Launching a Boat By Yourself - 2 Simple Methods

There are two way I generally launch my boat by myself. But there are many things to consider and plan for that can make your launching/retrieving process faster and easier.
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[@brianpeck697]

"First thing I do when arriving at the boat ramp - I park somewhere out of the way, in a parking spot, where I'm not blocking other people..." Oh man, if only folks could follow this very simple rule #1

[@TheBelldiver]

People are worse when it's a rarely used ramp. They think they own it and will stop and have b.s. sessions while you wait.

[@mustangracer5124]

I've see people work foe 20 min. on the ramp.

[@JackWiliams]

If you drop your tires off the back at the ramp, and your trailer doesn't float, here's a great way to get un-stuck without damaging your trailer: Back the boat off until your bow is over the axle. Run the winch strap to the back of the trailer, if it isn't long enough tie a rope to it. Run the strap under the trailer's axle and tie it off to the bow loop on the boat. Winch it up to float the trailer and you can pull back onto the ramp without ripping off your axles.

[@steveking8548]

Better yet, put the boat over the trailer, tie the end of the trailer to your outboard, then use the trim to pull the trailer up above the end of the boat ramp.

[@envisionCamusa]

​@@steveking8548Good idea!!

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

I am so happy you did this video, it should be a no-brainer but folks get so wrapped up in there own little world they forget others want to use the ramp too. To all the folks out there reading the comments, a friendly reminder, shorter/smaller the trailer, the smaller movements of the steering wheel is needed when backing. IE: A shorter trailer turns more quickly. Yours truly, “retired” Mother Trucker.

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Very true. I have multiple trailers and the hardest thing for me is remembering which one I am using. LOL! From a 22' tritoon to a 14' Solo Skiff, to who knows what else I am driving/towing at the time, as soon as I start backing up I have to remember or it turns crazy fast. LOL! But proper planning in the Make Ready Lane makes it a lot easier with having everything loaded in the boat. When I return, I load the boat and get the heck out of the way before unloading coolers, bags, and other stuff. Common Courtesy is a lost art it seems sometimes. Even in the boating world.

[@stephen-collins]

Excellent advice in there... now if I can just figure out how to launch/retrieve solo in the middle of winter without getting my feet wet!

[@MikhailKozlov]

That needs to be mandatory video for all new boat owners and renters! Thank you!

[@bweikie]

Awesome video, Trip! Thanks!

[@TheFishingMommy]

This is a great video, lots of helpful tips!

[@EarthTrips]

The drone gives such a good perspective! I fly mine often & love it. Great video, Trip! 🌞🌴

[@francus7227]

If ever a time for a TRIP DIP.... it was at the end of this clip.... One added tip: Get to the ramp EARLY to decrease your chances of congestion. Probably the thing I use the most that I learned from 4.5 years in the U.S. Army..... How to back up a trailer. I had a hut blocking my review mirror. So I learned by using my two side mirrors. I never look back over my shoulder. Thanks Uncle Sam. Nice clip Trip. I knew all of this. I just wanted to see how well you taught it. I'd grade it a 96% of 100.....

[@nickkostakis9600]

Great video mate I have learned some things today very interesting thank you very much from Sydney Australia 😅😊

[@TripSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment mate!

[@dang5553]

Great info

[@pattisunnyflorida8595]

love watching your videos everywhere - your are always in my backyard -

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

A few years ago I went to Lake Seminole with my paddle board and I found that Island out there something really cool at

[@jamesedwards6269]

Preach brother.

[@ljjackson7106]

OMG I would love to be a clam on the wall watching you trying to maintain and stay calm!! ❤😂

[@TreyDavisOnline]

Kudos for getting those camera angles and still launching so clean and fast at the same time, both methods! That was great!

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Davis! I like how it turned out 🤙

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

​​@@TripSmithhow are you doing comeing back down Florida any time soon

[@lisaschmidt6134]

25' dock lines! I am upgrading ours immediately.

[@user-wx8uj4xr2q]

Trip's boats are getting bigger every year.

[@envisionCamusa]

I don't think Trip will ever get rid of his C-Dory. It's a great boat, and I hope to get one soon.

[@mattaneshansley5349]

I always remove the safety line but leave the winch on because if the boat does slide then your hard on the safety line and you have to winch the boat back up to release.

[@officialWWM]

I like your boat! I just use one rope tied midships to tie up to the dock. It keeps the boat square against the dock and makes it a bit easier when you’re on your own.

[@TripSmith]

Thanks! Me too!!!! Yea.... I'm not a big fan of one line midships.... A wave comes by and it may not be the best thing with such a short line.

[@officialWWM]

@@TripSmith maybe but I’ve never had that happen. I go out by myself a lot and it’s a lot easier to cast off from the helm position than running from bow to stern, then back to the helm!

[@debranewcombe8153]

Good to know

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I've been that boat ramp before very peaceful

[@markJones38133]

Hey, I love your boat, where did u get those bumpers ? I like those

[@mustangracer5124]

I'm never around less than 12-15 other boats anxious to get going.. and I'always alone. just go when it's your turn, back in, unhook and drive out .. tie boat up and go move trailer.

[@TripSmith]

Yea, that's what i see many times as well. This method works well then, but I needed a slow day to film ;)

[@Holt0216]

As a first year (first generation) boat owner, I’m paranoid that my truck is gonna roll down the boat ramp, especially when I’m pulling the boat off the ramp towards the dock. I don’t have 4WD so I don’t wanna go so far deep where I’m taking on water. So I’ll use heavy rubber chock blocks behind my tires.

[@fmb-fishingmeansbusiness]

What is the orange dry bag with the chain in it you threw down in front of the transom drain plug? Hoppy trips my man.

[@lizgraves1077]

Trip, can you give a link to the drone you have.

[@bestamerica]

' the motor vehicle must use a shift '' N '' as neutral with a trailer boat while slow down ramp to the water... dont use a shift '' R '' as reverse

[@f86sabjf]

Love my Dakota boat retriever . Thank goodness I don’t t have to go thru this anymore

[@jasonharris2863]

Wassup Trip! I’ve got three words that changed my solo launching ‘Dakota Boat Retriever’. Check em out. Best purchase I’ve made!

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Trip Smith we should meet up and make a video soon

[@JohnnyAnderson1]

Excellent demonstration sir, I just knew you were gonna throw in a TRIP DIP at the end.... but I was mistaken 😂

[@TripSmith]

Ha! If the place was so shallow, grassy and snakey I probably would have! Glad you enjoyed the demonstration though Johnny and thanks for being a Patreon supporter of the channel!

[@paulkravitz4306]

Have you put a Sparrow Prop on yet?

[@TripSmith]

Not yet lol They don't make them for engines under 150hp....

[@paulkravitz4306]

When did you get your Captains license???

[@TripSmith]

Took the classes in 2023, got my license 2024 ;)

[@fredviener6041]

should'nt i be able to launch without having to walk in the water. The ramps by me are very slippery once you get to the water.

[@TripSmith]

It's possible if all the variables are right. All launching situations are different. Most of the time, I find myself getting a bit wet. However, I generally do not mind getting wet in my area so I haven't tried to find a method while staying dry 👍

[@TripSmith]

Be creative, but always have an efficient plan and you'll be good

[@fredviener6041]

Really enjoy your adventures Thanks for your reply. 👍

[@TripSmith]

@@fredviener6041 You betcha!

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

The other day I had a record temperature in my vehicle of 165°

[@lukesmith32]

Definitely shouldnt turn your engine on while its out of the water... If you want to check whether the engine will crank before you unhook it all, just do it while still attached to the trailer and youre backed into the water.

[@lukesmith32]

Never leave the boat in gear while not at the helm... so many things could go wrong. Especially with your fingers at the bow between all the metal of the trailer and the boat hull. Easy way for an accident to occur even in calm water.

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I just can't stand out people will park in the middle of the road

[@user-bc1th8iq9e]

You having a stroke call 911

[@user-bc1th8iq9e]

All that salt you drink I bet your blood pressure is hogh.too much sodium not good for you but it's your choice. Like your boat and video. 😊

[@TripSmith]

Salt can slightly increase an already high pressure. Mine is slightly lower than normal due to a constantly clean diet and exercise. My heart rate is also a bit lower than expected for the same reasons. Traditionally, the belief was that too much salt did raise your pressure. I follow many MD's closely who are always aware of the latest studies. Salt is not the problem we once thought it was.

[@spanglishangler]

Oh boy. Thanks for the video. But, I would not recommend anyone to keep any vessel/motor on gear, unless someone is in charge and behind the helm. BIG NO NO

[@TripSmith]

I can see your hesitation. I don't do that every time I launch, its situational. If it's dead calm and no boats around, I don't see an issue, especially when my trailer has big beefy side guide poles.

[@spanglishangler]

@@TripSmith I completely understand. Be safe and thanks for the content. I know how hard is to bring good videos since I am struggling myself lol. But you mastered this. Thanks amigo.

[@raybrdjr]

PROBABLY 98% OF PEOPLE SINK THEIR TRAILER IN TOO MUCH AND FIGHT THEIR BOAT ON THE TRAILER! RESULTING IN GETTING OVERBOARD TO STEER THE BOAT ON THE TRAILER. FOLKS, YOURE IN TOO DEEP!! THE FENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMERGED WITH ABOUT 1/4 OF THE FENDER OUT OF THE WEATER AND THAT BOAT WILL RIDE UP THE BOARDS PERFECT!

[@bobepema355]

T your motor out of the water, ruins you water pump impeller

[@TripSmith]

Yes I am aware, sometimes I forget.... lol

[@skipmars7979]

Nothing says Beta male like having a Rasbery flavored shake to keep you going.

[@RansackThaElder]

This video SHOULD BE REQUIRED VIEWING for ALL boaters regardless of experience. TERRIFIC explanations with video.

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Looks like too much work

[@wolfseek]

Hey what tape do you use for your mouth im having this issues too been noticing im open mouth sleeping about almost a year now

[@TripSmith]

I've been using medical tape. Works great for me and comes off relatively easily 👌

[@wolfseek]

@@TripSmith you know the brand

[@TripSmith]

@@wolfseek Just checked. 3m Durapore

[@wolfseek]

@TripSmith thanks man ready to wake up rested seriously thank you bro

[@TripSmith]

@@wolfseek How it helps you asuch as it did me 👍