How to Launch a Boat alone

[@fragelicious]

This beautiful 80-year-old stud of an angler is the real GOAT.

[@jimbeam7728]

If he 80 he's a straight boss 🤣

[@ShakeJuntJr]

I don’t get how anyone disliked this video. It’s just a video on how to get you’re boat in the water. From a legend at that. Blows my mind. And it’s family friendly.

[@Mjones8383]

Roland your contributions to fishing are countless, I knew you designed baits but the minn kota props and all the other things I didn't. Thanks buddy and keep the lines tight

[@shaneedmonds80]

Tying the rope to the trailer is a clever idea. I learned something today. Thanks Roland!

[@angelcintron2122]

Me too.. good advice Si

[@bubbadude7614]

Probably want to be sure the rope floats. Otherwise it can sink and get tangled with the trailer.

[@redmansoutdoors1054]

Love Mr Martin grew up with watching fishing with Roland Martin every Saturday. Never missed a episode. Awesome man. Enjoy watching his son fish now.

[@jerrynewman1380]

Mr.martin I'm 66 years old..I've been watching you fish for a long time and I think you are the strongest man in the world..I know u older than me and you are stronger than me. You a heck of a man...thank u sir

[@nikoOG]

Hey Roiland , I am from Sydney Australia mate and a mad keen fisherman , I want to say , I really love your videos man and my 2 kids do also. Love the way you explain things in so much detail that is easy to understand , your a great teacher of the craft , your stories are awesome too. Keep the "how to video's coming" allot of the techniques you teach work well here in Australia as well.. Your a legend and inspiration to all fisho's out there.. all the best Niko

[@MrFishfinatic]

You Forgot to mention to check and make sure the drain plug is in

[@albertclarkson2296]

This was my first thought at the end of this video. I kept waiting for him to mention it, but he never did.

[@Elon_Trump]

Classic missing boat plug lol he also forgot sunblock and skin cover, fresh water, and some snacks too. I say we give him a pass though

[@shaunoftheguads]

At 2:06 in the video, that's what the fella in the black truck said before he launched his boat.

[@jaimeastin]

Some of us leave them in as the boat never takes on water. But yes, always check. The twist/screw on type goes in from the inside as well.

[@jarroddomingos]

Hate to break it to you guys but the plug is on, look closely!!

[@noelyates2257]

Roland you ARE still the GOAT of Bass Fishing

[@daviddarlingauthor]

Dont' forget the drain plug! As well as, before submerging your trailer, it is always a good idea to disconnect your power source (lights) from your vehicle. In case of cracks or leaks in your lighting system, there will be no issues if the power is disconnected. Having a checklist is a great idea, and no matter how many times you have done this over decades... good video. cheers.

[@calebcarr3816]

dave darling I honestly don’t know anyone who disconnects their power source before launching

[@daviddarlingauthor]

@@calebcarr3816 in the event of cracks in your lighting system covers for Incandescent only. LED leave it plugged in.

[@donaldbenton631]

I have been using the rope to the trailer idea for years it is brilliant especially for flat ramps that require you to back your tow vehicle back until the tires are in the water. then you can pull up and get to the rope without walking in the water. I am glad someone else is doing this.

[@RobFishYT]

Roland. Your channel is the best. Thanks for taking the time to actually teach us instead of the usual youtube yahoo's out there. You're a legend of the sport and a true talent.

[@navymark101]

Thank you Roland, my fishing journey has just begun. I'm retired from the Navy due to an injury I experienced during my Afghanistan tour however I purchased a Tracker boat from BPS. Yesterday was the first day she was in the water as we broke the engine in. I'm up in Clay County just south of Jacksonville so maybe I'll have the opportunity to meet you. Be safe my friend

[@firstonfish3374]

Great stuff Mr. Martin. I wish I watched this before I launched a boat for the first time many moons ago. EVERY boater needs to watch this just so you know and don't miss a thing.

[@JAllredFishing]

I always launch with my motor tilted up, especially at ramps I am not familiar with. Good information, thanks.

[@thomasmoore7471]

Roland, Great tips for newbies. I have been launching boats exactly like you have shown for over forty years. Like it has already been commented on, I think you missed checking to make sure the drain plug is in. By the time someone parked their vehicle and trailer, a considerable amount of water could be in their boat, especially if they haven't checked their bilge pump, if so equipped, and it doesn't work. This is the second item I would recommend checking (bilge pump). Also, if there is a possibility I may be on the water after dark, if the fish are biting good, the possibility of motor problems, etc. comes the third item, which is the navigation lights. I also have stowed away, a modest array of tools (common wrenches, screw driver and pliers). Another item already mentioned is a sounding device. I would also recommend, which you probably already have in your boat, is a good flash light (I personally have a flash light and a spot light). Just food for thought. I enjoy your videos.

[@dennisandbettygoinggoinggo5212]

Thanks Roland My first boat I did the same thing for cold weather. It works especially if there are no courtesy docks. When Loading, walk the Plank step over tail gate. Slide over side the truck Exit launch. Strap her down. Then hey guys!! Oh you should have saw the one that got off☺

[@ronniejohnson3781]

Love to see the guys who once had or still have tv shows coming to youtube

[@Andrew-315zz]

Roland is a National Treasure! Keep it up Roland!

[@whtwolff658]

that's exactly how I launch my 12ft lil'jon. I love RM's videos, you've taught me a lot sir! 🎣🎣❤

[@bradh74]

Thanks for all you've done for the sport our Country and conservation! Great to see you still at it! Good luck God Bless you and yours .

[@d.kleiser9514]

I appreciate the tips. I tried something similar however and had a problem. On the ramp, my winch was still hooked to the boat but the safety or locking switch was off. At a standstill, the boat slid halfway off of the trailer. I was right there and grabbed the winch handle , stopping the boat. No real damage, just some chipping of the skeg. Now I leave the boat secured 'till it's at least partly in the water.

[@tms2568]

I’m glad you mentioned about ramp courtesy. It’s unbelievable the lack of consideration for others some people have at the launch. I do my best to have the boat ready and take no more than 5 minutes to launch and maybe 10 to trailer. I use a slightly longer rope and tie it to my truck rack. Also I’ve found if it’s tied to one of the boat cleats it makes it easier to pull sideways towards the dock. Another great video, thanks! As a follow up could you show how to trailer the boat by yourself too. I’ve found that to be a bit more challenging than launching. Thanks!

[@tomyot77]

Don't forget the drain plug and make sure it is tight. Thanks for the walk around. I going to make a checklist so I want forget something. Getting old and always excited about launching my boat.

[@Dusty_D_Adventures]

You Sir, are a wealth of information!! Love your videos and enjoy them just as much as I do watching Scott and now, Hilary as well. God bless!!

[@nathaniellarson8]

I don't do it quite like that with my v hull and roller trailer... lol. Heard a few stories of people used to bunk trailers have their boats roll off onto the launch before they got to the water. I tried once at a really flat launch with a tiny 12' shell with a 8hp tiller, the trailer got to the water, but the boat rolled off and fell a few inches, made a splash, but was fine. This launch was as flat as could be. My coworker saw a guy unhook the winch on a brand new Sea Ray and before he realised what had happened and could say something, the guy hopped in and started backing it down the ramp and the boat promptly rolled off the trailer right onto the concrete. Do not unhook that winch until the boat is in the water if you have a roller trailer.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

All my trailers are drive on without rollers.

[@nathaniellarson8]

@@RolandMartinOutdoors I've noticed that a lot(if not all) of the shallower "bass boats" have those bunk trailers, and they sure are slick for putting in and loading up!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Just got my first boat today. A 1993 bass tracker pro 16. My grandpa had the same boat growing up. I'm beyond excited to give it a go and this video was super useful. Thanks for the information Roland.

[@blay7263]

Roland I have watched you and Jimmy Houston my entire life. The majority basis of my fishing knowledge is from learning from you and Jimmy. Keep sharing that knowledge. You're making the making the fishing world a better place with it.

[@CC-xs1hh]

yes drain plug AND A SPARE PLUG, a can of fog horn, and for extreme safety, a flare gun, in case you have a electrical breakdown and no lights at night....last year in Austin a guy died and his buddy lost a leg, because a larger boat with the nose up , never saw them....now I keep a flare gun. Thanks for safety tips and all your other great videos.

[@fiveobob]

Thanks Roland . You are still teaching me, after all these years. Stay well friend.

[@watzup62]

Roland, you have the best fishing videos on KZbin.

[@justplanebob105]

I'm really glad you did this series, Roland. I love to fish but have never owned a boat and don't have the first idea of how to take care of one. Launching by myself at retirement age is one the the things that has been keeping me just a lookie lou. This was so helpful to alleviate my fears of purchasing a boat.

[@rtshort]

Go for it. It will open up an entire new world of fun for you. Just make sure that the rope can't get tangled on anything first. And, as someone above said, always make sure the drain plug is in. I think we've all left it out at some point. :) Enjoy your retirement. I've got about 10 more years to go.

[@ralphcazes2432]

Nice basic but very helpful information. Thanks for taking time out to share, much appreciated Mr Martin!

[@abrgrg]

Great Vid of how to launch on your own... A great follow up to this one would be how to load your boat back on the trailer, on your own... Thanks Roland Martin!

[@fragelicious]

I will never stop watching the GOAT.

[@davidfisher7440]

This is fine if the boat trailer just has pads (like yours) which have quite a bit of friction but try this on a steepish ramp and a trailer with rollers and you will likely have your boat rocketing off the trailer and sitting on the concrete above the water. Best to back down to the water first before disconnecting the winch.

[@blakeharris31]

You should always back the engine into the warter deep enough to start it to test. Never turn an outboard on without a way for the impeller to get warter.

[@dr.fishing5740]

If it's just a few seconds it ain't gonna hurt it.. Been doing it for years. But I'm talking, I wouldn't let it run more 2-3 seconds

[@zachm4109]

If you don't start it in the water, you decrease the life of your water pump/impeller

[@JJJobson]

Yea man, that dry start 😳

[@inezadkins745]

@@zachm4109 9

[@mikeshuck2760]

Dry impeller started, even for a second =meltdown.

[@jakeschisler7525]

I had a guy pass me going fishing, when I got to the ramp he had everyone waiting. He didn't have his plug in, his boat was off the trailer sinking. He ran around asking people if anyone had one, no luck.I decided to go some where else to fish. Your way is how my Dad did it for years.

[@mrveritas700]

Mr Martin, I watched you as a young man back in the late 1980's. On TNN in CANADA. You and Bill Dance always had my attention when it came to catching Bass...

[@Tom-lo5rw]

Good stuff Mr. Martin. Enjoy watching you and Scott.

[@lebleup]

Just great practical How To’s, Mr. Martin. Thank you!

[@toddknox685]

All comments were mostly good. Yes, don't run engine out of water. I know a fellow who for 10 years tested his motor out of the water and has had the same impeller for 10 years. Go figure! Yes, unplug the trailer lights before backing in. Most everyone I know just backs in and somehow never blow a fuse or bulb. Go figure! Yes, always check drain plug. Yes, I have forgotten too and thank God for a bilge pump. Oh, and I've let the boat get away, dammit. So, everyone thanks for reminding me of what not to forget. Let's hope I'll remember when I have to. And Roland, thanks for the video and "Thanks for the Memories" and keep up the good work and fish on!

[@mexikanman]

Thinking about buying a boat and this video is very useful to someone who's never done it. Thanks for doing this!

[@deweeseoutdoors2716]

I love the bass tracker ! I wanted one when I was a kid ! Thanks Roland !

[@kevinamack6]

How about pulling the boat back on the trailer in a good cross wind. That’s always fun. Good video Roland.

[@theghastlygamer5326]

Honestly the first time i lauched and loaded i had no trouble. The second time i had crosswinds and had to try multiple times to load it back. Luckily no one was waiting on me to get out of their way

[@chrisrichards6481]

Cross current is even worse lol

[@funkfarmer7125]

I own a Classic XL, what's nice about it is you can just pull it straight on with the rope instead of drive on which makes it really easy. It's also so light that if it's slightly off on the trailer you can usually just muscle it into place.

[@distinguishedgentleman7166]

Nice tips Roland. Also never forget to check your drain plug and check the engine oil too!

[@vtxdaryl]

Always informative and educational. Thanks for being a gentleman all your life too and sharing your techniques.

[@johnm1898]

Thank you for posting and still being a teacher. We can all learn.

[@craigchadwick2504]

I really appreciate your videos and enjoy watching them. Keep em coming.

[@user-hs6ns1tq2m]

Bought my first boat you definitely helped me with the extra information thank you 🙏

[@lutherbrigman5391]

Wonderful demonstration, the best I’ve seen yet. Thank You

[@BluntTruth7]

You may want to include a good hand held radio (VHF marine ) with weather scanner and capability to reach out and get assistance if your cell phone coverage doesn't work. Also, don't forget a good first aid kit. For the boat make sure you check (not only the battery and fuel) oil levels.

[@FactsMattersUSA]

Don't forget that boat plug, super super important.......GREAT VIDEO

[@Chris-fo8wp]

Great video, personally, I do not release the winch line until the boat just hits the water, had a go fast boat, that I just tuned the bottom and put some really slippery coating on, at the ramp, started to undo the winch line and it started to slide back.....

[@garyleahy4537]

Great video Roland. Good information to know and practice. I've seen more people end up in trouble because they just don't have a checklist of what's important

[@aaronsnatic2446]

Have done the rope before, but never thought about tying it to the winch stand. When I get my next boat I'll have to remember that one.

[@7676ezra]

Thank you for the tips. I have my first boat with a trailer, a 19ft. center console. After getting a quote for $1500 to keep it at the marina I'm going to try launching it off the trailer instead. We have a place 1 mile from our house I can put it in.

[@theom.5165]

Thanks great info for when I get my boat . Praying 🙏 one day

[@Mudcat3434]

As a first time boat owner this is such a great video for me to see.

[@stanleyshelby7460]

Roland...#1... not one mention of ensuring the boat plug was in place, lol. Mahalo "🤙"

[@andrewsproatt4368]

Try and do this with the wind blowing 20 mph straight into the launch. Works great on calm days or in those protected canals. I don’t recommend disconnecting the wrench until the boat is in the water especially if u have a roller trailer. I’ve watched a few boats hit the pavement

[@3finger10]

Always

[@dansingletary7891]

Thanks Roland. Good review of prep and launch.

[@dgriffin6074]

Thank you, sir. Very helpful. I didn't know about the fire extinguisher or the throw cushion.

[@lukestrange5501]

This man is a genius. Thanks Mr Martin

[@laserbeam002]

I hope to get a boat next year so this was very helpful. Thank you.

[@sinsaiyang]

retirement goals! luv your vids Roland, keepem coming

[@angelcintron2122]

Hi Roland. You forgot to mention the boat butt plug, and to turn the steering wheel away from the closest curb edge, so that if the truck should jump out of park or gear, the back of the truck's tire, will chock up against it. Also...starting a dry engine (not in the water) will eventually lead to premature impeller failure just saying, but I love your videos, and the information you share.

[@amcwagoneer]

Thank You, for the videos! Safety First, well No.. Coffee First, Safety is more like a top five priority of most my fishing mornings. Knowledge is Power.

[@ps7462]

Good video I’ve been doing this for years. usually tie to the truck. Only once I forgot to tie the rope off to the truck. I was at Shad Landing on the Pocomoke River. Fortunately at least back then the two docks face each other. All I had to do was go over to the other dock and wait for my boat. Talk about luck

[@Sailor_Jerry]

Very useful content. Keep up the great work, Roland.

[@shanellstrehlow7110]

Thank you Mr. Martin for taking the time to film this very poignant video! I found it highly informative! I hope you caught some toads! Tight lines my friend!

[@yatesbaitstv6796]

not sure about florida vs nc but in NC you need everything you mentioned for legal for a 16ft or bigger boat, (for a 14ft john you dont need a extinguisher or throwable)

[@ztemde978]

I googled it of course but I’d like to hear you talk about the pros and cons of the jack plate. Thank you!

[@dr.fishing5740]

Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing. I'd never own another boat without a jack plate

[@thomassantiago814]

Thanks old timer !!... always good to watch ur videos 🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@erichildreth7562]

Hey great video but you forgot to mention the boat plug! Can't go very far without this! One other thing is I like to know whoever is boating with me are they able to swim or not, if they can't then they will wear a life jacket for safety. Thank you sir and looking forward to more videos!! :)

[@BigBearFishing]

Very informative video Roland! Thank you for sharing!!

[@dannyd-rockmahaffey3087]

Excellent video!!! So much good information Roland!! thank you

[@bobharris8039]

great info. how do you load it?

[@A_Sneaky_Baboon]

lol. chapstick and superglue in the same pocket? dont mix those up!

[@micklebert82]

I've never seen his videos or heard his wisdom.. But Damn I'm glad that I have

[@kdcordle]

Excellent! Always turn your motor over before you leave the house. Just to be sure it starts, turn it off quickly. Roland is the man!

[@nickgarza7446]

He didn't mention a horn, the plug, or lights. But I'll forgive him. I love the old man.

[@hockeyguy3417]

Don't forget the keys! I have left my keys at home before. Yeah I know not very smart. I was at a tournament got to the ramp in plenty of time and was like crap I forgot the boat keys! Had to drive 30 minutes back home and fly back to the ramp just in time as my number was called!

[@jamesloy7322]

Always good information.

[@krazyivan007]

Not a fan of unhooking the winch in the staging area. Maybe loosen it a little so the bow can float. But, I'm always afraid if I have to stop fast (sometimes kids running around the ramp might create a situation where you need to stop while backing the trailer down), if the ramp is steep or if the boat has any slippy stuff on the hull, the boat could slide off of the trailer before I get it into the water. This is particularly more likely if you have roller guides.

[@day1fishing603]

Learn something everytime....the rop is genius. Crazy simple.thanks

[@benniejackson3864]

Thanks for sharing Mr.Martin

[@trinkladd]

The man, the myth, the legend. Roland Martin!

[@johncollins3309]

I always unplug my trailer lights before submerging my trailer. A bad seal on the lens will allow water in and result in a broken bulb.

[@dr.fishing5740]

Which is why you get LED lights

[@WishingForSerenity]

Well... more likely it'll short out your light and blow a fuse. LED lights won't protect from that either if water makes its way into the housing of the lights. You're still getting that exact same power coming from your vehicle to power the lights.

[@zachburger7126]

I dont the same thing now its just a habit to do it

[@cdub5738]

Thanks Roland! Keep it up SIR!

[@jjohn8989]

Lots of great info in such a quick video. Thanks! 👍🏻

[@tobylong6973]

Roland nice info did you mention the boat plug

[@stevenkimbrell8796]

Well I've seen everything that you had in the boat but where were your rods and reels so I guess they were in a hiding spot but good tips and good pointers everything that you made mention on there I don't know how strict they are here in Georgia but I imagine I know one thing that they are high on safety because there is a lot of drownings that goes home every year thanks for the pointers mr. Martin have a great day and by the way Happy Father's day

[@2HimTru]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Yes, someone did comment about the critical point of checking to make sure The Drain Plug is put in. However, I know that a lot of fishermen launch their boats before the Sun rises, and that "it is required that boats have lighting". Would you do a follow-up on what is used today? Back in the 1960s, my Dad would just before launching our boat, reach inside the boat's compartment, pull out a light attached to an aluminum pole, and insert it into a slot on the boat. He'd then check to make sure the light worked before launching the boat into the water as the sky was still dark. What kinds of lighting is required today for bass boats?

[@gerardreed613]

You also didn't mention to unplug the trailer lights from the truck so you don't blow em out when you hit the brakes. Good tutorial.

[@RolandMartinOutdoors]

Some lights are waterproof

[@timjolly5354]

I do that just as you do sense I fish buy myself a lot thanks Roland

[@phillipwalker8565]

Just ran across your video. Very good info but, if I may, I have seen motors burn up by starting them out of the water and running them even for 20 seconds or less. That impeller will burn and melt really fast. Or at least ware out much faster if this is done often. Just my thoughts. Thanks again for the great information.

[@kevinsmithii25]

Always remember to put the plug in prior to putting the boat in the water!!!!

[@elmametzloff3017]

Roland; did you mention the need to have an audible signal device (sound in a can)? I might have missed it.

[@RobertDNC]

Thanks for the videos Roland, you are the man!

[@michaelhubbard1711]

Appreciate your video and all your great stories too