What Not To Do - Public Service Announcement

[OllieC]

Here is a list on what not to do when you launch by yourself. These are the steps I performed yesterday.

1. Prep the boat before getting to the ramp, fenders, lines, install plugs, remove back straps, etc.
2. Approach the ramp and back down slowly, once at the slope, switch truck to neutral.
3. Once the boat aft end is floating, put the truck in park and set the parking break. ( I didn't block the tires)
4. Get out of the truck and go to the winch to release the boat
5. Turn the crank to release the latch on the winch that changes the direction of the winch.
6. Slowly crank the boat down. It's 4500 lbs so take your time
7. Lose focus and think your truck is sliding into the water because the boat is moving.
8. Freak out and release the crank so it spins wildly as the boat rapidly goes into the water.
9. Use your elbow and then your wrist to get whacked by the rapidly spinning crank.
10. SWEAR
11. Lick your wounds, and finish the launch.

A couple lessons I learned - stay focused, and I should have blocked my tires.

 

[villain style]

Lol

 

[NotHerDecision]

I Love it! Glad you can admit your mistakes and laugh about it... I love going to the ramp and watching, it's an entire day of fun!

Josh

 

[SeadawgVB]

You may want to review step two which may have lead to step seven. I would not use neutral, because it could lead me to wonder if it may have been left in neutral.

Blocking tires COULD be overkill, I say could because it really depends on the slope of the ramp. I once launched from a ramp that was so steep my boat was floating without letting any strap out from the winch and was wondering if four wheel drive low range was going to pull it out!

Having an actual routine is actually a great idea.

 

[romanservices]

I love step No. 7 You could block your tires, chain it to another truck or some other overkill measure but if you keep step 7 in there you will always have troubles. good stuff..

 

[northshore]

Just another tricky day

Written by Pete Townshend
Performed by the Who and anyone who has owned a boat.

We all have 'em :grin:

 

[dvx216]

Control the urge to go postal on a jet skier that is sitting on a ramp waiting on someone instead of using the docks

 

[Escape22]

I also leave truck in neutral when on the slope.
Step 3: I set my parking brake FIRST, then shift trans to park.
this will relieve pressure on the gears.

 

[Arickosmo]

Love it!

We've all done it. You missed step #17. Frantically put boat back on trailer realizing you missed step 3, check garboard drain plug.

 

[bracketracer]

I also leave truck in neutral when on the slope.
Step 3: I set my parking brake FIRST, then shift trans to park.
this will relieve pressure on the gears.

This is actually a good one here. Also gives you peace of mind that the parking brake is actually functional.