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 Ready,
Set... Launch! by
Cap'n Jack Perdue
There are
thousands of launching ramps in Canada and they are most likely
available where you want go boating. Many ramps are just natural
gradients leading down into the water, while many have paved slopes
flanked by convenient loading docks.
Ramps marked on highway maps or indicated on road
signs are probably well designed and maintained. But you should
always be cautious as the water that day may be high and swift-flowing,
or even worse, low enough to almost reveal rocks. Ramps available
at marinas are usually well designed, however, you usually have
to pay to use them.
There are also hundreds of road allowances that
lead into lakes and rivers everywhere in Canada. Although, some
don't rate as launching ramps because local residents discourage
itinerant boaters by decorating the last 10 feet of the road leading
to the water with whitewashed boulders, flower beds and signs that
read 'Keep Off-- Private Property,' which is usually a downright
falsehood.
Ramps that have not been beautified should also
be treated with suspicion. If the lake is shallow immediately off
shore, and the bottom consists of soft mud, you could get your rear
wheels stuck in that muck and you will be a candidate for a tow-truck.
So, scout out the area carefully. Take off your shoes and socks,
roll up your pant legs and go for a wade. It could be worth 50 bucks.
At a properly designed launching ramp, spacious areas are provided
so you can position your trailer and car in line with the ramp.
(Top)
Now that we have discussed the various types of
places where you can launch your boat, you are now ready to perform
the main event. The very first thing you do, bless your soul, is
to re-insert the drain plug into its little hole in the transom
of your boat. Do this now and you won't forget it (and you won't
panic when your socks get wet).
The second thing you do is untie the stern lines
that were used to secure the boat to the trailer frame as these
lines are out of reach once the trailer wheels are in the water.
Keep the bow lines fastened because you still have about 50 feet
to go before you reach the water. If these are untied, it could
be the most memorable 50 feet of your life.
Make sure you have everything aboard your boat before
it goes into the water. Nobody really wants to try to hand you a
full tank of gas once you're afloat. Also, have a paddle handy in
case the motor won't start.
So now you're ready to back the boat down to the
water and, if you haven't done it before, this is the moment of
truth. If you put the car into reverse while you stare into the
rear view mirror, you're doomed. (Top)
There is only one intelligent way to back that rig.
Start the engine, twist around as far as possible and keep one foot
in the reach of the gas and brake pedal. Lay your right arm along
the back of the front seat, twist your head around until you are
looking directly at that boat and gently remove your foot from the
brake pedal.
If you turn the steering wheel to the right, the
boat and trailer will start turning left. Like riding a bike, this
is something that you simply have to learn by experience.
So as the car starts to push the rig gently towards
the water, try turning the steering wheel, but not that much. You
may want to practice this in an empty parking lot before actually
launching the boat into water.
Once the wheels of the trailer are in the water
at the end of the ramp, stop for a moment to untie the trailer frame
and bow cleats, tie them together and use them as a lifeline in
case things don't go quite right. Now you are ready for the last
glorious maneuver. (Top)
Before you proceed, ensure that someone is sitting
in the boat (with a life jacket on) to start the motor. Also check
the water depth to gauge where the boat is likely to start floating
off the trailer.
Return to the driver's seat. Start the engine and
slowly reverse the trailer into the water. When the boat is about
to float--hit the brakes! With any luck, the boat will roll or slide
off the trailer and float majestically on the water.
I'm sure you figured out by now that, by using the
ramp at the local marina and paying a usage fee, you could save
a heap of frustration. The guys at the marina have the experience
of backing a boat into the water, so if in doubt, put yourself into
the their experienced hands.
If there isn't a marina available on the lake or
river you want to explore, bite the bullet, follow these directions
and back up that rig with confidence. Good luck! (Top)
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