Boating 101 | How to Back Up a Boat Trailer & Launch a Boat- Boat Ramp Tips

[@johnayers8990]

Bonus tip for first time trailer backers- place your hand on BOTTOM of steering wheel and steer it towards the way you want the trailer to go😃🇺🇸

[@TheGreenrhino77]

I agree 100% and it is not just for beginners. Stear with your hands at the bottom of the wheel should stop big movements that get you trailer out of whack while backing. Also adjust your mirrors prior to backing down and use them. Looking over your shoulder and out the window tends to lead to bigger steering wheel movements causing greater errors. Good video guys.

[@OnkelDude]

Boat tip: Do not get crooked. You crooked, stop, straighten and do it again.

[@sledzep01]

I disagree. Practice instead

[@bp-ob8ic]

Best tip I ever got. Right behind that is that slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Take your time, it's quicker.

[@xdura4350]

One thing i can say when you come home from puting your boat in salt water wash your truck where the water would touch ive had my truck 5 years and kot a single bit of rust from salt water and i fish 3 times a week in saltwater

[@thecat1919]

I feel you pudding . i blew a tire on a double axle but the extra tire saved me from loosing control . super great tip Thanks 😷👍

[@edrockwell6073]

I also unplug my lights before backing into the water. If your trailer lights seals go bad it probably won't short out or blow a fuse. Great tips....be kind and courteous. Not everyone can back a trailer up as easily you can.

[@damodoesall6240]

Miami boat ramps says Dracizzle is the best trailer backer ever !

[@chip6515]

when i was a kid, the way I was taught to steer when backing a trailer is ...if you put your hand at the bottom of the wheel...when you want the trailer to go left, you move the wheel left (which is actually moving the wheel right...you'll see what I mean when you try it) ...and vice versa

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

YEs, have heard that

[@GeorgeBonez]

I’m so glad this vid popped up. I’ve seen so many vids from other yt uploaders of Darcizzle “showing off” at the boat ramp especially at Blackpoint landing because she backs the trailer all the way from the parking spot to the ramp like a Boss. Lol

[@WhistlingGary]

Nothing frustrates a regular more than a weekend warrier who doesn't think about anyone else. Great video. Please be kind to your fellow boaters and prepare before the busy on ramp weekends.

[@armandoboensel593]

Californian trucker here and Darcy you got skills girl. Great info guys hope everyone watches before the labor day weekend and thier are no problems at the ramps this weekend.

[@leroyfrazier8932]

Great job guys on the video should be a mandatory video for all boaters and fisherman .

[@ronwest1695]

The MOST IMPORTANT thing I learned after I launched my first boat (that nobody ever told me to do) is to UNPLUG the trailer lights!! Because when you step on the brake, the bulb heats up and when it hits that cold water... POP.. it blows the bulb out (not cool when you return after dark and have to find a place that sells replacement bulbs)

[@DeepSnowRider]

Trailer lights are LED now so that isn’t an issue any longer.

[@randellaplaza]

Great video! During this FauxVid crisis! A lot of us just work and come home with nothing to look forward to other than going back to work because things are sucky! For me, I really look forward to y’all’s videos because it reminds me that there are cool things out there to do. That the fun stuff is still available. I work in the medical field nowadays and it’s nice to see people still enjoying life. So keep on making videos because a lot of us are depending on y’all to keep our spirits up and remind us of the things we really enjoy but can’t really do right now. Y’all are a pressure relief valve for a lot of us! Thnx. And keep on fishing!

[@starlanr3rd]

Put both hands on the bottom of the steering wheel instead of the top of the steering wheel, and when you are backing looking in the mirrors if you want the trailer to go to the left you steer to the left steering from the bottom of the steering wheel, same thing if you want the trailer to go to the right you steer to the right with both hands on the bottom of the steering wheel, this way you want get left and right confused, I teach alot of beginners at the boat ramp and they freak out how easy it is

[@TheNicko773]

Yes!! Great video.! Please follow these tips! I've been fishing out of Palm Beach County for over 20 years. I can't tell you how many times I have seen boaters sit in the boat ramp tied up, and wait for their party to arrive, work on the motor, tie up in the launch and go to the fish cleaning table even..! Launch and get out of the way!! I call the boat ramps "The circus". I feel your pain, and know exactly why you made this video.!! THANK YOU.!!!!

[@xxUncleBuckxx]

Tip I was taught when trailering. Steer from the bottom of the steering wheel. That way when you want the trailer to go right you move your hand to the right same for going left.

[@dunwortg]

Best trailering tips I have seen. Thanks.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterfurek9392]

BEST VIDEO ON THE INTERNET FOR BEGINNERS!!!!GREAT JOB GUYS

[@davericerson7366]

Pretty good information for the most part!! But. The real practice happens at the boat.Launch getting the boat in and out of the water... That's the real test.. learning how to backup.The trailer can be done quickly!

[@ayayron7776]

I’m glad I have my notifications on👍

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

me too!

[@rp3874]

Amazing to see how relaxed towing laws are over there. Here in Australia you'd be up for some serious offences with that setup, not criticising, just comparing. To start anything over 2000kg (that 4400lb) requires compulsory electric breakaway brakes, chains and D shackles must be load rated, everything is scrutinised. It's no wonder people have such a hard time getting US built trailers registered here. While annoying at times, makes the roads safer for everyone I guess.

[@bigblue3568]

Vacuuming your house between 10pm and 7am during weekdays and 10pm and 9am during the weekends is against the law in Melbourne. In Victoria, only licensed electricians are legally allowed to change light bulbs. In Brisbane, homeowners are obliged to sweep the footpath outside their homes daily before 8:30am or face a $5,000 fine, with an increase of $500 for each additional day.

[@walldogger1]

@@bigblue3568 Americans are getting a taste of government control like that since the current sock puppet was "installed" in our White House.

[@miscellaneous037]

This video is a nice antidote to all those videos that belittle uneducated/inexperienced boaters at the ramp. Thanks for taking time to actually teach your fellow boaters so we can ALL have a better day on the water. Hope you managed to land something awesome on Day 4.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

Our pleasure!

[@HarlyGuy13]

Good video with the exception of the chain placement. You want the chains to cross under the hitch. That way if the ball fails and the trailer comes disconnected the chain will cradle the trailer hitch and you’ll have better control. Some states require this.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

You are correct. We usually do and it has actually saved us once. I guess not concentrating due to videoing

[@craighalle7892]

That was great. I don't have a boat, but it is good to know what you should be doing when you get one. Someday I hope to get a boat and watch this one more time. Thanks and God bless you both.

[@rolandsmith1758]

Hey guys one of your best videos. I really like how you were "trying" to school folks about not using the ramp for getting the boat ready to launch. Way to many are just not considerate enough to know that, what is up with that? On a side note to day is labor Day and for years my wife and I spend some time at the boat ramp just watching folks launch, or at least try, and the drama that goes on at the boat ramp on this the last real hard boating weekend for the pleasure boater's. It's a real trip, we have seen so many fist fights, divorce's get started. I could right a book about the "Ramp On Labor Day" . We enjoy all of your video's this one is just one of your best--not the Best but one of the best. Stay safe kiddo's we will keep watching, you two cats keep on catching!

[@ryantuyls1726]

Great video. I have backed more persons down the ramp because they could not! Learn how to back a trailer people

[@fluke196c]

It would be great to see video tips for solo launches. I normally go with someone who can help but just recently I was laid off and I have decided to take some time away from work. I have been using my free weekday time to go solo fishing but of course this takes a lot more ramp time and I have gotten plenty of dirty looks and the occasional person yelling at me. I go slow as I don't want to damage my own or someone elses property by rushing. I also use the boynton ramp.

[@krisis8736]

Let ‘em get mad. Better to be safe than sorry. Besides, you will never have to see them again . They’ll live.

[@janetmilioti6086]

Great tips. Especially the ramp etiquette. I can't begin to count the times I've seen people "stag" while blocking the ramp and making a 20 minute production out of it. Although most of them are from out of state where apparently they don't practice it. Thank you guys for all you do!!!!

[@bobbyblizzard8488]

I love the trust the rusty truck tip!

[@captainphil2023]

Nice video, some good tips. However there are ways to improve safety: for example we launch the boat with no one inside ( by removing the boat from the trailer using tag lines bow and stern). Then the boat is made fast to the jetty where the crew/pax boards. The same for returning the boat onto the trailer. What do you think about that? Not everyone has the same skill level, so the more we can eliminate risk the better. Cheers.

[@dreday4177]

You went the extra mile with the info. Great video thanks!

[@keptoutsideproductions]

Love that you call the goofs at the ramps Googans!!! Keep up the work. Love the videos

[@jamiemohr5082]

Great tips about not blocking the ramp! I hope people are listening.

[@claudes1973]

Thanks for the video. Good tips.. I'm starting to see a bunch of videos to refresh myself. Can't wait to get on the water!

[@AndyJarman]

Don't forget to check your drain plugs are in.

[@LloydPuckitt]

Thanks guys. Appreciate you.

[@richardredhead]

Kudos for showing how it's done WITHOUT tying off to the dock. Watching some of the boat ramp videos, a lot of people seem fixated with tying off for every launch and load, and the time-wasting, chaotic results are inevitable. Is there some reason more people in FL don't do it your (i.e. the right) way?

[@chrisanthony579]

Lot's of great trailering info. thank you. Maybe worth mentioning, there are ramps that don't allow you to power onto your trailer. Idle on and winch the rest of the way. Saves the ramps from erosion. Yes, women do a lot of stuff MUCH better then us men. Just ask my wife :)

[@jjohn8989]

Lots of tips and tricks! Great video

[@Joe_Murphy-REV_Realty]

Great Video!!! Brian, thanks so much for the great tips. And Darcy, you backed that big-assed boat like a Champion!! I've always had bass boats in Tennessee, but looking to retire in South Florida and get a big boat. Both of your tips here are invaluable! Thank you! You guys are the Best!

[@davidherbison2458]

Thank you. It's such simple things like this that make a trip more enjoyable for everyone

[@jimmyboy2165]

You two are awesome, love ya be safe.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

thanks you too!

[@lindaolson3075]

Brian Good video, I couldn't tell if you have surge breaks on your trailer, but your emergency cable for your trailer brakes is not connected... it should be attached to the tow vehicle, in case the ball fails or the receiver pin fails the brakes will be set and the trailer will stop... Keep on Catch en...

[@donaldtouchton9523]

Spot on pudding.!!! Great advice.!! Seen it to many times.!!👊🏻💯

[@darelwhite5875]

Great show, Happy Labor Day, Thanks!

[@Ed-sv5mq]

Very nice video I actually bought a bigger boat so I can leave it in the water I got so disgusted at the boat ramps pretty much for everything that you brought up no etiquette anyway here's a tip for everyone if you wash your truck and trailer and get a pump sprayer fill it with WD-40 spray your undercarriage and trailer you will be surprised at the results but it should be done from day one. Tight lines to all!!!

[@bruceb7874]

A great team and a great video. Good job!!!

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

Hey, just a heads up, The advice you gave about not using the jack is extremely dangerous. A gentleman had done this exact same thing in the side of the road in Camden and the one axle was supporting the entire weight of the boat and the axle collapsed crushing the mans leg. PLEASE DON’T give advice that you have no idea about how much that axle can support and the condition of the trailer. You are obviously not an engineer Please be safe. Maybe use a jack as a backup Boat trailer axles are known to fail. Don’t increase that risk while you’re working underneath it Peace brother Edit; also his insurance was declined because he didn’t use a jack rated to the capacity of the boat, it always should be lifted from the frame by a jack that is rated for the weight

[@toycollector2611]

Great helpfull video. A lot of trailer tires are the Carlisle (China bomb) tires. Rated at 55 mph and very poorly made. Tongue weight is critical, too much and you can't steer. Keep doing your great videos! And stay safe!

[@bradjones9634]

It would be great if EVERYONE followed these rules. Common courtesy needs to be reminded. Great show!

[@aldensisemore2692]

EXCEELLENT Video Mr.B, Nice back up DARCIZZLE. Great safe Info.

[@Bridgeman-bg4jl]

Very good instructional video. Especially the part about the googans blocking the ramp as they organize their stuff, kids and pets. The emergency brake cable was not addressed. That’s the small wire that comes out of the trailer hitch assembly. That should always be attached to the truck Independently of the safety chain or receiver hitch. This activates the trailer brakes if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. Some of these emergency systems have a dry cell battery that needs periodic replacement and inspection. The other issue is the safety chain (turnbuckle in your case) holding the boat on the trailer. That should be connected to the boat at all times when loading and unloading the boat from the trailer. You risk dropping the boat on the ramp otherwise. KZbin has several videos with content of ugly boat launching onto concrete. Don’t trust the bunk friction or winch strap to hold the boat on any ramp especially on a steeply inclined ramp. The other points made about trailer safety and ramp procedures are terrific and should be mandatory training for everyone using public boat ramps.

[@mikekress6842]

Excellent video!

[@edmyer6851]

Good job Darcy

[@peaceandlove4u]

LOVE YOU GUYS!

[@MrJerryKramer]

Great educational video 👍

[@user-pc5se6yf5g]

Y'all wanna see some impressive stuff.. Go to Miami Boat Ramps and look for Cizzle.... If you've never seen anyone back all the way besides doing it the easy way. This badass took it from the parking lot to the water...flawlessly

[@jvajva2352]

Super helpful

[@65commet]

Pro baby 👍👍. Lots of good stuff there Thanks! 🌠🇺🇸

[@subzeronx4]

thank you for the video. awesome tips.

[@tuba_ogtheuniquelybeardeda7572]

Great video!!!

[@donaldtouchton9523]

Great video you guys.!💯💯💯

[@justdoit8613]

Thanks that was very helpfull

[@MarkPolsky]

Great video ! Awesome job! 👍🏻

[@rainyboy911]

You guys are awesome, thank you for this instructive and entertaining video!

[@RichardSmith-wc9nw]

An excellent video. Thanks for the informative tutorial. 👍👍

[@BottleJackBuddy]

Thanks for the video.

[@thomasjarosz7406]

Darcizzle,Puddin, Don't you just love when weekend warriors go to put their boat in and jam up the whole launch I personal love even when they get their boat in the go to park the trailer and hit your parked trailer ,and after a long day of fishing you come back to your broken bunker boards/ bent plates and now it's your problem because they don't know how to drive with a trailer. There should be a test or you don't get to use the launch. And while your waiting inline get your boat ready then don't wait till you get to the water. Sorry for ranting. Stay safe from Pennsylvania.prayers sent for Darci,Brian,Conner,Megan,Erin and her baby. God bless

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

lol, we get it! Hopefully this vid will help some folks

[@richardgood1567]

Great video something different and need to know info of boating and tralior hauling.

[@chetyoder]

4th of july is a good time to observe, uffda

[@OnkelDude]

Any ramp on a major weekend. My fav, Shelter Island San Diego.

[@SouthFLMudClub]

I go out Boynton (same ramp) nobody loads and unloads like you. LOL Its all about getting that trailer in the slot and out quick.

[@chrism2042]

Puddin, I started getting rust on truck leaf spring hangers and realized I was messing up. Even though my boat is set up where I never have to get tires in the water, the tires pick up saltwater off the ramp and spray it under the truck. After every trip in saltwater, I flush the engine, soak the boat, trailer, axles, hubs, brakes, lugs and under rear of truck with Saltaway, then rinse. This eliminates a lot of issues.

[@FGO23]

Nice video but try and place the safety chains under the tow hitch. The point of crossing the chains is the create a cradle for the tongue of the trailer if the hitch ball or another component where to fail.

[@chuckallyn7894]

you guys should invest in a set of tow mirrors for that f150. makes life so much easier

[@PapaDukesFl]

Nice tutorial, Subscribing from Brevard Co.

[@ncsteppa3662]

Always giving great tips✔💯💯

[@FloridaFishingFriends]

Another Great informative How To! I find it also beneficial to trim the motor up slightly when returning to trailer for better steering control in tight places. Would you agree?

[@perryruby3220]

Wouldn't you want to get the crank all the way up or at least make sure it has plenty of clearance? I've seen people get it attached to the hitch but then leave it at same level which might be problem in transit. Just a thought, but thanks for making this vid! I have been on ramps that need 4 wheel drive (if you have a truck) or AWD, so that is good you haven't needed that with double-axle trailers. Last 2 cents: be sure to renew your Trailer tag license ... /just saying :)

[@festa10ful]

One thing for viewers when your on a double ramp in the dark Please turn your headlights off ss it makes it impossible to see to reverse down Regulation different in Australia but all in all a great video Keep on catching

[@walldogger1]

Absolutely No one on the planet will switch to Park Lamps when headlights aren't needed or practical!

[@brucedemoranville4577]

Great video. Thankfully, I fish at night and I am off the water by 7am. Our New England waters are filled with boaters that do not know the rules of the road. I hate big government, however, there should be a license requirement for boating. Love your channel.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

Thanks. Everyone in FL born after 1988 is required to take a course. No trailering reqs though! lol

[@mikenixon5936]

Many states do have the boating course requirements before you can operate a boat legally.

[@jvajva2352]

Do you have video on boaters adequate

[@rickstewart1253]

Thank you ! Now if all the weekend warriors in washington would watch this the world would be a better place

[@dtrain1476]

Only thing I disagree with is you always use your MIRRORS to back down your boat! What happens when use a vehicle that doesn’t have a back window? Use your mirrors

[@alvinsmith4589]

I'm trying to find a boat that i can use in-shore and off-shore any ideas on a boat that is no more than 26' long

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very beautiful

[@LloydPuckitt]

Great advice, 2 axles on your trailer!!!!

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

it is!

[@ramrodfishingoutdoors8155]

Did Darcy stick out her tongue at me ! LoL 👍🤠🚣🎣🐟🐠❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@eddrichards5000]

It's one of life's great mysteries that everyone DOESN'T launch and load like you two. I've launched at many locations in several (western) states for 30+ years, and what you demonstrate in this video is S.O.P. everywhere. I've never seen anyone manually load, use lines, or do prep on the ramp/dock. And it's exceedingly rare that anyone ties to the dock unless they're broken down or solo. In all that time, I never thought anyone would be dumb enough to do it any other way. But after watching many of the southern state videos, I was obviously wrong. The wasted time, dock blocking, lack of etiquette and total obliviousness is breathtakingly stupid.

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

I started teaching my kids to back trailers when they were about 10 years old. I still have not been able to teach my wife to back a trailer. I also made my daughter drive a 4 door pickup to school starting when she was 14. Now her daily driver is a 1 ton 4 door dually and her and her boyfriend have two boats and a GN stock trailer.

[@ddselvig]

I've seen a lot of impolite things go on at ramps, but have only seen anyone get irate one time. Once I rescued a poor guy who was launching his boat for the first time. He had a woefully underpowered tow vehicle and dropped his rear axle off the side of the ramp getting hopelessly stuck in the sand. His wife was livid and yelling at him. When I walked up to him and offered to get him unstuck, his wife finally stopped berating him in front of everyone. It only took a minute to hitch up a tow strap and pull him up the ramp. He offered to pay me, but I said no, I just wanted to help out so I could get my boat launched.

[@kirrasdad]

Dont forget Zizzle and Puddin': trim up that engine before you accelerate up the Ramp. Take it from me and my ground down skeg 😊

[@NatureRecycleFlorida]

backing is a handy skill small trailer though

[@austinkoller2385]

bonus tip. don't forget to grease your bearings on the trailer tires.

[@commonsense-grs]

A few statements I disagree with. First, never remove your safety chain and winch cable hook before you back down the ramp, it really doesn't matter what ramp or trailer you have. And second, all big boat owners should have 4WD in the vehicle, I watch Miami boat ramps and boy do they need 4WD. But overall a great job.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

No. It's not a roller trailer and we pulled this boat for 10 years in FL with 2wd, just need to weight your tongue correctly. Wrong incorrect on both counts.

[@commonsense-grs]

@@DarcizzleOffshore Sorry, I'm not being a..hole, what you have works for you, but other boat owners who may have a different trailer setup and also the boat ramp you use may have good grip, but that's not the same for all ramps. I'm just thinking for overall situations.

[@JareddarArt]

Towing at the speeds you state is very dangerous. Ex truck Driver here and I have seen so many people towing past me at speeds hitting 70 mph that have lost control and crashed in a heart beat. Recommended max safe towing speeds not exceeding 60 mph. Not sure what speed limits you have in Florida but I don't think 70 mph is a permitted towing speed unless of course you don't have such restrictions. Trust me, I have towed trailers weighing up to 30 tons and the weight of the trailer over the truck pulling is enough to completely throw the balance of the vehicle. Remember, your towing vehicle will weigh a lot less than what you are towing so that weight will have an effect on what the towing vehicle does.

[@donaldtouchton9523]

Learn to use them mirrors.!! 👊🏻💯

[@TheGreenrhino77]

And shuffle steer from the bottom of the wheel.

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Not a fan of people giving it the bean's driving up on the trailer as piles the sand up from the end of the ramp to the end of the dock and after 6 months the ramp needs dredging.

[@calvinh.8882]

We were putting our boat in at a single ramp boat slip and two guys in front of us could not back their boat into the water, so after about 6 tries I yelled over and asked if they needed help and the one said yes, please. So I told my 5ft tall 100lb wife to go back their boat in for them, so with about 30 people watching those two guys got shown up by my wife that backed their boat straight into the ramp the first try. lol. The one guy said thanks, but I think the other was a bit redfaced and he wouldn't even look up at us. lol. My wife and I have been pulling and backing trailers up for years, Our horse trailer, UTV trailer, and of course our boat trailers, and she is really good at it.

[@DarcizzleOffshore]

awesome

[@DanielSon69]

What does it matter that your wife is 5’ and 100 lbs? Are only taller and huskier people good at backing trailers? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@calvinh.8882]

@@DanielSon69 It matter seeing a small 5-foot tall female outdo 2 big "tough" guys. I guess it's something that guys that can't back a trailer can't understand. lmao!

[@charlescrawford5591]

My ramp is steep and doesn't have a staging area and my trailer has cradle rollers so I only have to have my transom touching the water and it just rolls off and here I reccomend locking you're trailer otherwise when you come back to the dock the trailer will be gone and I lock my motor support before leaving the house ...

[@sledzep01]

I may have missed it, but I did not hear the most important advice. Make sure your parking brake works before hand, and make sure you use it on the ramp at all times

[@walldogger1]

Park brakes are like Owner's Manuals and Park Lamps;available but seldom used.

[@hellzsniperII]

use dialectric clear electrical grease