Ten First-Time Launching Tips | Pontoon-Depot

Here are some suggestions. Experienced boaters are welcome to read and learn something too!

First-Time Tips

1. First of all, take your boat and trailer to an empty shopping center parking lot and practice backing the trailer into a parking space.
2. Have a discussion about what you agree to be called “a common language,” Know how to indicate “stop,” “left,” “start over,” and of course, “perfect” with your hands.
3. The most important lesson for the beginner is to go SLOW. The faster you go, typically the further behind you get. There are no time limits for launching. Most ramps are public and everyone has a right to be there, even the slower ones. For the beginner, the majority of vehicle movement at the ramp should be controlled at the brake pedal.
4. As you’re backing down a sloped ramp, very little gas pedal is required. Bumping the brake pedal and checking where you are in relation to the ramp are keys to success. Also, all adjustments are best made by the beginner with the brake applied; turn the wheel to get the trailer to go where you want and then release the brake. This gives you optimum maneuverability in the shortest distance.
5. When we’re taught to drive, we’re taught to keep our hands near the top of the wheel. This can be confusing for trailer backing as there is no left/right relationship this way. If you start with your hands at the bottom of the wheel, you can establish a left/right relationship for trailer backing.
6. Focus on the task at hand, not the surroundings (other people waiting). This will get you onto the ramp much quicker.
7. The relationship between the tow vehicle and the boat is different for every combination. A longer trailer is easier to back up and harder in turns going forward. A shorter trailer is harder to back up as it jackknifes quicker but is easier to tow going forward.
8. When you find yourself with the trailer jackknifed, there is a proper way to correct the situation. With your foot on the brake, turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction of the jackknife. If the trailer is jackknifed to the right side of the vehicle, with your foot on the brake, turn the wheel all the way to the left as if making a left turn. Then slowly release the brakes and pull forward only as far as is required to align the tow vehicle and the trailer. Remember though, sometimes it’s easier to start over at the top of the ramp.
9. All beginners should have guide poles on the trailer for a visual reference; this is a necessity. Without guides, it is extremely difficult to see an empty trailer. Some people back up using mirrors, some look over their shoulders. There is no right or wrong way. Whichever way is most comfortable for the individual is the best way.
10. The difference between a novice and a professional is the number of times the professional has done it. Get out and practice.

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