One of the greatest tips enlightened by Move Trailer expert, Adam Crossley, is – do not be dissuaded by owning a boat for the simple fact of boat trailering.
As one of the most important parts of boat trailering, launch and retrieval is often considered to be the most daunting however, with some guidance and lots of practice it can become second nature.
To shine a light on the utmost information possible, Move Trailers has broken boat launch and retrieval into two segments so, keep an eye out for the second article coming soon.
But, before jumping into the crux of the series, it is important to note that while perhaps one of the most neglected aspects of boat trailering, owning a steadfast and reliable trailer is one of the most critical (we all know someone with a rust-bucket trailer, ready to give out).
As the force beneath your vessel, it is important to have peace of mind that your boat will be as safe at the ramp as it is on the water.
Now, thanks to Move Trailers, all Aussie’s have access to a strong and dependable trailer that has been mastered following decades of marine excellence. Offering an expansive lineup of options, Move serves high-quality trailers for a wide range of aluminium, plate, and fibreglass vessels.
Built from aluminium and designed using I-Beam frames, Move Trailers are not only lightweight and maneuverable, but they also do not rust or retain water, plus are long-lasting and easy to clean.
If you are still struggling with boat launch after reading the below tips, the best next step is to seek advice and
The boat ramp tends to be a high-traffic area, bustling with likeminded boaters keen to get in or out of the water. If the boat-ramp process is performed effectively, it can make for an extremely seamless flow – which is what everyone wants. Ensuring everything is performed effectively, whilst also efficiently will mean less time at the ramp, and more time on the water for every ramp user. There are some important boat ramp etiquettes that all marine-craft users should be aware of.
• Know the rules of the ramp Knowing the rules of the ramp will prevent damage to the ramp, your vessel and vehicle. Rules include restricted hours of use and maximum size of vessel due to water depths.
• Never load or unload your boat on the ramp Never prepare the boat for launching on the ramp, regardless of the number of boats waiting to use it. It is good practice to prepare off the ramp even when there is no-one waiting. Preparing the boat and trailer involves a wide range of tasks, including: removing covers, removing trailer straps, turning on the battery switch (having checked the battery is fully charged before leaving home), trimming the engine up, fitting the bungs, priming your motor for a quick start, rigging bow lines, fitting fenders, putting the aerials up, putting your personal belongings in the boat and more. Most ramps have a preparation area set aside exclusively for this purpose and some are even sign-posted accordingly.
• Keep your boat to the side During the process of launching and retrieving your boat, be mindful of where your boat is positioned or parked. Whether you are alone or with others, while launching and retrieving, make sure your boat is pulled to the side and out of the way of others. When approaching or departing the ramp (from either vehicle or vessel), keep an eye on others to reduce damage to any boats or people.
• Don’t jump the queue During busy periods such as weekends, you may arrive at the boat ramp to find a line-up of boats waiting to launch. Be respectful of others by not pushing-in or jumping the cue – simply wait your turn and everyone should walk away happy.
walk through the process with a marine expert at your local Move Trailer Dealership.
Before diving into launching, it is important to first cover some important boat ramp etiquette:

Boat Ramp Etiquette

The boat ramp tends to be a high-traffic area, bustling with likeminded boaters keen to get in or out of the water. If the boat-ramp process is performed effectively, it can make for an extremely seamless flow – which is what everyone wants. Ensuring everything is performed effectively, whilst also efficiently will mean less time at the ramp, and more time on the water for every ramp user. There are some important boat ramp etiquettes that all marine-craft users should be aware of.

• Know the rules of the ramp
Knowing the rules of the ramp will prevent damage to the ramp, your vessel and vehicle. Rules include restricted hours of use and maximum size of vessel due to water depths.
• Never load or unload your boat on the ramp
Never prepare the boat for launching on the ramp, regardless of the number of boats waiting to use it. It is good practice to prepare off the ramp even when there is no-one waiting. Preparing the boat and trailer involves a wide range of tasks, including: removing covers, removing trailer straps, turning on the battery switch (having checked the battery is fully charged before leaving home), trimming the engine up, fitting the bungs, priming your motor for a quick start, rigging bow lines, fitting fenders, putting the aerials up, putting your personal belongings in the boat and more. Most ramps have a preparation area set aside exclusively for this purpose and some are even sign-posted accordingly.
• Keep your boat to the side
During the process of launching and retrieving your boat, be mindful of where your boat is positioned or parked. Whether you are alone or with others, while launching and retrieving, make sure your boat is pulled to the side and out of the way of others. When approaching or departing the ramp (from either vehicle or vessel), keep an eye on others to reduce damage to any boats or people.
• Don’t jump the queue
During busy periods such as weekends, you may arrive at the boat ramp to find a line-up of boats waiting to launch. Be respectful of others by not pushing-in or jumping the cue – simply wait your turn and everyone should walk away happy.

Launching Your Boat

It may seem like launching your boat should be an easy task. In theory, it is, but there are also many factors you must consider when putting your boat in the water. These include things like the ramp you are launching from — if there’s a ramp at all — whether you have help with launching and the type of boat you are launching. Below are some tips and information to help you with the boat-launching process.
– Be prepared
Before approaching the boat ramp, make sure your boat is ready to go. This includes checking the bungs are in and all necessary gear is in your boat; including eskies, fishing and personal equipment,
safety gear and anything else you might need. Often there are loading bays alongside the boat ramp which can be used to finalise your preparation. Once your boat is loaded and ready, you can then head to the ramp to launch.
– Back down the boat ramp
When the ramp is clear and it is your turn in line, you can then back your boat and trailer down the ramp. Use your mirrors to ensure that you are in line with the ramp and the water. Where ramps have multiple lanes, ensure utmost boat ramp etiquette by sticking to one unless unsafe to do so; allowing others to launch consecutively. Ultimately, try to occupy as little of the boat ramp as possible by sticking closely to the outside edge. If unversed with reversing a trailer, practice as much as possible before heading to the ramp, opt for a quieter location to launch or seek help from an experienced boater where possible.
– Correct water depth
To ensure safe launching, there must be adequate water depth between your boat and the ramp before release. Ensure your trailer wheels are submerged, and the stern of your boat is in the water. Then, set your vehicle into park or neutral and apply your handbrake.
– Pushing the boat off (unpowered launch)
Tie a painter (rope) to the bow of the vessel so that you can control it when coming off the trailer. You may have to give the boat a shove to break the seal between roller/skid and the hull of the boat.
– Tie your boat to the dock
Once your boat is in the water, you will need to tie it to a dock (if there’s one present) or secure it in another way close to shore – i.e. anchoring onshore. Once you have moved the boat away from the trailer and secured it, you can then park your vehicle and enjoy your day boating.
– If you are unsure, seek local knowledge.

Alternative launch and retrieval method (powered launch):
Many experienced boaters and fishermen will drive, or power their boats on and off the trailer. Regardless, do not feel pressured to do the same. Whilst ensuring all practices are actioned effectively and correctly, you should also be efficient as possible, taking into consideration other boat ramp users.
– Follow the same launching procedures as above

o Make sure all boat preparation is done in the designated area
o Reverse back down the boat ramp
o Have the boat and trailer at the correct depth (this can vary when driving the boat off depending on the angle of the ramp)
– When ready, start her up Whether someone is with you or you are self-launching, once the boat and trailer is at the correct depth, trim the motor, then start the engine.
o If solo launching, use the catch and release launching method to launch the boat, then tie up to the pontoon before parking your vehicle.
o If accompanied, the boat driver should move into forward gear gently when prompted by the car driver, taking pressure of the winch strap. The vehicle driver will disconnect the winch hook and safety chain. Then, the boat driver can reverse the boat slowly off the trailer and idle away from the ramp or, tie up to the pontoon while the vehicle is parked.
Solo launch and/or retrieval should only be practiced if your boat and trailer are fitted with the correct catch and release system – such as the available option on Move Trailers. If you have someone with you, then launch and/or retrieval can be done without the catch and release.
Designed to meet the needs of all Aussie boaties, living in a wide range of terrains, Move is derived to go the distance – plus, is Australian made.
With a wide range of dealers located across the country, Move Trailers are right at every Aussie’s fingertips. For further information about trailer launching, or to discuss the Move Trailer range contact your local dealer today at https://moveboattrailers.com.au/Dealers.aspx