How To Back A Boat Trailer Down A Ramp Like A BOSS - Boat Launch Tutorial

[@Saltstrong]

Don't forget to check out the Salt Strong Insider Fishing Club: secure.saltstrong.com/insider-fishing-club-details

[@vikfan4life]

I’m a new boater. The best advice I’ve heard is to keep you hand on the bottom of the wheel when backing down the ramp.

[@josephstachler7613]

Especially if you’re using your mirrors. So if you see you want to correct to the left, you move your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel to the left.

[@CitrusCountyBeatnik]

Ditto!!

[@coleadams1631]

New boat owner at 70 yrs. Old. That was very helpful.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful! Stay safe out there!

[@hwydogg]

You put both hand on top of steering wheel and stick your thumbs out straight. If you want trailer to go right, look and see which thumb is pointing right and turn that way . Turning left it’s vice versa

[@georgek9231]

That is the best advice I've heard thank you

[@RossAdams]

That tip about holding the stirring wheel at the bottom is so good!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Ross! Glad to see that you enjoyed the video.

[@rebman5150]

This is the boating part that stresses me out; backing down the ramp with an audience. Thanks for the tip!

[@tommarty7435]

When your in a launching area I always have both the passenger and driver windows open. If there is a potential hazard. Another car, boat, child, etc. Now you have the ability to hear what is happening outside your car. I do this ever time I back up. At any parking lot. Even at home

[@CitrusCountyBeatnik]

RE: ...you have the ability to hear what is happening outside your car "HEY - watch it, numb nutz!!" 😆

[@Just_Futzing_Around]

It’s nice to see so many dudes are stressed about having to do this too. I want to be able to take the boat out without the husband once in a while but this is the scariest part for me. I’m afraid to even learn because that fear and stress is 900 times worse as a female. 😭 Plus this boat ramp is always crazy busy on the weekends when it warms up. Have to get out there at 4AM just so I don’t have to feel so rushed 😂

[@CitrusCountyBeatnik]

My son has a friend with a boat that can't back up his trailer - no excuse, he's a guy! My son gets invited out a lot as a ramp pilot. He says - "What's better than having a boat? Having a friend with a boat!"

[@coleadams1631]

You got this. My wife backs it in better than I do. The best thing you got going for you is women don't mind asking for help, like you're doing watching this.

[@sindeebarney5953]

Thank you for this. First boat and I am terrified of making a complete fool out of myself or worse yet crashing.... well ANYTHING! I'm trying this out in the morning

[@Saltstrong]

Best of luck to you out there! Just know that everyone had a first time at some point, so don't try to do it fast... take it slow and pay attention to how the boat trailer angle changes as you turn your wheel.

[@sindeebarney5953]

@@Saltstrong I did it! I followed exactly what the video highlighted and it really did work out great! Thank you very much! Great pointers and great for us newbies!

[@Saltstrong]

@@sindeebarney5953 How awesome! Great work getting it done!

[@pcrosley1]

My dad taught me when I first started backing trailers (using the non mirrors but looking behind you) to just “follow” the trailer and that usually keeps u from over steering. If u can’t see the trailer then this video is very good! Good job Salt Strong!

[@Saltstrong]

That certainly works too.

[@LunaticDizzy]

I just do like Peter did. Drive straight into the water; vehicle, boat, and trailer all. Works first try everytime! Just make sure your straps from the boat are removed or else you sink it all.

[@RT4021X]

Thanks for the tips. It still stresses me out when backing and launching. I've been doing it for 3 years now and should be used to it by now. The last time Iaunched I had an incident with someone's dog that ran under and behind my trailer while backing. Luckily it didn't get hurt. Little things like that as well as little kids or any other obstacles need to always be accounted for. Yes you have to always watch your mirrors and your own moves but also everything else. It takes 1 little incident to shake someone's confidence.

[@CitrusCountyBeatnik]

BINGO!!! The tip of all tips! How to "easily" steer a trailer [think] in reverse? - move your hand to the bottom of the wheel - push right, go left!! The logic is so simple, I never would have thought of it on my own. Now I'm ready to "saddle up" and give my new boat & trailer a try.

[@Saltstrong]

For sure!

[@pyrosbargrill9675]

I'm going to be buying my first boat really soon this video has really helped a lot thank you very much

[@Pippinm7]

Best explanation I have ever seen!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks so much for making time to leave the nice comment!

[@ryanlewis9953]

Sort of a new boater here, but I have never launched a boat. Typically I have someone else launch the boat. I was told to take your boat to a parking lot and practice and also practice at some smaller lake during the a week day when you feel more confident. I am working on that now. It’s like driving a manual. Practice!

[@Saltstrong]

Definitely practice! Once you get the hang of it, it's like riding a bike!

[@derekp1963]

Hello from Sydney Australia. I noticed during your last example of backing in, that there are some yellow poles around some sort of structure, therefore PRO TIP - watch where the front of your vehicle is going so you don't hit something while you're looking out the back.

[@PapaDukesFl]

Great trailering tips. Thanks.

[@TTSetters]

Got a pair of pwcs, lol stressing on backing my truck in with trailer. Sweat intensifies haha.

[@GabooNx]

Just got a new boat my first boat ever and I cant tell you how stressed it makes me. My bass buddies recommend that I practice in a empty parking lot which I have done but find myself losing that comfidenace when on the ramp... Also a video on launching the boat by yourself would be great!!

[@Saltstrong]

The launching by yourself video is coming soon... should be ready next week.

[@dennisreynolds6915]

Go during the week to a non busy ramp at a non busy time and practice away

[@Saltstrong]

FYI - Here's a link to the video showing how to launch a boat by yourself in case you haven't seen it yet: www.saltstrong.com/articles/easiest-way-to-launch-and-load-boat-by-yourself/

[@killercop69]

same for me, My son (12 yr old) and I just got a 14 ft aluminum boat with a tiller and launching and docking the boat is the most stressful for us. we end up having a great time once we are on the water. each ramp is different, and more forgiving, the anglers that have been doing it for so long as sometimes very. helpful or just plain asses. Hehehehe we all start somewhere. have fun!!!

[@CitrusCountyBeatnik]

I have a boat ramp 1/2 block from my house. I saw this old guy easily do it. You tie a requisite length of nylon braided rope between the boat and the trailer. When your trailer is at the right depth on the ramp, push the boat free in the water, then pull it back up and tie it off. Go park your rig, and you're ready to go. I'm no authority - I just saw it done. I didn't see how he got it back up though. Just reverse the process I assume - you're gonna get your feet wet!

[@lantryoutdoors]

Always love your videos . Hey, let’s do it with a big boat.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@california1669]

Thanks I just got a boat and try to practice as much as I can thanks.

[@Saltstrong]

Happy boating!

[@TTSetters]

Nice tip. Hand in the bottom, wanna go right then push to right.

[@jmlinvb]

Thank you!!! I am a woman trying to learn to back up the double ski trailer. This boosted my confidence. Oh, BTW love the JCB soundtrack

[@Saltstrong]

So glad to see that this video helped you out... and that you enjoyed the JCB soundtrack too:)

[@kennyallison967]

@@Saltstrong how did your trailer turn right while your truck was turning right at a 90-degree angle even though your trailer was turning right while your truck was turning left at a straight angle?

[@darnellkring4348]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@centralcoaster33]

I embarrassed myself running all over the curb yesterday. I launched fine, but putting the empty trailer in seems harder. Had a nice audience, thank goodness they knew better than to try and help! Lol 🤣. Thank you for the tips. I'll keep practicing.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you!

[@reelingwithrobby]

Taking my boat out today for the first time... wish me luck lol

[@jkeutsch]

Thanks. It's very helpful. Any advice for backing a boat into a garage ? I cope with considerable effort getting a little 14' tin boat but would like to trade up. Getting the bigger boat into the garage is intimidating.

[@Saltstrong]

It's usually easier to back a bigger trailer up than a small one.

[@MrDogdoo123]

Bought a boat awhile back ago, got it to the lake last weekend and made an ass out of myself because I've never backed a trailer up let alone one with a boat lmao it was pretty embarrassing but I did it lmao. I have a hard time seeing the 14ft er and trailer out my sierra 1500 and I heard putting the tailgait down can help alot. Gonna go back and get a good laugh out of people again tomorrow, gotta get practice somehow lol!

[@brian_onthetrail]

I want a boat, but don't have one yet. Does the slope of the boat ramp help make the trailer track down hill? Or does it track the same as on level ground?

[@Saltstrong]

Should be about the same

[@nancylilly7839]

Thank you, very nice of you. I will try this as I am totally stressed each year. I also have trouble getting the boat out of driveway that you don't have a lot of turn room. Always afraid the front of the car will hit something and/or the boat gets jacked up to the back of the car.

[@joerectifier]

Excellent

[@terrycooney3194]

I'm learning how to back up an empty seadoo trailer. Finding it extremely difficult as I feel its too light. Any suggestions?

[@Saltstrong]

Go slow and make very slight movements... the short trailers are tougher than the longer trailers.

[@Gator_Bait_Motorsports]

Watching people back on the boat ramps is great entertainment....LOL

[@Saltstrong]

I definitely can be!! 🤣🤣

[@darranchandler8090]

Very helpful

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it helped!

[@nazrimansor1112]

Try it in a packed/crowded ramp where there are trailers parked all around with very tight spaces to turn & reverse... those ramps u showed have big open spaces with no other obstacles.

[@cocosguesthousekohphiphi5704]

top 10 youtube video of mayabay, great recollections.

[@gisellellanes1992]

I need to have this playing on repeat at the marinas here in Miami. 🤔

[@Saltstrong]

Haha!!!

[@Gmanrockz2]

Can you do a video on how you would get the boat off the trailer quickly and efficiently once you backed the trailer in? I can finally take the boat out by myself but I’m pretty nervous about taking up too much time on the launch ramp

[@Saltstrong]

Yes, we also filmed a detailed tutorial on how to efficiently launch a boat all by yourself. And it includes a great tip for quickly getting it off of the trailer that I am sure you'll like. It should be done with editing at some point next week.

[@jawjuh1005]

Garrett Martin yes! I fish by myself a lot and I’m nervous at a busy ramp. Park boat run get truck etc.

[@Gmanrockz2]

Cerus98 Thank you very much. I appreciate your advice!

[@carlaberst5589]

Thanks! That was really helpful.

[@Jsbs1991f]

Some advice I got was, hands at the bottom of steering wheel, when first learning go at the speed your comfortable with, it's not a race. If you rush to get out of someone's way and crash, it's you that has to pay not them, so take your time. Also it's really good to practice in a empty lot.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for the tip!

[@navagatingthroughthebeasts2908]

Thank you 👍

[@Saltstrong]

You bet!

[@tbrash6465]

Thanks for the video!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Troy!

[@JohnMartin-vc5dj]

I find it tougher when the rid is steep, like at Manasota rap on Lemon Bay. Your tip for steering form the bottom of the steering wheel is a help. I have a hard time see my small trailer behind my Honda Pilot. Any idea to aid my need to see my boat when launching? Best Regard John Martin

[@hyena131]

John Martin Open up the tail gate.

[@tgzmrhat]

We are thinking about getting a pontoon boat here in Florida and I have never towed anything that big and the closest I have ever come to backing up a trailer is the small tow trailer on my John Deere (which is always a disaster). Is it the size of the trailer that makes the difference? Also how long did it take for you to become so good at this?

[@kirbywinters1291]

Yes smaller single axle trailers turn a lot faster than a tandem or triple axle trailer I’ll be the first to tell you I hate the smaller trailer I tow long trailers often hauling hay and tractors and can back them in anywhere but a single jet ski trailer I hate it

[@ronaldnorris2179]

@@kirbywinters1291 Yep.. those short trailers react quickly to the steering wheel ..my 24 ft pontoon trailer is much easier to back than my utility trailer 😂😂😂

[@kevindavis4351]

The beginning was at the new grant boat ramp off US1. Where was the 2nd part shot at?

[@Saltstrong]

Great eye Kevin! The 2nd one was at the Davis Island ramp in Tampa.

[@AnthonyAngler]

thanks I've had a boat for years just decided to give up the slip and start to trailer it at 61 ugh

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@RedPoppyArtHouse]

thx man

[@Saltstrong]

👍

[@jeremiahvang4017]

I came here after watching that family guy episode when peter couldn't do this, now afraid of that ever happening I am now watching this just in case for the future. yw future me

[@hartrh1]

Can you expand on this tutorial to show how to launch the boat by yourself?

[@DrRobrez]

It sounds crazy but the hardest thing for me is accurate _slow_/small maneuvering of the boat in the water at the ramp... Eg: pushing off the dock and driving onto the bunks. I end up angling all wierd or scraping to dock

[@Saltstrong]

Ok. We'll make sure to film a video of that part of the ramp experience too.

[@ChaBarry]

Thank you very much sir

[@mrguppy1016]

My grand mom does it for me 🤪👍🏻

[@Saltstrong]

That's awesome!

[@staytight6340]

Launching for my first time this spring with a 21 foot boat Won't be caring about people watching ,just me succeeding

[@jerryliu6319]

Or use the pro trailer backup assist on your f-150

[@WhoBear3750]

When you say left side you are talking left when looking at front of truck. To me left is as looking from driving position.

[@TheJustonemore]

thanks

[@theone4929]

From reading the comments people are stressed out at the ramp. The reason is because you haven't mastered the skill yet. Go to a Walmart empty lot and master the skill before you ever go to the ramp.

[@Saltstrong]

Great advice!

[@fredbrad]

I just put a big sign in my trailer" rookie driver BEWARE"

[@Saltstrong]

🤣🤣

[@Member-el4zo]

10 times easier to turn and look back at the boat through the rear window if you don't have it blocked with anything. I can do the mirror look back as well, but it's much easier to see the trailer break point by just looking back.

[@kd9419]

P.Griffin

[@chocloditelensman]

How about the boat launch ? Lol

[@itsCN]

But you didn’t show how to turn and get into backing up position with the trailer… 😂

[@poweredbypbj8361]

how to: launch solo

[@Saltstrong]

Coming next week!

[@havasuqt]

Very complicated video…

[@alibee1978]

Sorry, but I disliked this as it doesn't show the launch which is the hardest part (1) launching by yourself or with someone (2) how far to reverse in (3) when to lower the trim

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the helpful feedback. We'll be sure to address those points in a future video.

[@alibee1978]

Salt Strong would appreciate it 👍🏻