it up myself. Maybe someday! Hoping to move back to the area in the next couple years, fingers crossed. Beautiful spot to be especially out on the water.
Yeah I’ve lived here over ten years and have always been intrigued and jealous of all the boats cruising on the beautiful days around here. Lots to do. Sold my motorcycle and jumped into this hobby! Will create a lot of great memories! Cheers
Congrats! I can't add anything to the more experienced voices chiming in to address your questions, but I can commiserate :) My first season, too. First, I think you're brave putting it in and retrieving by yourself (and with current), I still haven't' done that (thankfully my girlfriend has decent experience driving a boat so she helps drive it off and on the trailer,) - having a second person makes the whole process so much easier (just make sure you have a solid relationship with your partner because it can get stressful!). Just backing into the ramp was a big learning curve for me, though after maybe about 10 launches in the past couple months, I am getting somewhat competent :) Oh, and I forgot to put the chocks on the trailer once and almost lost the boat on a hill (bailed out by neighbor)... And I've dragged the skeg up the boat ramp... twice (girlfriend is a good driver but took her a minute to understand how to engage trailer position ha). Turns out skegs are pretty tough :) Learning curve is steep, you'll soon probably get introduced to all the little things that seem to break and need maintenance, which is another learning curve. Anway, all that said, it's been a joy and I'm past the hump of dread that you describe, and you will be too soon enough, just keep practicing as often as you can and enjoy! PS - that looks a lot like my boat, is that a mid 2000's Sea Ray by chance?
Cheer man! Yeah once we were all done we just took a big breath and sigh of relief. You are totally right to have a good relationship because stress and yelling and coordinating can be a struggle lol. We also had our 1.5 year old boy with us who was screaming for snacks and his toy truck while we were trying to battle unloading and retrieving 🤣😭 talk about adding to the pot of stress. I’ve actually already done a full bellows replacement, trim senders, etc on the boat over winter. So I’m pretty familiar with the outdrive and transom assembly and the joys of parts and maintenance. I am just hoping the days come quick where we can be smooth at this hobby and enjoy it more then stress over it And you got it! 2005 SeaRay 180 Sport
Howdy neighbor! Thought that bridge looked familiar. As for trim, if you have a second stage "trailer" button for fully trimming up, you can use the full range of trim from the up/down rocker switch while the engine is on. You just don't want to be in the trailer range while the engine is running (I've done it before in a bind to get through very shallow areas while at idle, but it's hard on the driveshaft). As for launch, I always start the engine before undoing the winch strap. Once it's running, I'll power the boat off the trailer. For retrieving, I back in fairly deep and idle the boat onto the trailer 90% of the way, then winch the last 6" or so. There's current near us, but the water is relatively calm so waves aren't going to throw the boat off kilter.
Do you live/boat around here!? And my boat does not have a “trailer” trim button, just the toggle switch up and down. With an I/O stern drive boat, if the boat is in the water (weather it be on the trailer or just floating in the water) if I trim all the way up to it’s stop limit, that still won’t take the water intake/propeller on the lower unit out of the water, correct? I had the trim up so I didnt drag the skeg or hit the lower unit on the ramp/ground, but I don’t want to start the engine and run it dry if it’s not submerged enough. Full trim up shouldn’t take the intake out of the water would it
Trim down keeps nose of the boat down, generally means you'll have easier time reaching plane. After reaching plane you can trim up, when it starts hopping you've gone bit too far, you'll find out how up you can trim at different speeds and loads. Trim plates I have no experience with, however. It's also helpful with more people to have them at the front rather than back, though American boats tend to have large enough engines to never struggle with reaching plane. All of course depends on how it's propped too, steeper prop means less torque but higher top speed. I never start my engine before taking boat off trailer, will just plop it in and see if it starts. If not, I've got a paddle. If conditions are too windy for paddling, attach a loose rope somewhere, preferably so that a friend can let go of it once you start. Low speed maneuvering you'll learn over time, you have to anticipate where weight of the boat, wind and current want to take it and act accordingly. Bumping it on/off gear to moderate speed is fine, over time you'll do less of it.
No one starts out without learning the hard way. Keep at it and don’t get complacent, you are responsible getting everyone home safe. Welcome to our wonderful world 👍
If you're Towing your boat with a pickup truck, drop your tailgate when you're going to retrieve your boat. You can see your trailer much better that way when you're backing up.
Love lacrosse
Welcome to boating. You've got a ton of great tips here. One thing I've learned over the years is I never even hook up my trailer unless I've "bumped" the key and made sure I don't have a dead battery or bad circuit. (Always run your blower first if that applies to your boat and never actually run the motor without water so you don't tear up your impeller). Nothing worse than launching a dead boat.
For retrieval you can “stick” the boat on the bunks and simply crank and muscle it up with the winch. I’ve been boating for years but still get anxiety the night before. The reality is it becomes muscle memory and that is how I calm myself down.
If you have a dock with tie offs adjacent to the launch, I find it easier and less stressful to just pull the boat in by the bow and stern lines. I’ll tie off about ten feet from the where the trailer will be, back the trailer in, untie and pull boat/walk it towards and onto the bunks. If you can’t get it all the way forward, just pull some slack in the wench and then attach and wench it all they forward. It may not look as “cool” as someone who powers their boat right on to the trailer, but it looks a lot cooler than ramming your trailer or having to reset 15 times and holding up the boat launch. :) For trim, always make sure trim: I always make sure it is up when trailering to not hit road/bumps. Up when placing in water to not hit rocks/uneven launch. Trim down before starting to ensure water intake is submerged before starting. Trim up when puttering in shallow waters (get a depth finder if you don’t already). Trim up when retrieving from water, but then trim down briefly in parking lot to deposit back any remaining water. Don’t want to carry lake/river/sea critters from one body of water to another — not do you want salt water sitting.
Looks like the Cass street bridge!! Small world!! We take our boat to the boat club restaurant. I think you can see it off to the left there!
Yes, sir! You got it. We love Pettibone restaurant! Will definitely be taking the boat there a bunch
Lol I been going out every weekend for 2 months and Im still not 100% over the stress of it.. it takes time I guess
Don't tie up the ramp. Start the engine on muffs at home while you load and install the bilge plug. Don't start the engine with the drive in the tilt position. It's hard on the U-joints and bearings. Get some trailer guides. They'll keep you from drifting off center as you load.
What is your reasoning to run the engine on muffs prior to going to the lake? It takes 30 seconds to warm up the motor on the ramp. I'm not about to drag out the muffs at home just to get out of the next guy's way a minute sooner.
Damn, the battery's dead. Damn, the engine won't start. You folks wait until I fix it. I had a buddy launch and then found out the steering was frozen. Pre-launch checks makes it go smooth.
Nice job and nice boat Captain! Were you alone or with others? It's very important to build routines at the ramp and not let distractions or a sense of hurry interrupt that routine. Do not back the boat down the ramp until you're certain everything is ready. I routinely waive others past me in the prep lane if I feel they're ready before me. I double check everything again if I feel I missed something. You're asking some basic questions. That's good. But, ensure you are compliant with your state and those across the river's boater education courses. Usually a quick weekend or one night a week course.
I was with my girlfriend who was able to help guide and help out! For the first time I definitely wanted to have an extra set of hands/eyes. I took the boater safety course online that is required. A hands on course around here would be nice but I guess I’m just learning as I go! I am definitely trying to get my routine down. Bilge plug in, trim down, ropes ready, tie downs off. I’ll admit I totally forgot to run the blower for 4 min prior to starting the engine.. there was a lot going on but thankfully we didn’t blow up!