Solo-Launching a Big Boat

Capt. Terry Nugent of Riptide Charters on Cape Cod walks you through the steps he uses to launch his 33-foot Contender center console singlehanded. Check out the full article at boatinglocal.com/?p=49556.
Visit boatinglocal.com for all your New England and Long Island Sound recreational boating needs for current news, fishing, how-to, destinations, boat reviews and much more.

[@L337gypsy]

I don’t own a boat, its 1am, and I’m glad I know how to solo launch a boat

[@arthurn8952]

@ScrambledEgg i speak it into your life

[@Cassin1797]

I don’t even own a car 😂

[@jimbradley727]

@@Cassin1797 but u can virtually solo launch a boat now...more better..

[@jimbradley727]

ScrambledEgg you sir are way ahead of the curve...tried to sink my 1st boat 2 times...before KZbin...had to make a checklist lol... #1 Check drain plug #2 Check drain plug

[@elmerfudd9256]

Same

[@abmbarry]

Terry has done a very good job in this video, .... It should be mandatory viewing for new boat owners. Well done.

[@proshopautomotive9058]

7and 5yhy

[@tn65s]

and a shitload of old boat owners.

[@JohnJones-vo4ej]

Shit half of them wouldn't even understand this witchcraft

[@aronbechiom565]

I'm glad I clicked on this video.... good info. Learned quite a few things...

[@jacoblyle6999]

But then we lose a lot of good footage of fails..

[@1951RKP]

I’m a paraplegic since birth and I always launch and reload my 28 foot boat by myself. It’s not a big deal when you have a technique and plan ahead.

[@gmanp8081]

I have to say out of all the boat launch videos on KZbin this is the best one and best way to launch a boat. Thank You for the great video

[@panicfan420]

As someone who is currently boat shopping, I found this video to be VERY informative. Granted, I won't be buying a boat of this size, but I'm sure the concepts will transfer. I agree with a previous commenter who said that this video should be MANDATORY viewing for ALL rookie boat owners. Great job guys! Nice boat and truck, btw!

[@micheldesrochers3684]

I just watched it again for the second time for a refresher, I kinda forgot about the short line at the bow and jumping in the boat from the trailer, super cool video, I will be launching more often alone now with this setup, well done Capt.

[@michaelmarston5695]

I watched this video a couple of years ago as a new boater and i have used this ramp etiquette and self launch technique with great success. I have never had any issues at the ramp. Thank You.

[@triathletechink69]

Capt. Terry, it is solely because of this video, that I am not intimidated to go out on my boat alone anymore and more than confident to launch by myself, the bow rope to the trailer post is awesome.. Great video, and yes I agree with Barry that says this should be mandatory watching for new boat owners, especially about the etiquette. Thanks man.

[@joeaiello5956]

@terry nugent beautiful boat bro. Stay safe and tight lines

[@ayechapin1]

What I learned so far is... 100 different videos... 100 different ways. Thanks for the video

[@otiswinkerbean]

This WORKS - I have had zero issues since I tightened up the goal posts, backed in tight to one side of launch and utilize the front line and loop to my winch post once the distance of rope was determined (after 1st attempt was a tad too long). Thank You - now I can confidently solo launch worry. 2006 Sea Fox 257CC - Bunk Trailer

[@robtopham6095]

9-10 years ago I watched this video because my wife wasn't available. It's the best example and suggestions that I have found for a bunk trailer launching. I don't have the guides as Terry does but my bunk will hold the boat from moving even in 15 knot wind.

[@AllynHane]

This was super informative. Thanks for showing all the details like you did. If I ever have to solo trailer a boat that large I'll know how to keep me and it safe!

[@ShipMonster]

Pre-tension goal post is brilliant, can't believe I never thought of that.

[@williamtravis9283]

This is the first time I ever watched someone launch a boat in the water! Professional Job Terry, enjoyed the video!

[@caseyg1495]

Great video. A few more things I do, I remove the safety straps and put in the drain plug in the staging area and put up my bimini top and have dock lines attached with bumpers sitting out. I usually leave my winch attached just loosened until in the water a little. Then I get out and flip the winch and disconnect it just so it doesn't potentially slide off if I have to break hard. I've had someone pull behind my trailer while backing up because they couldn't wait 30 seconds to get to their ramp and that could have broken it loose. One big thing is do not put your fenders out before you're in the water, main reason is they get wedged in between your guide poles and you can lose a pole or a fender doing that. Everyone should see this if they buy a boat. Common courtesy makes the trip so much better

[@davids8132]

Awesome method. Best I've ever seen, by far. Great control using the upright guides on launching a boat. Thank you.

[@MarkDiSciullo]

I have to say...there's about 100 video's on this very topic, this one is the absolute best. Even the insights on the bunk trailer. Everywhere I go, they try to sell you a roller trailer. Terry makes a great point for why a bunk trailer may be better for a larger boat.

[@gohstluck]

1 important thing is turn the wheel either side incase E break failure then the truck goes on reverse but into the dock. That way the truck don't end up in the water.

[@johnschauder]

I guess the question becomes, would you rather recover your rig and repair the water damage, or drive it out and have to do body work. Lol Also, if it goes straight back, the insurance company will probably consider it a total loss, if it just slams into a dock, you might have to fix it and then have a truck with an accident on it that may never be quite right again...not to mention repair costs to the dock. You always gotta weigh those options.

[@bevanderamos9110]

Great video, Terry. Keep posting, please.

[@princelawrence1101]

Thank you Capt. Terry Nugent. ‘Well understood. I got this... Appreciate it.

[@kenp639]

Ive been launching my 24 by myself for 15 years and I managed to pick up a few tips...thanks!

[@marks6951]

I've watched awhile back, gained alot of great points of how too by yourself... I'm getting a larger Boat now, and here I am again, A Great Video, and confidence builder to start off with especially over 20 ft plus vessel... Must Watch Video...👍

[@AR.K.051]

It is a Pleasure knowing a Knowledgeable Guy, Terry Nugent what an excellent and precise presentation of something that may seem very cumbersome... thoroughly enjoyed your way of launching a large boat, although I don't own a boat....

[@bluetickfreddy101]

Best way to learn proper boat launch procedures Start as 14 year old Cheers

[@juniorking1448]

I'm new to boating and this video help me fix the mistakes I've been making. Thanks for a great docking video.

[@1Sulster]

What a great video Terry. Just about to purchase my first boat and I have been wondering about everything you just presented. Thanks so much

[@1432bird]

Probably the best video on this subject, short and sweet-no extra stuff but the stuff he said was to the point and no bullshit. Great job

[@casualguy393]

This video should be a must watch for all boat owners. I love it when people know their stuff and can present it in an easily learnable way.

[@tedturner5299]

Just watched this again to remind me of how it's done, thanks again for posting!!

[@kjmix1]

Thanks for the great trailering tips. I would have never thought of using the bow line like that. I usually slack the winch and count on that

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Thanks to your video, I added a mid cleat to my boat and that makes it easy to tie up at the ramp.

[@USNveteran]

Quite a bit of useful information here for launching when you are solo. When I was young my father and I would launch our 16 foot off a tilt roller trailer pretty easily. He would back down with me in the boat. We had a small trolling motor on the transom and I had it ready to start as soon as he gave me a shove. Once in the water I wouldn't even go to the dock, just wait and circle around, for him to park and walk to the end of the dock. A quick nose in and he stepped on and we went out still under the small motor, and once clear of all the traffic dropped our main outboard and off we went. Reversed the process to take it back out. Thanks for the video and information.

[@garyburbank8895]

Awesome job thank you for sharing this with us Terry

[@thomasjefferson1081]

Quite experienced in trailering a boat, but that pre measured bow line to the trailer sure beats my stupid old method of having my anchor line in the cab to stop the boat after it slides off the trailer. Thanks for the video, I think this is the most important thing I've learned after many years.

[@GoMiGman]

Indeed. The bow line and the mid-cleat tie-off were both great ideas although the spot he tied off the mid-line was not ideal because the boat could move backwards and that line could slip right off the end of that wooden, 2x4 rub strip. Probably better to tie it further up where there's a vertical post under that rub strip to stop the line from sliding out. He might've just done that to speed up the filming too, so I'm probably being a bit too fussy lol. But definitely an experienced fellow and a lot of excellent advice.

[@rnordquest]

GoMiGman Maybe. With tension in the line I don't think it would slip.

[@GoMiGman]

Yeah, you're probably right. Plus this fellow has it made with a ramp dock that has rub strip rails already on the piers so he doesn't have to finagle around with fenders. Once you slide the boat off the trailer, usually you have to jump in and throw out your fenders and tie them off, often adjusting their height depending on the tide. I don't like to have my fenders already hanging before I slide the boat because they get all caught up on those glide posts, especially if they're all tightly tensioned like he has them. Mine have a little slack I find works better for recovery. So he has all the ideal conditions to make it as fast and easy as possible. Most of us have to deal with other conditions as well.

[@tn65s]

Boy that anchor must raise hell with the seat covers.

[@ickstopherq6414]

One of the most helpful videos on KZbin.

[@thommyb52]

I remember watching this video when I first started boating it helped a lot this video is short and to the point, I come back and watch it from time to time to keep good habits at the ramps.. 🚤🚤

[@RizzoRat]

Great video. Thank you very much. I'm new to boating and these tips helped me a lot.

[@peltsnpaws]

Great video nice job , I'm green to all of this , so it's nice to view a show that isn't arrogant .

[@gloriamoreno8668]

Yes it is.......I always wished I had those side stanchions that come up on both sides of the rear of my boat trailer , they are really helpful on windy days , plus I always had those boat dock fenders pre tied off on all my side cleats on my boat ...it made it easier to just hang them over whatever side I was docking on to prevent scratches and marks......on loading my boat , and since it was a open bow , I would gently power the boat back up on the trailer, and power it up until it was up against the front snubber...then I would leave the boat in foward gear with just enough throttle to keep it up against the front snubber ,then I would walk foward and lean over the bow ( I was able to do that on my boat ) and hook my safety hook and my winch hook....then go back and turn off the engine and pull my stern drive up ....hop out and pull the rig out of the way and into the parking lot where I would put the back straps on , wipe it down , unload it , pull the plug and drain water if needed etc ....oh and about that plug......always make sure it's in ......carry a spare one......and about your boat keys ? Make sure you have spares, and make sure they are on a bright colored floating key fob !.... I can't tell you how many times someone stuck the keys in their swim trunks pocket , for whatever reason , and then jumped over into the water , and then thought " oh shoot the keys !"...... we found our keys everytime bobbing on the water with our bright yellow key fob float .......we also used to carry a spare prop, nut, cotter pin , and the wrench to change it with.....plus spare fuses if needed .......another good piece of safety equipment in addition to fire extinguishers , is a set of oars ( in case your engine stalls out ) and a long pole to push your boat off of rocks and Cliff walls etc . In case your boat stalls .....and a nice tow rope or strap in case you need a tow in , or need to tow someone else in.........these simple tools are a big help in case of a stalled boat ........I've had to use both over the many years of boating ....and of course , make sure your trailer has a spare tire as well..........and .....happy Boating ! 😊

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

@@gloriamoreno8668 , good points that should have been included in this otherwise helpful video. I read if a person tows a boat in, when reaching shore, the tow boat owner can claim ownership of the towed boat and all contents under salvage law.

[@waynewong3880]

Like Terry said, every boat, trailer and ramp are different. The very first thing that I do is to inspect the ramp to check the level of the tides and the condition of the ramp. Here in the Pacific (California), the tides may vary by as much as 6 feet in a day. If the tide is low, I must drive further down the ramp, but NOT PAST the end of the ramp or the trailer may get hung up. Thus at extreme low tide, I might wait an hour or two before launching or retrieving my boat. I try to plan my trailering at mid tide or higher by using a tide app, I use Tide Alert by NOAA. I have a 2001 29 feet twin engine boat that I drive off or on to the bunk trailer. When I drive onto the trailer, I trim my drives up slightly so that the backwash will not damage the "earth" at the end of the ramp. I do not use Terry's method of launching the boat because my trailer does not have guild posts, so the water current and wind will move my boat sideways in a matter of seconds. I launch and retrieve solo, but use the method that works best for you when you are singlehanded. One very important note is that Terry's boat had outboards and for his particular boat, he did not have to trim up the outboard before launching or retrieving his boat. My boat has sterndrives, so I ALWAYS trim my drives up before launching or retrieving my boat. The last thing that I want to do is to damage my propellers on the concrete ramp. Watch the pros and practice on a day when the ramps are empty. Use your common sense and think it through and you be fine.

[@ScoutyBoyO]

Super. I love the info on the bunk vs roller trailer and the line to the trailer from the bow. Great idea. Thanks.

[@williamdavis5052]

Been launching big and small 50 + years, could not find a single fault with your routine. Nice job

[@MAXIMUSISADOG]

I wish everyone was as considerate. The boat ramp where I live is a mad house. People cut in line, will move your boat while you go park your truck and everyone is in a hurry. I launch mine the same way you do. Coming back to get back on the trailer starts the madness again. Usually people think if their boat costs more than yours did they have priority. Its a wonder no one gets shot there. Nice boat you have.

[@Rick-tb4so]

will move your boat ....that could get you killed..

[@desertlizard4723]

You live in Florida 😂

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

See the decline in the character of the American people. And the # 1 main reason is allowing the rejecting of The Bible by the citizens and the Godless in government. Does that statement make you upset? That's exactly my point. Leviticus 23 applies, "A statute for ever in all your dwellings, throughout your generations". Notice v 3. Deuteronomy 28 is today, as you can see.

[@cra2cra226]

@@senatorjosephmccarthy2720 Lucky for us, the Founding Fathers understood separation of Church & State.

[@rafarocket]

a must view for new boaters

[@WishingForSerenity]

It confused me that in many videos the boater would disconnect that forward winch before backing down the ramp and then there were some saying don't do it until you're in the water. You are the only person I've seen so far that made the light-bulb come after warning about roller style trailers. Thank you for that.

[@maddierosemusic]

Not only that, he does have that 10 foot tether. Many vids on boats rolling off roller trailers onto the ramp.

[@leonardr6704]

If everyone was as sharp as this guy, launching would be a dream!

[@redman2751]

This is a brilliant video. I just placed an order on my first offshore boat. Not as big as this guys but it helps a ton still. Thanks guys.

[@matthewadams9900]

I have a 26' Seaswirl Striper and I had always held the rope while in the driver's seat of my truck. I like the way this guy does it and will do it his way on my next launch.

[@MikeSsuncoasttrains]

Very nice job. I always chock my truck wheels. Our ramps are real steep. Now I want you to do a video of loading that ship on the trailer in a real strong current.

[@jrey7078]

Really good video, straight and to the point. Nothing fancy and well explained

[@timlee2237]

excellent example, safe, quick, and courteous

[@glassdave]

i really like the emphasis on not tying up the dock unnecessarily, just takes a little thinking ahead and proper set up of your boat/trailer/truck. I've launched my 38 many many time by myself without issue and use many of the techniques here, mid cleat is is a favorite. Keep up the good work . . .

[@chrischapman276]

Very well done. I've been watching and learning quite a bit on this page for a while and this is a "Must see" to do what needs done, where it needs done and just how to work smart instead of hard.

[@benhooker6079]

thank you, i learned how to do this with your video 28ft grady white release, no problems!

[@danieljohnson327]

I have been fishing a long time on boats mamy times by myself . I am changing the way I do things to this. thanks

[@markmancini]

You left out one KEY piece of advice! When you back up the trailer, ALWAYS keep your window open!!! This is especially important if it is a power window. If something happens and you start going into the water, you need an exit strategy.

[@mr.glitterlungs6796]

Mark Mancini very good advice I never thought of. I usually have my crew keep the windows of the truck open just so they can hear me if I holler.... but very good advice. Thank you

[@markmancini]

@@mr.glitterlungs6796 search for boat ramp fails and you will see why! :)

[@Realitygetreal]

I launch alone 35 times a Year, and I totally agree with you, and another reason to keep it open is while backing up you can hear the rig (boat and trailer) and be aware, of it, I have heard many trailer that have pulled up to the launch sounding fine and when they start to backup up you can hear the bearings popping on the broke race.

[@capncrunchalot]

Great boat, great truck, great launch, great spokesperson with great energy. This guy is the man!

[@jimquantic]

One thing I saw the other day, worth mentioning. A guy launched a large boat, maybe as big as this guy, then drove over and parked his truck/trailer. As he walked away to go get on the boat, he did not notice one of the bunks had broken badly; I imagine he would have noticed when he got ready to retrieve (of course I told him) but it reminded me to always give a quick eyeball to your trailer once the boat is off and it is easy to check it out for signs of wear, rust, damage, whatever.

[@rippstam]

Last summer I had a bunk break on me. Didn't notice until the boat was already on the trailer. The aluminum was sitting on the bunk mount, not very good but it is a light boat.

[@captjim007]

Great job. Just remember to put the drain plug in.

[@johnn9799]

Lots of good information here. I run a roller trailer, and solo launching/loading is a pain sometimes when it's windy or busy. If I switched to a bunk trailer I'd set it up just like his. I hadn't considered running the uprights tight against the hull to hold it in place, and the extra bow line on the trailer is pretty nifty. With my trailer I've got to keep the winch and safety line hooked up because the rollers on my trailer work really really well. But, I use a lot of shallow water launches so the rollers have their benefits. Great video!

[@MrRainbowrooster]

Very good video! Not like I would have done it, but will now. My new boat is only 18' and that will work for me when I go alone. Thank you

[@barrybebenek8691]

This is a GREAT video. I learned allot. Thanks for this. 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@michaelcoulter1114]

The man knows his shit - valuable lessons

[@danwat1234]

Yes but so does a Proctologist.

[@josepalacios6507]

🤘

[@mikebritton2084]

Awesome video when launching at the perfect ramp. Grade on the ramp perfect. Dock access perfect. Parking area perfect. There is like only one of these perfect scenarios at every body of water.

[@db4858]

Thanks PRO! Love it, mostly common sense but a great technique and a straight-FWD presentation by an experienced CAPT.

[@mrsafetyman110]

I like the center cleat idea thank you

[@StinkyTeal]

Excellent video. I would add always double check your bilge plug.

[@gasolinedreams2691]

I watched this video several years ago and it taught me how to launch my boat solo. Great video

[@thejwalker4534]

This is a great overview. I expect these same principles will work on my smaller 18' bass boat.

[@officialWWM]

A mid cleat is the best thing you can put on your boat. I've been doing it that way for years and it works great.

[@eamonshields2754]

Phenomenal video !! Thank You !!

[@hilarielocke148]

Excellent. I am a novice and watching, reading and listening to every thing I can. This was very helpful. Thanks.

[@starphase1623]

Thank you for these fantastic tips. Will make my boating experience so much easier. Very informative. 🐟

[@myfunnyvideochannel]

been launching for years, just went bigger to a 25 foot cabin cruiser for 30 years of launching never thought of attaching the rope to trailer with hook unhooked simple trick just so simple my mind did not think of it because I do a lot of solo launching. Funny you actually can teach an old dog new tricks also the mid rope trick. Thanks

[@truckeemick2486]

myfunnyvideochannal; old dogs love new tricks. Makes us feel important. And its nice to be important as it is important to be nice.

[@jbratt]

I know the first time I try the mid rope trick there will be no cleat on the dock : )

[@andrewsusin7490]

I wanna laugh at you because the tying the boat to the trailer just seemed like a natural common sense thing to do. But after realizing I’m the dope who ties off the bow and stern lines needlessly I started laughing at myself. Yep another member of this old dog learned a new trick club here

[@captainjoesanglingadventur4894]

Older dude myself I just learned a couple new tricks.... Going to Load my Trailer Guides for sure...Great info Capt. Thanks

[@georgeselby3376]

@@andrewsusin7490 I don't have a mid cleat, but I take a line I have tied to the bow, run it around a cleat on the dock that's toward the middle of the boat, and then tie it off on my stern cleat. I only have to loosen the stern tie and pull the rope in the boat and I'm outta there.

[@G3RMZONE]

Great videos. Very informative. Now i just need a big boat or any boat for that matter....

[@richardjh2]

Awesome. Liked the emphasis on minimizing time on the ramp for the benefit of others. Respect from a New Zealand boatie.

[@andrewfyakim525]

Great video; very helpful. I'll be occasionally trailering the smallest boat I've owned in 32 years, but it's still large enough to get me in trouble at my age. (Parker 2520 XLD).... your tips here are very useful!

[@cweathersby]

Boat in the water in a minute and a 1/2? Sheeeesh😧 IMPRESSIVE...I guess its like muscle memory, that you can do it with your eyes close. Good stuff. SUBBED

[@Mr91495osh]

I bolted a 2 x 14 x 16 PT to the trailer as a walkway. GlennFHoward

[@AuctioneerElite]

Great Video! I have been sitting around wondering how I'll ever launch my boat solo, & this provides great info. Thnx for the upload.

[@dennislouie5102]

Great video Capt. Terry. I got a boat a couple monthes ago and the only thing that worried me was trailering and launching the boat since I never had to trailer my boat before. That thing with the bow line to the trailer stantion is spot on. Only thing is i have a dusky 256 and Duskys got that Carolina flare so I can't put my guide posts super close to the side of the boat. But I did put them in a lot more than they were and it helped a lot. Also I took your advice with just the one middle dock line. Too bad more people at the docks don't watch this video and take that piece of consideration advice. Thanx again Capt.

[@bigcharl33]

Wish i would have seen this 7 years ago... i taught myself the hard way....swimming after a boat sucks..lol.... great video , spot on

[@Inosuke_Hashibira75]

Happened to me once, thank god for the wind.... blew my boat back to the boat launch. Saved me from swimming after it lol

[@phatsmitty]

Put the plugs in, undo rear straps - worth mentioning and double-checking O_o

[@fhuber7507]

No... leave the plug out it drains the water from the boat. :p

[@cats400]

I almost never use rear straps. I have straps, it’s just my boat stays in a marina on a lift so it doesn’t get trailered often. When it does, it only goes like 20 miles to the mechanic shop and back again.

[@FLBill]

Most states rear straps are the law.

[@tampabayflatsfanatic5118]

made the plug mistake once on a restored classic mako....definitely a mistake you only make once! 👍

[@berty6294]

you'd be amazed. My brother has made that mistake a handful of times... all with my boats and jet skis. He has his own now, incredible how he suddenly remembers the plugs all the time.

[@trini2dbn]

Excellent video and guidelines for me as a first time boater thanks a million!

[@num7088]

Really great video. Would add one thing...Unplug your trailer lights prior to backing down the ramp. Everyone likes to think their lights are perfectly sealed, but I've shorted out more than a few trailer lights because water had found a seam.

[@zavodafamily]

Most big boats cannot unplug because the reverse signal through the plug keeps the brakes from engaging. Also, I would imagine once your lights fill up with salt water, they are on their way to quick failure whether on or not.

[@Ed1Ward]

7:47.. Brilliant. I'm going to to set my boat like that.

[@smokedoutfarmer]

Damn dude skillz, that was extremely controlled

[@roncooke3964]

A Great Video Fellow's!! All new and old boaties should watch!! CHEERS!! 👍🤗

[@aljefferson6722]

Miss these vids, pls come back!

[@alphashot3910]

Super helpful. Keep up the good work :)

[@user-ll7fv6tu7k]

This is how all KZbin instructional videos should be made. Excellent job!

[@MrZoliP]

Great video - nice job , hopefully not all amateurs will learn from this , and NEW boat ramp blooper videos will amuse us in the future too .

[@spiderdavis3296]

I have launched my boat many times but I learned a lot from this video.Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.Many thanks for a great video.

[@bclaverenz1]

REALLY GOOD INFORMATION Thank You

[@saltynutz6996]

Never been on a boat and never owned one but now I know how to solo launch it..thank you KZbin

[@officialWWM]

Wow, that's an awesome boat!

[@solivencia4525]

Thanks for your tips, hopefully I'll be doing a solo launch.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

dude knows his $hit

[@elcajondavid1]

Currently 643 down votes, that is weird because I had to learn the hard way when I had my boat and launching solo and this video is spot on.

[@deej19142]

Wow! That is impressive! I don't even go out on boats and I can appreciate how great this video is. I need to share this with my brother in law. Thanks man! Oh and nice truck!

[@jeffrajca8552]

Thanks for making the video. Very helpful.