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Out To Launch (19-2) by Dusty Miller
  Dusty Miller So you bought yourself a boat and trailer, congratulations. The trailer, in a very real sense, is your home port, meaning you can cruise just about anywhere there's a launch ramp. However, launching and retrieving a boat is not as straightforward as it seems. It takes some time and patience before you really get the hang of it.

Preparing to launch your vessel starts well before you arrive at the launch ramp. By taking a few extra precautions, launching and retrieving your boat will be much easier. When you first pick up your new package, the dealer will most likely conduct a quick inspection to ensure the essential equipment is installed. This is something you should also do yourself. While a list of all the equipment will be in the manual, you can also refer to the checklist on the bill of sale. Cushions, tie-down straps, drain plug, safety equipment plus the cover and carpets should all be included. It will also show you what needs to be secured in the boat or stowed away in the tow vehicle. All it takes is a few minutes on the highway to know what should've been tied down. Essential equipment such as covers, boat keys, tie-downs and lines can easily disappear when driving to your boating destination. Without this gear, launching your vessel could turn into a nightmare.

When you approach the ramp, don't back down into the water right away...
...

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