How Do I learn to Launch?

[Mumaluke]

One thing I didn't see someone mention, always unplug your trailer lights. If they are hot (non LED) and they hit the cold water they can pop.

I do like the suggestion of going and watching both in the morning and at the end of the day. My father would always tell me, divorces just about happen at the boat launch, its always entertaining. My wife and I always say we wont be that couple that fights like cats and dogs at the launch, we save it for the ride home if something happens Normally by the time we get everything packed down, we forget about what happened or find it humorous.

 

[08sundeck]

As a newer boater I found it helpful to print and laminate a checklist. I have launch on one side and retrieval on the other. I keep it in the glove box. Someone can hold the list and check off the items. I have boat plug bolded and underlined on one side and raise prop bolded on retrieval side. Forgetting to raise the trim up can be an easy but costly mistake (learned the hard way).The first few times can be hectic especially if there is line of people waiting to use the ramp. You want to move quickly but don't rush your process and forget something. Best of luck with the new boat.