How to Launch a Boat by Yourself

Launching a boat by yourself can be tough. Here's how I do it.
biospawn.com/

[@anthonypropst1818]

Point being, you are a good Dad who not only takes your son fishing but also care enough to help other Dads launch their boats on their own so they could take their kids fishing. Thank you!

[@raykenyon8140]

I've been boating all my life (I'm 66 yrs. old) been fishing and waterskiing a long time and what I tell all new boaters is when you know you're going to the lake that day the first thing you do is put the plug in at home before you even leave for the lake because there's a lot of rush rush rush when you get to the launch and that plug sure is easy to forget.nice video.

[@CitricGold]

Just bought my first boat, and doing as much reading an watching as I can. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@thwhite8329]

I just turned 50 and am not ashamed to say I got my first real boat for my birthday and really didn’t know where to start. I took backup with me and was fairly successful and my son then sent me your video on launching. I notice there are some who are just slightly negative in their comments but probably 90% have gratitude for a great video. I also noted the great quality of the vid and sound (even while you were in the boat and the camera was not) the sound was good. Thanks and please note that pointer on not backing too far into the water to load your boat is one worthy of taking note of. I had this issue. Then I saw your video and know how to resolve it the correct way. Thanks for sharing this!

[@Flukemaster]

Thank you sir.

[@bighurts1]

Very important to have a mental checklist of things to do when launching and when taking the boat out. I find I forget to do stuff when I get distracted so really try to focus on what I'm doing.

[@d0n315]

I have to say out of all the instructional videos about launching and retrieving, this has got to be the best instructional video I've seen so far. Thumbs up!!

[@chrissedrington]

A tip a guy showed me and that I now use every time, is to trim up my motor a bit once it starts to get it on the bunks. You don't have to do a lot, just a little. The main reason is that some folk find it hard to find the sweet spot in where to put the trailer or the ramp is a bit funky (too steep or too flat) and so they struggle with getting the bow caught under the roller. So I back the trailer in until I have about 2 inches of front fender showing. Then I drive my boat up onto the trailer. Trim up the motor about a quarter the way up. Give some gas and the boat slides forward and the bow rises up and right onto the roller she goes. Works every time. I used to really struggle with the roller problem and its just damn embarrassing to be at the ramp for 15 minutes trying to load the boat. Meanwhile some old dude who likely knows it all and has seen it all is telling his fishing buddy what a beginner you are ;-)

[@BassFishingAddictions]

When I was a boat inspector I always reminded people to put their plugs in and the amount of times people have said "oh thanks, I almost forgot" is a little startling

[@jaythojj1365]

😆

[@pvb9964]

buy a sailboat, no drain plug, easier on the environment

[@mikedog9746]

I'm getting my first boot soon. It seems kind of silly looking up videos to back up your boat but I'm trying to learn so I wont sink it!! I heard stories!!!

[@moonpiespotlight4759]

I always roll my window down when alone. I've seen to many people lock their keys inside the truck, at the ramp.

[@FAKE-NAME]

Im a little paranoid onky having 2wd I've been leaving my truck running on ramp, smashing parking brake to floor and kicking in wheel chalks behind the front tires... some guys think it's stupid others think it's genius others ask why I bother and the second I say 2wd one look at the ramp explains it and they understand.

[@vmonroig21]

FAKE NAME take a 2x4 using the driver seat to press the regular brake e brakes only lock the rear wheels .

[@BPRescue]

I am more concerned about the safety side. Why remove keys when you are at the ramp anyway? There is no reason and it should just be a part of the routine.

[@mikehorsley586]

1h76 I

[@pywifishingandoutdoors]

I heard that when you power into your trailer with your engine down, it will push the gravel at the end of the ramp and create a drop off at the end of the concrete ramp. Instead trim the engine up a ways so you're not blowing away the backing components to the concrete ramp creating that drop off for trailers who do tend to stick out a little longer or shallower water to get stuck on.

[@bbbustedflush]

I have a deck cleat on both sides of my boat next to and across from the driver’s seat and one in the front. I have a rope attached to both side cleats long enough to reach the truck stake holes with room to spare with snap hooks on each. I completely prepare the boat for launching including disconnecting the winch hook. If I am launching next to a dock I use whichever rope is going to be next to the dock and snap hook it to my truck. I back in-float the boat completely off and pull forward enough to take up some rope slack. I unhook the rope from the truck and tie it snug to the dock and than park. In your demonstration I stretch the rope to the front cleat (from either side)-tie a cleat knot-and hook it to the truck. Float the boat off-pull forward to take up rope slack-get out and pull it to shore-tie it up-park the truck. Never ever get my feet wet.

[@mburke1211]

I agree with several other comments - best video I've seen on self launching. One thing I'd add, even though it wasn't the main focus of your video. Protect our waterways from invasive species - before leaving the area, inspect and remove vegetation/debris that may contain invasive species, lower the outdrive to drain water from the hub, and be sure to drain your live/bait wells.

[@Flukemaster]

mburke1211 Oh man. I can't believe that I forgot to mention that. I am a huge proponent of checking your boat. I've seen some of the best lakes destroyed by invasive plants.

[@Sebastian_Dinwiddie]

Many many years ago, launching our boat with my father. I was piloting the boat. We forgot to put the plug in 🥴. I backed off the trailer, was slowing bringing it to the dock, looked back and the water was up to the back of the front seats. Had to floor it and do circles near the dock until most of it drained back out. Good times.

[@jerrythefisherman94]

Gene - nice video on launching and retrieving a boat by yourself. The part about not forgetting to put the plug in is very important. I used to have a 14' fishing boat with a 25hp Mercury tiller. I learned this lesson the hard way. Many years ago, I had a boat. A friend and I decided to go fishing on spring morning. After several attempts, I got the boat launched. Everything was fine until I got back to the boat and my friend says "there is water coming into the boat.: I went back and got the trailer and we got the boat out, drained the water out and put the plug in and went back out and fished. The second time was when I took a trip up north and went fishing with my best friend and my son. Again, I forgot to put in the plug. This time, I learned that I could keep the boat moving and the water went out, and I put the plug in. My friend was driving the boat so I could put the plug in.

[@arciefan]

I solo launch all the time with the long rope method. Everything you did in the back of the boat then I unhook winch strap and with my long rope probably 25ft heavy easy to handle rope, with hooks on both ends. I hook one end to where the winch strap was unhooked on the bow hook , then i coil it up on my front deck where it will easily feed out, and then the other end to bow roller support on the trailer. I back down , let it float out into the lake, and then ease up with truck , not to stress the rope or boat when the slack is out,,,, then ease up enough to clear the trailer from the water,,,,, set my park brake and get out and grab the rope on the trailer end, unhook it and guide it off on the side of the ramp. And when coming back on trailer, I am now a firm believer in the bunk "glide on slicks" vs. carpet..... Comes back on trailer so much easier..... Still love your instructional video and all of yours. Great channel!!!!!

[@sewing1243]

I've found that backing the trailer down till the bunks are completely submerged and then moving back up to the optimum loading spot helps make the boat slide easier than on dry bunks.

[@braxtonpryor9734]

I'll stick with the way my grandad taught me. Tie a long piece of rope to the front of the boat and the back of the trailer. Boat slides off, pull forward in the truck, hop out and pull the boat to shore. Never even need to get your feet wet.

[@kkelly1954]

+Bob pop  Yes, that's exactly how most of us down here in La. launch as well... just use a length of rope that's a bit longer than your boat... one end of rope goes on the bow, other is tied to the rear of trailer frame with a good slip knot, lining the rope up or coiling it up and laying it inside the top of your boat in order to keep the rope from snagging the trailer bunks when the boat slides off trailer,... back boat into water and once it starts to float, hit the brakes and it will slide right off...once it comes off trailer you can ease up a little with your truck or just get out and pull it up. If you have never done this I suggest practicing it several times at a launch that isn't very busy until you get the hang of it, as wind and current can overcome you if you arent experienced. Its a good idea to launch your boat where you can pull it up onto a earthy shore next to the concrete ramp if youre concerened about any sort of scratches on your hull, instead of pulling it up on concrete while you have to go park your truck... The way this video is showing is a very safe and practical way of launching. The way I'm describing is absolutely the fastest way I know when your alone. Just get some practice in and see for yourself... Really nice video and beautiful rig you have there! I learned something that I never have tried in all my years of boating! I never have just let the boat pull me while in neutral, so I really appreciate it!!

[@unicornsteaks6769]

My buddy does this. It works awesome.

[@sakimano]

Pull your $80,000 3000 lb fiberglass boat up onto the concrete boat launch? Nah, I'll pass. Might work with a 14 foot tinny on mud, but not where most people launch.

[@unicornsteaks6769]

But that's not an $80K boat. For that money your boat ought to launch itself.

[@eddiegary7817]

Yeah plus the less time your trailer's wheel bearings are underwater, the better.

[@BernPisarcikJr]

I’m 42 now, but when I was a kid, my father had grip tape on top of the trailer. He also hand a plank with grip tape along the left side of center. The electric winch had a small nylon cable ran down the trailer, so when we hooked up to come home, we could run the winch and walk backwards on the plank while loading and pulling the boat to its trailering position. Thank for these videos, I keep learning from you as I am a new subscriber. Happy Father’s Day sir!

[@ericpigg2689]

I have a smaller boat (14/48 with a 25 HP). I have a lanyard (about 25 foot) that I hook to the trailer and the front of the boat. Undo the ratchet strap when I get close to the water. I then ease down, until the boat floats off of the trailer and goes out to the end of the lanyard, then I ease the truck and trailer back up the ramp and pull the boat right up behind it, until it is docked gently on the launch. Unhook the lanyard and go park. Never get wet feet launching. Always worked like a charm for me. I fish by myself 95% of the time.

[@johnperry1194]

Man where was this video 6 months ago when I got my boat! I learned everything you showed the hard way the first week I had it. From the plug being in at launch, getting ready before the ramp, not undoing the hitch when you launch by yourself, trailer being to deep when loading. Great vids though, all of them, keep them comin'!

[@1dowsey]

Just got me a new boat man here in the U.K. and this video is a big help thanks for sharing

[@DESERT_DISCIPLE]

Just bought a new 2020 tracker xl boat last Saturday. First boat. This helped a lot. I appreciate the pointers. Thank you, Sir.

[@BillyTheBassAssassin]

Thanks Gene! This gave me a bit of confidence heading out for my first time on my new boat.

[@loraissa2336]

This guy is like a calmer version of my dad.

[@devonrudd9792]

EXACTLY💀 best way to describe this🤣🤣

[@juancpenado2]

Thanks for a great video, I am a new boat owner, has taken my boat to the lake only 3 times, Your video has helped me alot. I appreciated it sir and a big hello from Texas.

[@georgiawaterfowlmafia]

I love the boat man. Keep reeling never stop. I love your videos. They've really helped my knowledge about bass fishing. I plan on doing tournaments soon. Wish me luck! -Ken

[@TSHRED56]

I tie about a 25-35' leash on my front boat clip the other end to to the winch. I back in until the boat floats free and pull trailer out of the water. I then gather the leash end off of the winch and walk the boat over to the ramp. Works for me on a non windy day. Usually it's in the morning so no wind.

[@SparkyMcBiff]

Your camera work/placement/editing has been done amazingly well!

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks

[@bobsmalls100]

Great video. I took my bass boat out for the first time by myself today and forgot when loading the not put the trailer in as far. Was frustrating at first, but quickly saw my mistake. Another tip is to have a lock that you can put on the front of your trailer where the safety pin goes. This stops anyone from coming up and just hitching your trailer/boat to their truck and stealing it when your not there. Oh and always carry a backup plug

[@BilgemasterBill]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together!

[@cobiebevly9965]

I just inherited two bay boats and don't have a single clue what to do but your videos are by far the ABSOLUTE best videos on KZbin! Keep it up.man!

[@basshooker689_3]

thanks Gene great instruction here! Got my first boat yestersay, picking it up late next week and hitting the ramp that day to practice when useage is low.

[@jet813]

Great Video Flukemaster! Very informational with good tips. I'm getting ready to purchase my first boat soon and am trying to learn as much as I can to prevent newbie mistakes on the ramp.

[@EOoutdoors21]

Great video, I unhook my boat when I launch by myself but I leave a rope attached to the boat and trailer that I can unlatch and tie to the dock at the ramp. Another thing that I have been told, ( could or could not be true ) a good thing to get in a habit of doing is "dunking your bunks" you back your trailer in until the bunks are completely covered and then pull the trailer back to where you need it to load the boat properly. dunking them lets the boat glide on easier so you don't have to power load as much and it saves wear and tear on the bunks. Great video keep teaching me and many more to fish/boat.

[@myrond3588]

Unhooking the boat could lead to dropping it off the trailer on a steep ramp or if you back in and pull ahead. For example you unhook, dunk the bunks, realize you forgot the plug and pull ahead. The angle of the ramp, forward acceleration, and wet bunks could have your boat slide off.

[@derrickdaniels9947]

Thanks for the video buddy. It's been several years since I launched a boat. Just purchased my XPRESS PRO X18 and very xcited about wetting it today.

[@carr869]

Thanks for the video. My first time launching my new boat was today. It didn't go as smoothly as yours but now I know a little more thanks to you.

[@jeffwood5358]

The rope method works on some docks but not all....some are awkward and you’d need a lot of rope to do it...so this is definitely a good option which I don’t mind...getting your feet wet right when you get to the lake just feels good and is motivating! :)

[@joefish63]

Having just acquired my first boat and not having put it in the water yet, this video was was very informative...thanks!

[@pattybree4169]

Thanks for the video. Just bought a Nitro bass boat yesterday. Excited to get in the water!

[@ed0985587]

That's a beautiful boat!!! Love that color

[@rosendogarcia4566]

Awesome video Jean! As a first time boat owner this video was very helpful! good slow and detailed explanation!

[@chris092812]

Go Dawgs!!!! The fluke and fluke magnum are my favorite baits!

[@bryanmannoia8410]

thank you. I'm am picking up my new boat in a couple of days and this was one of my concerns as a first time boat owner who plans to fish solo a lot.

[@tcp102008]

Hello Flukemaster. I like your technique of maneuvering the boat by putting hand in lower half of steering wheel. Great video. I will check out all your videos for sure and I need to learn the basic before launching my very first boat ever.

[@jadiel2543]

Only boat I've been on is a fairy boat.. next week I will be bringing home my first boat nitro z18 I know nothing about boats but I've been digging deep on videos on how too's.. thanks for posting this video

[@stick4793]

Great video- thanks for taking the time to put this together!

[@ericlynch8443]

Great Video , bought my first boat this weekend and your video helped alot....Thanks 😆

[@chrisinkansas1362]

Great video Gene, it can definitely be a little nerve racking doing it yourself the first time or two. Excellent job brother!!

[@TeamProsperity]

Great video and hot to! I just retired last year and am looking to get a bass boat, looking at the Tracker and not very good at backing a trailer but the tip with your hand at the bottom of the wheel is great, thanks

[@danielchrist8651]

For me this was super interesting because I’ve never been to a lake where you didn’t launch right at a dock.

[@TBFfishing]

when backing up if your bad like me, just look at the side mirrors and if the boat is sticking out the left mirror, turn left, if it's sticking out the right mirror, turn right. you turn towards where it's sticking out, but i guess we all have our tricks (hand at bottom of wheel)

[@justinpickett5150]

Exactly what I do!

[@HalJordan2814]

Awesome suggestion, can't wait to try it.

[@thecosmicsnail]

@G K Sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. Simple tips help the world and should be rewarded. Elitists who troll while fishing become chum; my good chum.

[@368engbn]

I will be buying a boat within the next couple years.Backing a trailer down a ramp is making me real nervous.Glad I came upon this great video.Good job and great with your instructions.

[@DungeonfolkGaming]

I appreciate the good knowledge in the video bud, good looking out.

[@mattwaters6987]

Great and simple advice. Thank you!

[@dhplap9455]

Great video! Thanks. My brother just got his first bass boat and ill be helping with loading and unloading. Your video was very helpful

[@KevinBullington]

Well done Gene! I like the different camera views! Thumbs up bud!

[@bigron8346]

Beautiful set up!

[@eugec739]

Thanks for creating and posting this video!

[@UGotTheFunk]

Beautiful! Thank you yet again sir!

[@sectech221]

I've been using the steering wheel and neutral trick since you did this video and man, it's made my life a ton easier. Lol. Also makes my buddies happy when I don't take 10mins to back their boat. Haha thanks again as always Gene!!

[@gscaton1]

+Ricky Creason Just curious why does putting it into neutral do. thanks never did that

[@sectech221]

+Gary Satosky Being in neutral allows the boat to pull the truck down the ramp instead of being pushed down the ramp by the truck. It makes backing the boat a ton easier man!!

[@W4HDM]

+Gary Satisfy To add to what Ricky said ... since the boat is pulling the truck with it's weight, it is more likely to remain straight. If the truck were pushing it it would not take much to cause the rear of the trailer to "be pushed" right or left taking it off line and causing you to have to adjust with the steering wheel.

[@myrond3588]

@@W4HDM That's BS. The tires don't care unless they break traction, it's going where you steer it.

[@xclusivesounds7202]

Thank you for another amazing video!!!

[@1OFGODSOWN]

99.9% of the time I fish solo but I use a rope from my bow & attach it to the trailer tongue.I step out of my truck & take the rope & guide the boat to a clear spot & tie it off & move my truck.I sometimes wear my UGA baseball cap as well. {:>)

[@johnsage6232]

I do the same thing. I have had both of my knees replaced. The days of me climbing over the front of the boat are long gone. I use the rope tied to the trailer and then pull the boat over to the dock, tie it off, and then go park the vehicle/trailer.

[@reng.5934]

I'm total noob looking for my first boat... I enjoyed your video and learned something new, thanks! :)

[@brendancarter3453]

I do this all the time but honestly... I just wanted to see your boat!:)

[@rexbartles]

Small world. I could tell immediately that this is the riverside boat ramp at Betty’s branch. Nice video.

[@Stu650Zuk]

Thanks for showing what an aluminum would look light for me. I'm at the point of needing a lighter boat from past back and hip surgeries. I do it similar with my fiberglass ProCraft. Only thing I do different,,,,for me,,,is I hop out of the truck just at the point of the trailer going into the water and open my tailgate so I have a safe way of hopping across onto the boat instead of climbing up or walking in the water. I cannot submerge the fenders as it may float off by itself and go sideways across the trailer,,,not good..lol! I leave the winch strap hooked but do let off the tension about a foot of strap. Go on the tailgate, step onto the bow, start the engine first then reach down and undo the strap and simply back it off the trailer. I load the same as you, but our ramps are kind of steep, I do however back the bunks all the way in to get them wet to help with the boat sliding on the bunks then pull back up to where the fenders tops are a couple inches out of the water. I end up powering it back up to the roller to its resting spot. Leave the engine in gear and slightly wound up to hold it in position. Walk to the front and reach over the bow and hook it again and crank it from the inside of the boat..If I shut it down it will slide back off the front roller and its tough to crank it back up there so I let the engine do it for me. I'm actually way quicker than 75% of people doing with with a group of "helpers"..lol! It is time for a lighter boat though due to health issues. Jacking the trailer up to hook it to the truck hitch and off again takes a lot of strain to jack up a heavy glass rig..thanks for the vid..we all do things slightly different and find what works best for us.

[@damonedwards6724]

Hey man.... thank for the video on how to launch your boat on the ramp and recover the boat too.... Yep don’t forget to put the plug in!! I like that most important tip!! Thx and happy fishing man!! Ed!😊

[@gabelane9285]

Bettys Branch... I love fishing there in the hot months! You know I’m board during this pandemic.. I’ve been launching boats for almost 30 years! 😂😂🤣🤣

[@Flukemaster]

LOL Thanks for watching Gabe. Sometimes I wish I still lived in Evans. I lived on Betty's Branch and it was great in the summer.

[@gavva2010]

Great vid, you make it look a lot easier than a lot of people at my local marina do!

[@gavva2010]

Great video, I see so many people at my marina make a complete hash of this, thx for showing how it should be done.

[@specfever2]

Great job. Great videography.

[@bradparlow1581]

This video is great, gonna use this technique when I take me new jon boat Thursday!

[@Cheetos696]

Good video! Glad to see people using a transom saver, while I was shopping for my 2nd boat looking at used one many had damage from not using one. I like your aluminium boat, I'm getting my 3rd boat this spring and it will be aluminum.

[@wesleyjustice3686]

You did the same thing that my dad did when I was a kid and as I got older taught me how to back the boat in the water using the same way you did on the steering wheel. Miss those days going fishing with dad.

[@freewill51]

Love the videos and NEW BOAT, but as someone that always launches by myself, I can add a few tips. First, get on ebay and buy some 1" wide strips of outdoor anti-slip tape for use on stairways and put the EVERYWHERE that you might step when getting on the trailer. (you'll know why when it happens!) Second, I let out about 2 feet of slack on my winch so that when the boat starts to float backwards, then I stop and don't ever have to push it back more after I step into it and ad 200 pounds of weight to it.

[@kentstephen6045]

Good Tips, thanks Chris, Im gonna incorporate these ideas. I do have a helper but she just stands there with her hands on her hips .

[@danielholtxxl4936]

kent stephen That’s ok, if they’re nice hips!

[@kyleg724]

Gene, I like your videos so much that I watched this entire one and I don't even have a boat :) keep the videos coming!

[@Flukemaster]

Kyle Garrity LOL. You ain't right in the head. LOL

[@kyleg724]

Haha I just might be, or just a big fan!

[@812media9]

Kyle Garrity i did the same thing haha, dont even have a boat.

[@TheEighteenclan]

Same.

[@Unplugged704]

Kyle Garrity Me too. Just looking into getting one. Lol

[@StragglyAphid]

Nice video! Appreciate all the content you put out.

[@marquisbeasley8817]

Just got a boat for my son and I to do some fishing. This was a good instructional video.

[@yioggyOG]

Was this at the riverside boat ramp? I live about 5 minutes from that. Good to see someone so local doing KZbin.

[@SonnyGTA]

Thank you for posting this!

[@John-of5sh]

Flukemaster. Beautiful boat! I am also green with envy you can use your mirrors to back a trailer. I have to drop the tailgate and watch the boat or else I end up jack-knifed. I think it is due to being blind in my left eye and depth perception. OK, I personally use the rope technique as I fish solo almost all the time. I have enough rope attached so I can pull the boat over to the dock , however your dock appears to be to distant. I am like a cat as far as water, I don't get in unless all else fails. I have pulled back up the ramp far enough (after launching) to walk out on the trailer frame and bunks and then climbed over the side. But honestly I hate doing this. 230 pounds of flab plus 66 years on my portly frame makes that difficult not to mention slipping on wet surfaces. If that is the case I peel the shoes and socks off, roll up the pant legs and launch as you did in this video. Thank you for sharing this video and glad to see that youngin' with a fishing pole in his hands instead of a cell phone. Those little guys and girls are the future of our sport!

[@omegapsiphi1911]

Man thank you for the instructional vid. I'm a new bass boat owner and had NO IDEA on how to launch a boat by myself lol so this has saved me from looking like a complete idiot.....i still made a few mistakes but overall i was successful. I'm a new fan and a subscriber.....the only this is that Georgia Bulldogs hat lol I'm born and raised from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.....Roll Tide! LOL But it's all SEC

[@philipelliott5345]

Roll Tide

[@MattTigers]

I'm not sure if you mentioned this as a precaution, but you should leave the drivers side window down, no passengers, and seat belt off while on the ramp. That way in worst case scenario you can easily escape.

[@padillac1584]

Little steering corrections go a long way when backing down the ramp. Dont over steer or you will be zig zagging down the ramp.

[@steezytricks101]

your the man! I'm about to buy my first boat and that really helped me feel more confident about launching it!

[@601909]

When your retrieving ,if you can't see the trailer clamp your ore to the back off it

[@paulmonaco1148]

I like the " NEUTRAL TIP " I've NEVER heard that before, and I will try it next time I go out.

[@frankjerseytomato8941]

useless

[@Lray4x4]

That is how I always do it but I have a manual transmission.

[@windows1328]

great video dude..thanks for taking the time to show us how...i never launch a boat and im over 40 yrs old...yeah i knw i know i know lol...about to launch my boat next weekend i proba have someone to help me but you never know i be alone eventually...thanks again bud and i be seein more of your videos

[@vikfan4life]

I’m hoping to get a boat within the next year. Really good video and advice

[@fhuber7507]

#1: PREPARE All of the stuff that will be in the boat, put it in the boat BEFORE backing down the ramp. He didn't say to move all your supplies (cooler, tackle box, spare life jackets, bait... EVERYTHING) into the boat BEFORE lining up to back down the ramp. #2: Don't forget the plug. Really Don't forget the plug. (install a 1500 gph bilge pump on a float switch. That will keep up with water coming in when you forget the plug. You will forget the plug at least once.) #3: Tie a line just short of boat length from bow of boat to the trailer at the winch post. Now if its a bunkboard trailer, you can unhook the winch strap, back till it floats and pull the truck and trailer forward 5 ft. (saves a step vs the video) Roller trailers you CAN NOT EVER unhook the winch until the boat is in the water. #4; Take note of how high the water is on the trailer wheels when the boat starts to float. Don't back up QUITE that far when putting the trailer in for loading the boat. If you get it right, a very slow (engine idling) approach will land the boat on the bunkboards and touch the bow to the winch post. WITHOUT power loading. ************** Power loading (driving the boat on up the trailer with the motor) is ILLEGAL in many states and may be prohibited at any specific ramp. Power loading erodes the bottom after the concrete creating a major drop which can trap a long trailer. (or even short trailers if the water is lower than normal) Bad plan to power load. I got a 2500 lb winch that goes in the "stinger" adapter of my hitch then the "Stinger" (with the ball) goes on that. Pushed the boat back 18 inches extra. (so the truck tires don't get wet) and is remote operated so by clipping it on the guidepost at the back of the trailer, I can grab it, hook up and WINCH the boat onto the trailer. (very much like a "docking like a boss" beer commercial that says don't drink while boating) $75 winch, $20 stinger extension and some wire to get power to it. You'll think every boater should have one after you try it.

[@hughmongus1207]

Great video as always. When you get a chance I wish you would do a more indepth video on depth finders. Using side scan and knowing what your actually looking at. Thanks.

[@marvinmanson7923]

Thank you... Needed that... Trying to buy or win a bass boat next yr...

[@cwonger22]

Best video to date on how to launch your boat solo.. 1 thing to add is for older boats or boats without LED lights, make sure to unhook your lights before backing the trailer into the water. keep up the great videos Gene :)

[@garyhunter2872]

Nice job. Very good points.

[@baconninja007]

Good video. Great job on camera placement.

[@MokenaBob]

Great video. You know what you are doing

[@thedutchfisherman7078]

That`s really a nice boat! Enjoy it. Thanks for the tips mate.

[@JustinL600]

Just a couple additional tips I would like to add. First, is if your in a truck, when retrieving put the tailgate down so then you can just look out the back window for full view of the trailer to see how far it's in in the water. This can also be done while launching the boat, if you have enough room to not hit the boat with the tailgate, so when parking you can also see if your trailer is straight. The second tip I would like to add is when retrieving I like to back the trailer all the way into the water to get the bunks completely wet. I found this makes it easier to load with the entire bunks being wet to allow it to slide on easier. Great video Gene! You gave a few tips I have never thought of before and will make it even easier for myself!

[@TimHaunFishing]

JustinL600 Excellent tips

[@olebiker]

+JustinL600 Justin, the only problem with dropping your tailgate is that if you turn too sharply the tailgate will hit the winch stand. Don't ask me how I know this. The better option is to use the method Gene suggested using the side mirrors and the hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.

[@cbar6537]

+olebiker yup I learned that the hard way too..

[@gscaton1]

+JustinL600 I put my tailgate down all the time in my truck launching and bringing out of the water. I have plenty of room when its down. Not even close to anything. Putting the tailgate down you can see the whole boat.

[@1EVILZ06]

JustinL600 Ya got to get a new truck my man,they come with back up cameras.

[@Colwell1199]

Excellent video!!! This is a must watch for any boat or potential boat owner.

[@Flukemaster]

Joe Colwell Thanks Joe

[@joem8875]

You make it look easy coming back in!