How To Launch And Retrieve your Boat Solo | The Fish Locker

I have seen so many people make really hard work of this job, but with a little pre planning and preparation it can be stress free and safe. I launch and retrieve my boat by myself and find this simple method to be very successful.
#smallboat #boatowner #fishingboat #boatlaunch

[@philmcdonald4778]

Best channel on the topic. No loads of irritating music .... no giving us your life story every time we tune in. Just 100% info . Many thanks

[@TheFishLocker]

Phil McDonald - My pleasure Phil. All the best. 👍🏻😉🛥

[@Eiael]

Little man is so excited just like mine, love it ❤

[@TheFishLocker]

He’s a treasure.

[@stuartlloyd1035]

Even tho I don’t have the money for a boat I love watching this had a little boat brought for me for my 16th back in the day and it was great fun. Really respect every thing you do for us viewers 👌👍

[@TheFishLocker]

- I am just trying to help Stuart. Best wishes mate and have a good one. 😊

[@christopherjames-mills1094]

Thanks for making this. Looking to get my first little Orkney soon and this and the other boat owner basics are an absolute perfect learning opportunity. Appreciate it

[@TheFishLocker]

- I love Orkneys. And it is our pleasure, I hope the videos help folks out. 😊

[@troyg708]

This is one of the best videos ive seen on solo launching

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you. I hope it helps folks out. 😊👍🏻

[@Lutonboy]

2 years on and still a great, helpful video. Thank you.

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure Ricky. I hope this video has helped people out. 😊

[@stephenportlock2606]

, i think your approach to what you do is spot on and what your doing is what Ive dreamed of doing since boyhood. Thanks for posting these videos better than anything on the box. All the best!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you so much!!

[@lameduck9]

Very happy memories of fishing in Brittany, Finisterre. My cousin (a boat fisherman for 25 yrs) taught me how to manage launch and retrieve incase anything ever happened to him and your checklists are exactly what I would follow. Great video John

[@TheFishLocker]

- Simple and logical works for me. 😊

[@candiceclousegarretson9638]

Great service for all who fish or use their boats for leisure! Straightforward advice and common sense! Rare for some.

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thank you Candice. I hope these videos help people out. :)

[@kenandhelencameron7493]

Nice video John.I had an Orkney fast liner for thirteen years, this brought back some happy memories.

[@TheFishLocker]

Ken and Helen Cameron - They’re cracking boats Ken. Really enjoy my 520. 😊👍🏻🎣🛥

[@monzsterman]

thanks for the video. I just recently got a used jon boat to do some resiviour fishing and am new to towing. this helps out alot!

[@TheFishLocker]

monzsterman - Thats brilliant. I am glad this helps. 👍🏻😊🛥

[@colinphilpott3700]

Outstanding helpful vid. Great instruction and hints. Nice 1 John.

[@TheFishLocker]

Colin Philpott - Thankyou Colin. Glad you are finding the videos informative. All the best mate. 👍🏻🎣🛥

[@hughrobertson7242]

Awesome 👏 makes it look easy-with all the right prep! 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

A bot of time spent with logical prep saves so much drama. 😊

[@wraithconscience]

Hello There, great video, two super tips: 1) The checklists -- sure, eveyone thinks they've got the list, but you actually have a list, two in fact. Good organisation tip. 2) Your the first person I've ever see who, once the boat is in the water, turns the boat to face the open water before tying up -- absolutely brilliant manuver !!! It makes it super easy and safe to cast off (without all that head-turning), and it saves masses amounts of fiddling, trying to get the boat parallel to the dock to tie up and go park the car. Absolutely brilliant !!! Cheers, keep safe and God bless !!

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope the video helps folks out. Keep it simple. Keep it logical. Stay safe. 👍🏻😊

[@ncosta6204]

You made it look easy. I'm looking for same sought of boat as you. Very inspirational. Thank you mate. Keep the vids coming.👍

[@TheFishLocker]

😉

[@rikblythe145]

Mate you helped me so much with this video. My first ever launch yesterday and it went like clock work all thanks to your check list system and tips. Top man

[@TheFishLocker]

- That right there is why I made the video. If the videos help folks out then they are worth making. 😊

[@australianoutback]

Saves people getting pissed off... Sadly humans are dumb and boat ramps will always have idiots

[@thatguy6831]

That is a super cool little boat. Love it.

[@dead_pixel_]

Great video ,superbly done mate,complete control,cracking boat ,thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@TheFishLocker]

Paul - Thankyou very much mate. Hopefully this helps a few folks out. 👍🏻😉🛥🎣

[@garymurray4878]

Excellent film John, good info and common sense,👍👍🎣🎣

[@TheFishLocker]

gary murray - Thanks Gary. Most things are just common sense but you’d be surprised.haha. 👍🏻😬🎣

[@CryoGenUK]

Thanks for this, your experience is invaluable and has me thinking I could actually do this if one day I ever take the plunge and get a boat. Thank you for explainingg and showing so succinctly.

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope our videos help folks out. 👍🏻😊

[@barrywood5357]

Absolutley love your vids . I am a disabled ex angler who gets so much enjoyment from what you do. As for the check list as a pilot i used check lists every flight for all actions that we do like pre landing checks take off sometimes we memorised these but with the advent of tecnology and things like garmin and other electric map utilities you can use these for your lists . Keep up the good work and tight lines

[@TheFishLocker]

Keep things simple and logical and you have a lot less problems don’t you mate.

[@MsSparrowhawk]

your tutorials are tremendous , love them as much as your fishing vids,

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you Kit. I hope people find the useful. 😊

[@co0ter1]

Thoroughly enjoyed that.The checklist is a must,i would definitely make some and laminate them! Really appreciate the effort you put into these videos. Beautiful set up you have there.

[@TheFishLocker]

co0ter1 - Thankyou very much. I’m really glad you’re enjoying the content and hope it is helping folks. The lists and a logical approach will really help. All the best mate and thanks for the support. 😊👍🏻🎣🤣🛥🐟

[@andrzejslosarczyk3086]

Great job, safety first. All you have done in that video it's familiar to my everyday job, couple and uncouple truck trailers. I'm new to sea fishing, and your videos, knowledge are best lecture for me. Thank you

[@TheFishLocker]

- It is our pleasure. I hope that our videos help people out. 😊

[@andreaschapman9886]

Good informative vlog John,very educational,I've had five boats and my last was a 22ft fletcher bravo power boat with a 150hp mercury black max oil injected engine it was great fun and yes I once forgot to put the bung in.

[@TheFishLocker]

- I don't think there is a boat owner that hasn't forgotten something like that before.Haha

[@leonfrancis5205]

Well done buddy thanks for taking the time, really learnt a lot there and found it interesting, good job.

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure Leon.

[@elitemoon2029]

This is amazing I NEEDED THIS VIDEO SO MUCH! Perfect

[@TheFishLocker]

I am glad it helped.

[@yumyum408]

Very informative. Adorable boat!

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thank you very much. She is a great little boat, perfect for the family to play around in.

[@ianlaccohee7180]

Thanks for the great video John. It's all about the 7 P's. I'm pleased to see Mrs Fish Locker & junior had some spare time to do the filming for you. Nice looking boat by the way. I'll be looking for something similar when I come back to England, but that will of coarse depend on the budget that the treasurer allows.

[@TheFishLocker]

Ian Laccohee - Thanks Ian. Yes thankfully the team were able to help make the vid. It would have been impossible to film and launch single handed. They are very nice boats, and you could possibly show the treasurer some of the vids of my wife joining me to persuade her for a bigger one. 😉👍🏻🎣🤣 Good luck. 😬

[@helkoschenk2929]

Like the excited comments of your offspring lively video very educational Luving it 😀German boater in Oz

[@TheFishLocker]

- Haha. You mean my "Safety Watch". 😊

[@ironix1]

Nice quality video with some good tips in there John. You are lucky to have that much time on the slipway to yourself though. You clearly picked the best day. Some are very busy with queues and mayhem, but Its probably best to try and avoid those days.

[@TheFishLocker]

Ironix1 - Best day and time of day. This was actually almost 21:00 on a school night. 😉 Lots of the slipways are bedlam midday on a weekend. I’m usually up and out before the birds are even awake. 😉👍🏻🎣

[@A10WUK]

Perfect instructions. Thank you.

[@ianlamb1910]

Great video just bought my first boat! Thanks for the help 👏

[@TheFishLocker]

- Any time Ian. 😊

[@barryroach1980]

you make it look easier than it is by use of your tips, cheers for the instructvid,

[@TheFishLocker]

Barry Roach - No problem at all Barry. I hope it has helped. I will be building my “small boat owner/user” playlist over the coming weeks so hopefully there may be more useful stuff for you. 👍🏻😉🎣🛥

[@newfoundlanderonthego8729]

Very respectable procedure. Loved the kids chatter:) Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure. Just keeping it honest and simple. 😊👍🏻

[@mattgoss7024]

This is the most informative video I have seen, I especially like your check lists. Hopefully when the time comes I will not have any problems.

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thank you very much Matt, I am glad that you found the video informative. I have a playlist for the "Small Boat Owner/User" with several videos like this in. If you haven't seen it already it might be useful. 😊

[@ChasinFins]

Another great informative video. Keep em coming 🛥️🎣

[@TheFishLocker]

Sam GoPro - Thankyou mate. My pleasure. 👍🏻🛥🎣😉

[@terrynicholson9273]

You've done that plenty of times. Very useful video for a beginner like me. I have only launched my boat twice and never done it alone.

[@TheFishLocker]

terry Nicholson - Thats why I did the video mate. I’ve known loads of folks that get really stressed about it and others that don’t have a care in the world but also don’t have a friggin clue and block the slipway for an hour.haha. It’s simple and can be done safely, just plan and be methodical. 👍🏻😉🎣🛥

[@andrewdudman5747]

Another great video John. Always a pleasure to watch your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@TheFishLocker]

Andrew Dudman - Thankyou very much Andrew. I’m glad you are enjoying the content. Plenty of slipways in Whitby to launch off. Any you would recommend for folks? Co-op carpark? Spital bridge? 👍🏻🎣🛥

[@andrewdudman5747]

@@TheFishLocker Yes John, definitely the Co-op carpark, spittal bridge is a possibility too. I've recently seen people using the slipway at Sandsend (bottom of Lythe bank) but its not ideal if theirs any chop and can lead to some comedy moments! Runswick bay is becoming popular for beach launchings as its generally quite sheltered.

[@TheFishLocker]

Andrew Dudman - Sandsend carpark as you say is ok providing there no swell. I hadn’t considered Runswick. Great shout!! Especially if you’re fishing down that way. 👍🏻🎣🛥

[@cjjuddaustralianartist]

Very inspirational, I've dreamed of owning a boat all my life. I should have bought one when I was alive.

[@TheFishLocker]

- Are you no longer alive?

[@cjjuddaustralianartist]

@@TheFishLocker Only my sense of humour lives on LOL

[@tomhurst9881]

Really informative as usual, I've learnt loads from your vids! Wish my local slip was as nice as yours, there's a 5/6 knot tide that rips past mine - makes it super challenging by yourself! Defo picked up a few tips from this vid, cheers 😁

[@TheFishLocker]

Tom Hurst - Hi Tom, really glad the videos are proving helpful to you. Yes we have a slipway near us that is like that. Best to pick the slack tide around high and low for that. Tight lines 👍🏻🎣

[@robmunro1310]

I saw the pic of your boat and stayed for the video, glad I did, you did a great job. Like your boat, I'm in Australia and we don't see boats like yours at the ramp. Subscribed

[@TheFishLocker]

Rob Munro - Hi Rob. Welcome to the channel. Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes my boat is an Orkney 520. The hull design suits the waters round the UK. So I’m not surprised you don’t see them round your way. I imagine they are much flatter hulled?

[@diggerproud1]

Nice having that walkway. We have a slipway with rocks either side & nowhere to tie off while you retrieve the car/trailer.

[@TheFishLocker]

That sounds a nightmare!!!

[@chick1860]

Great advice n information mate. Just got a boat & watching this video has been a great help & confidence booster. Not as worried now launching it solo now.THANKS👍& i will be doing the checklists aswell mate😁

[@TheFishLocker]

Good for you. Take your time and make a list. 👍🏻

[@chick1860]

@@TheFishLockera wee linder sportsman 400 on a Bramber rollercoaster trailer so shouldn't be too hard too deal with just need practice my reversing with a couple traffic cones in an open field🤣 & the checklist is a great idea. Il be buying a whiteboard with marker pen too tick off list as I go.thanks n keep up great videos mate👍

[@marktindal2186]

Perfect vid thanks, launching from Penzance solo on the tide today. :)

[@TheFishLocker]

SparksWillFly - Glad you found it helpful. Penzance is a good slipway. Just be wary it can get slippy with weed and it flattens off at the bottom so if it’s a big tide you might not get the boat on/off. Good luck. 👍🏻🎣🛥

[@mboutdoors_uk]

Great video mate. Will be taking the plunge soon and getting my first boat so I'm binging all your vids to be as ready as I can be. Bit nervous, but very excited!! Thanks again 👌

[@TheFishLocker]

Good luck with the boat.

[@trampster7306]

Well done John - another excellent faultless video, and great filming by Hannah - no good producing these videos unless the quality is there and Mrs Fishlocker stormed it! Fantastic advice, common sense, and clearly explained. Being a Trucker, and with 40+ years of owning 4x4's & trailers - only 2 points I would add - a) if you can spare 5 minutes having got your boat in the water, check your trailer wheelbearings for any play whilst the weight of the boat is off the trailer, as after a couple of seasons in Salt water, they can deteriorate quickly, and b) be aware of the weight of your boat and its contents at all times, because if it exceeds 750Kgs, you need a braked trailer, which in turn requires more maintainence. Your boat is probably well below this and your trailer looks fairly new, so these points don't apply to you, but always worth mentioning to other subscribers! Well done Mate !! 👍👍👍😀😀

[@TheFishLocker]

Trampster - Excellent valid comments mate. And great extra info for viewers reading the comments. Thanks for that bud. 😊👍🏻🛥🎣🛠

[@martincarran4294]

Brilliant tips John......great vid, thanks. Getting my 1st boat next week, looking forward to it. Cheers

[@TheFishLocker]

Good luck. 👍🏻

[@williamrendall134]

Brilliant video just perfect to help boaters out.

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope it does. 👍🏻

[@andrewcarr3336]

Great video mate, really useful info and nice to see how others do it 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

andrew carr - Thankyou very much Andrew, glad you enjoyed the vid. Hopefully folks will find it helpful. 👍🏻🎣🛥

[@raymondshah5117]

Thanks for all those great tips

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure!

[@archiebob11]

I’ve just ordered my first boat arriving next Mar/Apr and hoping to get a straightforward (easy) launch slipway like this. This video is so helpful John, thank you for taking the time & effort to make all your videos they are great 🚤😊👍

[@adezentje5230]

But why the hurry, that slibway is wide enough to launch 2 boats at the same time next to eachother.

[@archiebob11]

@@adezentje5230 Why reply to my comment with this? This is a great video of how to launch/retrieve a boat and I believe John has very well explained that if/when the launch is busy, the things to do to save time.

[@HouLi]

@@archiebob11 hey mate did it come yet?

[@chriscaddy2638]

Not seen any other video on this subject as good as yours. Brilliant video. Thanks for sharing

[@TheFishLocker]

Chris Caddy - I’m glad you think so Chris. Thankyou for taking the time to comment. Unfortunately this is a subject where no one is prepared to tell you how to do it, but the minute I’ve posted a video, everyone seems to be an expert.lol. This video has had more dislikes than any other video I have ever made - and yet no one is prepared to say why they either disagree or dislike it? You get that quite a bit with boating and boat owners. 🤷🏻‍♂️🛥

[@chriscaddy2638]

@@TheFishLocker Well this video has gained you another sub from me keep up the good work! I dream of having my own boat one day but for the moment I just want be a sponge and absorb as much information I can on the subject! Take no notice of the trolls this video alone has given me the confidence that I could indeed launch on my own. Thanks again mate.

[@TheFishLocker]

Chris Caddy - Thankyou for that Chris. I was feeling pretty glum about doing future vids but hearing this has gee’d me up a bit. I am going to be building the “small boat owner/user” playlist over the next week so hopefully there’ll be some more for you to absorb. 😉👍🏻🛥

[@chriscaddy2638]

@@TheFishLocker sounds good to me mate I can't wait just sat binge watching your videos now! I don't know how you find the time to make so many I have just started my own channel and have only found the time to upload 1 video in a month! I don't even have kids like you! Your sons cute by the way! My channel is called craft against all odds if you fancy having a look it's a video on how I make my strops for knife and tool sharpening. I'm glad I have gee'd you up mate your content is quality and your channel is huge compared to mine I dream of the day I have that many sub's. All the best mate keep it up.

[@nigelharland8528]

Very good video when retrieving boat keep to the side this allows another boat to be retrieved at the same time!

[@TheFishLocker]

Very true. This was filmed like it was in the centre of the slip to show everything as clearly as possible. 😊

[@james-jq8sk]

Great video, beautiful boat!

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thank you, she is a great little boat. :)

[@tessilateddragon]

Very good fella , those little strikeliners really do launch a treat, perfect one man boat ! nice to see the emphasis of clearing the slip way , we get to see all sorts of craziness on some of our busier slips, inconsiderate people can cause huge hold up's , mine is on a mooring this year ! first time i;ve had one. ps. over the years i've left the bung out, forgot keys/fuel/gps/wheel clamp etc. : ) especially those 4 am starts so i also prepare everything the night b4 . check , check and check again .

[@TheFishLocker]

tessilateddragon - Haha. We’ve all done it. That’s why I pack everything I can the night before. Making those list definitely helps at the start. Oh my god it can be so frustrating with folks hogging the slipway!!!

[@mr_wildgoose]

The checklist idea is something I've also used because there's so much to remember. When you've done it a few times, it becomes a remembered process, and that makes it easier and quicker. Also agree with doing prep the day before if possible - because when you rush, you forget things! This season I've been launching from beaches, which makes single handed launch/retrieving far more difficult - plus always the added risk of getting the 4x4 bogged!

[@TheFishLocker]

mr wildgoose - Definitely. Making a checklist is so simple and really helpful when starting out. Yes beach launches have added problems, I don’t have a 4x4 so stick to slipways unless I can borrow a friends hilux. 😉👍🏻🛥

[@mr_wildgoose]

@@TheFishLocker I only had a Nemo van to pull this boat at first. With a little bit of boat weight on the tow hitch, the front driven wheels would spin for fun. Ramps are often coated with slippy seaweed and I had visions of the boat pulling the van back down the ramp into the water:( Hence the reason I changed it smartish for a 4x4!!

[@TheFishLocker]

mr wildgoose - I have seen that exact thing happen. *Touch wood* never to me though. 🤞🏻🎣🛥

[@johnfoster8328]

Making it look nice and easy John. Even the balancing on the trailer :-) I would probably fall in whilst looking for my boat keys lol.Great Vid mate.

[@TheFishLocker]

John Foster - Haha. Thankyou very much. I’m afraid I can’t be held accountable for anyone getting wet from bad balance or clumsiness. 🤣😝 My wife did jump out of a boat once to guide it in to the beach and jumped straight into a 4ft pool instead of it being 1ft deep.lol.

[@raysboatingandadventure1277]

Good common sense approach. Nice video's. Thanks!

[@davidbooth1100]

Great video John, some launch area that m8, straight onto the pontoon.

[@TheFishLocker]

David Booth - There’s a few in my local area that are good like that. But very busy at certain times of day. I’m usually up and out before the seagulls have even woken up. 😛😉👍🏻🎣

[@rhino5419]

A very interesting and informative video. As was the crab pot vid. Thanks to your net making video i now have a drop net for my summer fishing. Took several tries but got there in the end. Now i hope i need it. Lol. Good health and stay safe

[@TheFishLocker]

RHINO 54 - Thankyou very much mate. Really glad to hear you’re finding the vids useful. A good drop net is always useful to have mate. Send me some pics to the Fishlocker fb page and let me know how you get on? 👍🏻🎣🛠🐟😬

[@oths1234]

Ah checklists. So useful. Been using them for years. I've put them on the computer & print them off when going out. I use a clipboard & check items off as I go before I leave home. We used to camp in provincial parks so I had a list for all the camping gear, food and clothes. Another for fishing gear i.e. net, bait, rods tackle boxes etc & lastly boat, life jackets, paddles and GAS TANK etc. Yep... left the tank at home once. :-) Excellent launch video John!

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thanks Eric, I completely agree. Lists are simple, logical and a great time saver.

[@barlow2976]

@@TheFishLocker I printed and laminated instructions for the radio/distress button, and made sure mates knew how to hit the man overboard button on the navigator, so if I was in the water they could backtrack to me. Important that others know how everything else works.

[@ciaranbradley7038]

Great video,I'm just inthe process of getting my first wee boat and this video is really useful thanks.

[@TheFishLocker]

Have a look in our playlist called "Small boat Owner/User" you may find some helpful videos. 😉

[@zxvjy]

Nice one John. As a retired boatbuilder and ex owner of a small boatyard in Penryn I have seen one or two remarkable performances.

[@TheFishLocker]

Barry C - Haha. Tell me about it. Boats dropped off trailers, cars swamped, engines dragged up slipways and countless people falling in. If 2 main points come across on this vid I hope it’s. 1. Plan ahead. And 2. Do not hog the slip. Haha. 😉👍🏻🛥

[@dazer123]

Really nice video mate and good to see you wearing an auto inflator life vest, so many boaters don't bother

[@TheFishLocker]

I don’t, mine is a manual. It’s safer for what I do.

[@Cumbriansax]

Great video very informative, thanks John

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you very much Mal.

[@nomad7412]

Hi John. I've seen lots and lots of launching runabouts on youtube and still yet to launch my own boat for the first time and I find your video especially encouraging. The one thing that you might consider though, is a support rod for the motor. It's a specially designed brace that attaches to the trailers rear bar and the brace has a "V" shaped end which lies snug around the bottom part of the Gear casing. This allows the motor to be lowered further than the support pin/lever than normal and gives greater support to the motor.When I purchased the boat, the guy told me he had seen engines tearing themselves from the transom even when supported by the pin/lever. As a result, he made his own brace ( about 60 cm - 75 cm long ), so I'm lucky because, being my first boat I was not aware of this and never seen anything on youtube about these braces.I have since seen them on other boats and now know that they can be purchased from wherever. In Australia ( where I have lived for 17 years), boating and fishing is a massive pastime and they are always looking for ways to protect their boats. This brace seems like a great accessory and I would urge anyone to take a look at them in the hope I have passed on some good info to my fellow boaters/fishers back home. Tight lines to you John :)

[@TheFishLocker]

Nomad - That is a great piece of added info. I must admit I have never seen or heard of one, or if I have I haven’t noticed it. Great bit of added info for folks reading the comments. Thanks mate. 👍🏻🎣🛥😊

[@ryansarath1319]

Never knew these things existed but I knew I'd need something exactly as you described...my outboard weighs a fair bit and I've always been worried about the strain it puts on my transom. Thanks for the info.

[@casperandthebeast5780]

Hope to see you in Falmouth some time, I have a 22ft fishing boat called "Jackira", very useful videos, I used to have a 30ft carvel fishing boat at Hayle, the advice you give is spot on! Hope you catch large and often!! 🐟🐠🐡🦈

[@TheFishLocker]

- Awesome. I don't know if I've seen you or not. Wave if you see us about. 😊

[@uberfisherman8133]

very informative m8 thank you it will be used

[@tousonbailey7861]

Very educational film John, I wondered who was filming then at the end I heard Mrs Fish locker speak to you; lol also cracked up when I heard your child say your in the water. Although I am a bit old in the tooth to ever have a boat I am certainly learning somethings from you now I know how to make my own lobster and crab cages now also, keep up with the channel its great.

[@TheFishLocker]

touson bailey - Haha. Yes I had the fishlocker team with me - this would have been near impossible film single handed. The hardest thing with the little lad is keeping him quite haha. I’m glad you’re learning things with the videos mate, every day is a school day. 👍🏻🎣🛥😉

[@DerekAllport]

Educational and entertaing John. Quick tip: I usually watch your vids on our smart-TV / big screen. I took pics of your check-lists on my phone. That way I always have the lists on my phone's gallery and easily available. We don't have the big tide difference between high and low here in Norway, so we try to time launch and retrieve to avoid subjecting brakes / hubs on the trailer to sea-water. Keep those vid's coming!

[@TheFishLocker]

Derek Allport - Thankyou very much Derek. Good idea with the pics, that’s why I posted the stills of the checklists in the video. 😉 There are r many places where you can get your boat in the water without getting your trailer hubs wet. But a quick rinse with a freshwater hose will always help afterwards. The average difference here between high and low is around 3-4m. But in other areas of the UK it’s is crazy!!

[@veryberry-]

Very informative. Good emphasis on proper ramp hugging etiquette.

[@TheFishLocker]

Its only common sense and good manners 😊

[@The5thKeeper]

Thanks John. It's my second time watching this. Great tutorial. What make and model is your boat. You keep it spotless fair play to you. Always a pleasure to watch the Fish Locker channel. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thank you. Our is an Orkney 520 😊

[@marshallscf]

Hi John Thinking of buying the same boat (1999). I take it you would recommend this lol. What is the top speed with a 30 hip engine ? Enjoy the videos mate. Keep em coming

[@TheFishLocker]

marshallscf - I don’t know what everyones fixation is with top speed? Instead why don’t they ask “how quickly can I make it cost me money? How quickly can I run the engine into the ground? Haha. You want to go fast. Buy a 100hp engine and 5 spare fuel cans. 👍🏻 12-16knots depending on conditions and load.

[@laikatravels]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

- It is our pleasure. I hope the video helps people out. 😊

[@_J.F_]

Nice to see someone showing consideration for other people in this way. I am not surprised though as you seem to be thoughtful in all other areas too, keeping your boat and equipment clean, tidy, safe and secure. Watch out though. These days there a people who will nick your van and trailer if left with the key in the ignition and the engine running, even if you are just off to fetch your boat.

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. I do not doubt there are. Thank fully here that does not seem to be such a problem. 😊

[@ryanferris7841]

Nicely done!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you. 😊

[@andrewraybould2336]

Another great film John. I would add fuel and fuel tanks to the checklist, I wouldn’t like to say how many times I’ve driven off and left the tanks at home “safe” in the garage!!

[@TheFishLocker]

- Haha. Thankfully I have never done that. But then again, they are either on the boat or in the van. So they don’t get forgotten - even if I do “forget” them. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid. And good comment. 👍🏻😊🛥

[@teddyforan]

Thanks for the video I’ll use the tips for my first boat 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

Good luck. 😊

[@darrenrodd.]

Awesome boat John love to see more vids on your boat seen a few of these for sale and in falmouth , seriously considering one lol

[@TheFishLocker]

darren rodd - Hi Darren, yes she is a great little seaboat. Have a look in the “Boat fishing” playlist. There should be a few to keep you busy - and some local ones aswell if you can figure out the marks. 😉👍🏻🎣🐟

[@TheUKFishingGuy]

Good skills mr locker... found that well interesting

[@TheFishLocker]

Andy Gouriet - Thanks Andy. Every day’s a school day 😉👍🏻🎣🛥

[@mickheathcote4570]

enjoyed that john, forgetting you're keys made me giggle. I forgot my rods once, 40 mins from home, it wasn't so funny at the time though.

[@TheFishLocker]

Mick Heathcote - Haha. I can imagine. The number of times I’ve forgotten the bait that’s sitting in the fridge or something is ridiculous. Which is why now I do it all the night before - or write a list. One time a few years back my wife and I drove and hour home before realising we had left the rods on the beach. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@waterboy8999]

A very well put together video, nicely done.

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure.

[@dansims9101]

Brilliant video thank you!!

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope it helps folks out. 😊👍🏻

[@dansims9101]

@@TheFishLocker sure has us were new to it. Checklist is great and your anti foul video which was also very informative. You planning another collab with hazy?

[@JeffSmith-it4tm]

so many buy a boat and then take it to the lake and end up on a video of how not to launch a boat. Most people have issues backing it up. I used to be a truck driver and it takes practice. Good video.

[@MarineEngineer1989]

What a skilled and inspiring man

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope the video helps folks out. 👍🏻

[@flatbit3090]

Another great Video. Relaxing easy to follow. How many times have I seen people rushing around making mistakes. Saying that though I've left the bilge bung out a few times then having to get a wet sleeve putting the bloody thing in at sea. Keep up the good work

[@TheFishLocker]

- I know exactly what you mean. If you are organised you don't need to rush. Just be methodical. And yes, I am also guilty of forgetting the bung once.lol. Lessons learned the hard way are often lessons remembered. ;)

[@gillgetter3004]

Nice job got to get myself some boots. Thanks

[@TheFishLocker]

- Thanks Bruce. :)

[@Stupot2]

You remind me of my old army days explanation demonstration etc 😀 .very informative ,keep em coming.

[@TheFishLocker]

- Haha. Nowadays everything is death by powerpoint. :(

[@stewyripper]

Excellent video again, lots of good info there. video ended and led me into launch fails etc, well watching those Americans had me in stitches but shows how it can easily go so very wrong. lucky for me mine was on a permanent mooring in Hayle so made life easy until you tried to come back across the bar in bad weather grabs the attention. lol

[@TheFishLocker]

Stuart Allen - Haha. Yeah mate, I’ve seen some things that make you’re eyes cringe and your wallet shudder.lol. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@romasfisherman5386]

I love all your videos

[@TheFishLocker]

Romas fisherman - 👍🏻🎣😬

[@Joseph-M44]

I like your boat, looks really good for one up to 3 fisherman on the water

[@TheFishLocker]

Joseph Mafofo - It is a great vessel for 1-2 adult anglers. Any more than 2 adults and the vessel loses a lot of its top speed. But is still very stable and comfortable to fish from. My family ( 2 adults 1 child and 1 teenager all fit on well. 👍🏻🎣🛥😬

[@tonymorris1743]

Hi John. What an informative video. Well done. It was good to see the Orkney 520 in and out of the water. I have the exact same boat, even the hull and anti foul colour are the same. I have mine in a secure yard and it’s launched and retrieved by the staff there, with me in it. Expensive and time restrictive, but dead safe. The first time I trailed my boat I had an accident reversing in a car park (tricky to manoeuvre those single axle trailers)and it has sort of put me off. After watching your vid I may have another try. It would save me £1300 a year!. I take it you flush your engine out when you get home? All the very best. Tony

[@TheFishLocker]

Tony Morris - Thankyou Tony. The 520’s are nice boats aren’t they. And yes reversing them can be tricky, it’s just a practice thing. The smaller 440 I had before was even harder due to it being shorter - but you could take it off the hitch and walk by hand. I either have a hose pipe and flush it from the top of the car park or yes just at home. 😉👍🏻🛥

[@babthooka]

Liked! Subscribed! Thanks for the tips! :)

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you very much and welcome to our channel. 😊

[@Tork131413]

Good clear advice.

[@TheFishLocker]

tork crawford - Thankyou. That is the approach I try to take with all of my videos. Keep things simple, common sense and stay calm. 😊👍🏻🎣🛥

[@coconutz247]

nice boat/trailer combo!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you.

[@IOMFishing]

Keys and bung, keys and bung....my own personal mantra but still wish I had a quid for every time I've had to go back for the keys. Another top video mate.

[@neilelbourn9241]

IOM Fishing I have to make sure I have four bungs as there is four drain bungs on the boat

[@TheFishLocker]

Gosport Fishing Info - Haha. There are entirely too many holes in that boat mate!! 😛 I’ve forgotten the keys a couple of times in my haste to get fishing, I don’t know an angler that hasn’t.lol. Like I say, I like to get everything ready the day before if I can and even then I still forget stuff.lol. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🎣🤣

[@neilelbourn9241]

The Fish Locker oh there is I have to live tanks either side of the engine and two in the deck because there is a curve in there and was always a puddle left after cleaning it

[@akisantoniou2913]

Very simple, I always hide a set on the boat.

[@thedirtyfecker]

Great list John, but I would add a few things to this. 1) Lock jockey wheel tight once on the back of the jeep with the tightening arm. 2) Lock jockey wheel handle tight before moving off. Carrying a hammer and pliers in the car/jeep is essential for anything like this. A few taps with the side of the hammer on these two is essential. 3) When towing anywhere, like you say pull over after 10 minutes of driving and check both of these again and give them another tap or two if required. Jockey wheels have a habit of coming loose while towing and can roll down onto the road being dragged along with the trailer. You won't have a clue and the mini tyre will be destroyed or could cause a real accident while towing the trailer!

[@TheFishLocker]

That is something I have seen happen to people before. Nasty isn't it.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

I recommend placing a hand against the rims/bearing hub for excessive heat too after 10 minutes to help indicate the bearings are fine if they weren't tested while the trailer was jacked up ( usually during storage or long periods out of the water ) also testing to see if the breaks a slightly seized if it's a braked trailer.

[@alansutton2858]

@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN good tip, also to make your wheel bearings last even longer fit some bearing buddies (grease filled spring loaded caps that cause a constant positive pressure internally - double lipped marine seals to be fitted for same reasons) and don’t put your boat in the cold water with hot hubs! Do your shore prep 10 - 15 min first. - since doing this my bearings have lasted over six years and counting! (All salt water use) at home she sits up on axel stands so I can spin her wheels from time to time stoping the condensation gathering that would pit the race surfaces if otherwise parked and not moved all winter…

[@robertreynolds2702]

Really informative .,very clear instructions delivered well.

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope the video helps folks out. 😊

[@PeteThecurious100]

Very methodical;)

[@TheFishLocker]

Pete Thecurious - Thankyou. I’ve found that a simple, logical, methodical approach has served me well with most things. It’s how I like my fishing.👍🏻🎣

[@serradasminasantunes1181]

Mate when you talk about "make sure you don't forget the keys boat 😂😂😂😂 I'm cracking up laughing coz that happened with me but my one it was my reels rods 🙈🙈🙈 one day I woke up and I was late to get my train "from london to Brighton like 70 miles away from where I'm living " so I left my house with my gear and when I get to Brighton and I started to set up my rods I realise I forgot my reels at home 😂😂😂 brother it's was a the worse day of my life, I have to spend my day catch some mussels and sea food to relax my self. .. now I learn to check my stuff one day before I travel😂😂😂😂

[@TheFishLocker]

- Haha. I always do that now. Pack the night before and put it all in the van. I have gone fishing and take the wrong sections of rod. The base of one and the tip of another. So frustrating. Haha.

[@serradasminasantunes1181]

@@TheFishLocker trust me it won't happen again 😅😅😂😂👍👍keep up your good videos ✌✌bless you and family