Trailering tips

[mrfishy]

What are some good tips you guys have learned over the years. I'll be towing a 26 foot grady with a '98 dodge ram this coming week and it would be nice to know some tips for backing down and pulling the boat out of the water being that my truck is probably a little underpowered

[Tenacious]

Put it in low gear and get a running start

[gofshn]

4wd? put her in 4 lo and creep it out.

[wbfish]

Pre-Launching Preparations

For the courtesy of others and to prevent rushing, prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp.

Raise the lower unit (remove supports) to proper height for launching so it will not hit bottom.
Remove tie-downs and make sure the winch is properly attached to the bow eye and locked in position.
Put the drain plug in securely.
Disconnect the trailer lights to prevent shorting of electrical system or burning out a bulb.
Attach a line to the bow and the stern of the boat so the boat cannot drift away after launching and it can be easily maneuvered to docking area.
Visually inspect the launch ramp for hazards such as a steep drop off, slippery area and sharp objects.
When everything has been double checked, proceed slowly to the ramp remembering that your boat is just resting on the trailer and attached only at the bow. The ideal situation is to have one person in the boat and one observer at the water's edge to help guide the driver of the tow vehicle.
Ideally put in and pull out at high tide. Be extra cautious backing down and pulling out after it rains.

Launching

Keep the rear wheels of the tow vehicle out of the water. This will generally keep the exhaust pipes out of the water. If the exhaust pipes become immersed in the water, the engine may stall.
Set the parking brake and place tire chocks behind rear wheels.
Make sure someone else on shore is holding the lines attached to the boat.
Lower the motor and prepare to start the engine (after running blowers and checking for fuel leaks).
Start the boat motor and make sure water is passing through the engine cooling system.
Release the winch and disconnect the winch line from the bow when the boat operator is ready.
At this point, the boat should be able to be launched with a light shove or by backing off the trailer under power. Finish loading your boat at a sufficient distance from the ramp so others may use it.

Storage

Since your boat may be sitting on its trailer for quite some time before it is used again, it is important to store it properly. To avoid damage from sun and weather, cover the boat with a tarp. To remove weight from the wheels, put cinderblocks or wood beams under the tongue and all four corners of the trailer frame. Hope this helps.

[wbfish]

Also if you can simply get some practice with pulling just the trailer(Laney parking lot on a Sat or Sun ). Pick a large parking lot and set-up cones or empty plastic garbage pails and practice backing into a “spot”.You need to be able to control your vehicle and trailer to make an effortless entry into the ramp, and then releasing your boat. Also Josh isn't gonna put in that drain plug no more.

[unoyankeefan]

Please note that if you are using an "underpowered" vehicle and know it; if you have a bump up you get the citation and God forbid that if someone gets hurt or worse, you could be looking at more serious trouble. A 26' Grady is one heavy beast and I believe you right that the Dodge may not be enough. Hopefully there is a good braking system ont he trailer or I would not even attempt it. Even if you have the power in the truck, make sure it has a towing package which is much more than just having a trailer hitch.

[brandon558]

first tip would be get rid of the dodge

Only mession with you...but i cant wait to watch. Maybe we could get some video footage

[mrfishy]

Originally Posted by brandon558

first tip would be get rid of the dodge

My Ram is beastier than your truck

Matt we're getting it Wednesday

[JMS-ILM]

i know its hard for some, but use some common sense at the boat ramp. prep and tie down lanes are there for a reason...use them! load/unload all your shit before approaching the ramp. dump your boat, and if its busy, have your buddy idle out in the channel while you park....no sense in plugging up a ramp while you pussyfoot around at the truck. same with recovering...drop a buddy off on the finger pier and let him get the truck and get in line while someone keeps the boat idling in the channel out of the way of others launching and recovering. and if you dont have any experience backing trailers, a trailer with a 26' grady is not the ideal rig to practice on.

i use the WRC ramps up and down the coast day in and day out for work....you would not believe the shenanigans that go on at these ramps on busy days. i spent 30 mins this AM at the WB ramp waiting on a co-worker...if it was any indication of the months to come, its going to be a loooong summer.



i swear im going to write a book on boat ramp etiquette one day.....complete with pictures of the aftermaths of drunken brawls over parking spots

[wbfish]

Tell your dad to get you a truck like mine or get him to sell the tahoe and get himself a truck like mine or 2500 gmc or chevy.