Ramp Riddle
Don’t sweat it. Here are potential pitfalls you might experience at the launch ramp and ways to help you overcome them.
by Randy Scott
May 1, 2004
A group of friends pack their ice chests with their favorite 12-ounce beverage, throw in some
snacks, load some lawn chairs and a large umbrella into the SUV and head off for one of their
favorite forms of summer entertainment. No, they're not going to the ballpark to watch their kids
play baseball. Nor are they going to the beach to soak up suds and rays. Rather, they're heading to
the local launch ramp on a busy weekend.
Indeed, watching the crazy antics that take place on crowded launch ramps can be so
entertaining that you'll want to record it on video for future viewings of "Launch Ramp Follies"
among friends. This is obviously not the sort of film you want to star in. So how can you avoid
embarrassing launch-ramp pitfalls when it's your turn to launch? Here are some tips:
Backing down a ramp in a straight line is one of the most common problems trailerboaters
encounter. Straight as an arrow is nice, but only the true masters do that, and even they don't do
it all the time. However, if your approach looks more like that of a sidewinder rattlesnake, then
some practice is in order. If possible, practice in a large open area before actually venturing
into the arena of a real launch ramp. Set up lanes to back between (it's a good idea to use
something soft and of little value as markers).
If you are a beginner, you can learn best by facing forward and relying on your vehicle's
side mirrors to direct you. Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want the
trailer to go left, move your steering hand to the left; to go right, move the wheel to the right.
The trick here is to concentrate on your mirrors, don't turn the wheel too much in either direction
and go slow. This works. And it gets easier with practice.
You can also practice looking over your shoulder. This one takes more practice to get used
to because the maneuvers are less intuitive at first, but it usually provides a better view than
the side mirror. Turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of what you want the trailer
to go is quite awkward at first, but after a while it becomes automatic and can be quicker than
using mirrors.
Oftentimes, however, it's your approach to the launch ramp that makes the backup maneuver
easier. Try this: Drive forward as close to the ramp as possible before turning 180 degrees uphill.
The closer to the water you begin your turn, the less distance you will have to back up. Plan the
arc of your turn so that you end up in your lane. This will require less maneuvering when backing
up. And pull the trailer uphill far enough that the trailer and tow vehicle are straight. While
this may mean that you have a greater backup distance, it also means that you have very little
turning to do ... and it's the turning that usually causes problems.
Another launch-ramp pitfall, and one that isn't due to driver error, is loss of traction. In
worst-case scenarios this can cause the tow vehicle to slip into the water with the boat and
trailer. Sadly, this happens more often than most people realize. Several things can contribute to
this disaster: a very heavy boat and trailer, exceptionally steep launch ramps, a slippery
launch-ramp surface and two-wheel drive (which is worse yet when they are the rear wheels since
they are generally on the wettest part of the ramp). Sometimes the prudent thing to do is to avoid
attempting to launch under such circumstances.
There are a few things that can help you in poor-traction situations. If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, put it in low gear. However, automatic vehicles can be put in drive, since
they won't shift out of first gear on the ramp anyway. This transfers more pulling torque to the
wheels. Accelerate slowly at first since rapid acceleration increases the chances of wheel spin. If
the vehicle begins to slide back, avoid panic, hit the brakes to stop wheel spin, and accelerate
slowly again.
If you foresee the possibility of having poor traction, try backing the vehicle and trailer
into the water at an angle. While this may make it more difficult to load the boat back onto the
trailer, it will greatly increase your vehicle's amount of traction because the incline is less
steep and some of the pull is now more lateral. Another alternative is to ask someone to attach a
towline to the back of his vehicle and the front of yours to help pull you out.
There is a certain etiquette to launching and retrieving a boat that should be adhered to as
well. Many ramps have an out-of-the-way area designated for boat prep or prelaunch. But even if it
isn't so designated, find a place that won't block other boaters from launching while you transfer
gear from the tow rig to the boat. This is also the time to remove tie-down straps, disconnect
trailer wiring from the vehicle and check the boat's systems (battery, blowers, bilge pumps,
kill-switch lanyard attachment, ignition, etc.). Also, ready the lines and fenders. Performing
these tasks on the launch ramp while others wait in line will not win you anyone's affection. Plus
they'll have plenty of names for you even though you've never met.
If you don't have a written prelaunch checklist, then you should have a well-rehearsed one
committed to memory. A written one, however, can get children involved in a fun way. Assign them to
read it and cross off each item as the task is completed. It's good training.
Finally, if you ever hear someone say, "My, that boat's setting low in the water," instantly
check the boat's drain plug. The guys who get the hardiest laughs on the home video are the ones
pulling out their car keys in a panic as they sprint up the launch ramp for the tow vehicle while
the wife and kids frantically bail out the boat's engine compartment.