BOAT LAUNCHING 101 IN NEEDLES CA
Posted by Sandra Buckendorf on Sun, Jul 18, 2010
I've been to "The River" (that's the Colorado River in Needles, CA) since I was 8 years old. I'm athletic and coordinated.....But for some reason, I can't back up a boat! I know I am not the only one....My husband and I watch other couples launching their boats and we laugh....Dr. Phil could have a field day analyzing couples as they launch their boats! However, I just read a brochure entitled "2010 Your Guide to Towing" (by Trailer Boats) and have discovered the secret to backing up boat trailers! It's so simple.....Why did it take me so long to discover it?
Before I reveal the "secret", the brochure also had some great pointers for launching a boat! If you are a new boat owner, read these simple tips and you will be launching the boat like you have done it for years!
PREPARING THE BOAT FOR LAUNCHING
(Pull into the parking area or "ready" lane)
- Remove the tie - downs and engine support
- Disconnect the trailer wiring from the towing vehicle
- Load the boat with all of your gear and articles that you will need for playing
- Check the boat systems i.e. the blower, engine, bilge pumps, lights and horn
- If the boat is equipped with an engine-compartment blower, turn it on
- Get all of the dock lines and fenders ready
- And most importantly....MAKE SURE TO PUT IN THE DRAIN PLUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now here comes the "secret". I have always known to leave myself plenty of room when backing up (normally I wait until the launch ramp is totally cleared!). And I also knew that the boat trailer would move in the opposite direction of the truck I was driving. However, that would get me confused. The simple little trick seems is to be placing one of your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel. So, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and if you want the trailer to "go right", simply move the bottom of the steering wheel to the right. And vice versa. If you want the trailer to go left, move the wheel to the left! Voila! Why did it take me so long to understand this! Now you are ready to
LAUNCH THE BOAT
- Back down the ramp far enough to allow engine cooling water to be picked up.
- Set the emergency brake and put the vehicle in park. If you plan on getting out of the truck, block the wheels of the
truck.
- On outboard engines and/or sterndrive boats, lower the drive.
- Start the engine and let it warm up.
- Then disconnect the winch hook from the bow eye and proceed to have fun!
Now if you still are having problems, just ask Roy at All Seasons Storage (in Needles, CA) and he will be glad to assist you in launching your boat (if he has time). One of the perks of using boat storage in Needles, is being able to always ask for assistance!
Pictures by 2coolfishing.com