Launching and Retrieving 2024
Zeeter reply :
I know "how" to maneuver the trailer and can back up perfectly into a boat width sized parking space at WalMart. Yet when I get to the ramp it's just chaos! I over compensate, under compensate and all sorts of things. Of course, at Walmart I don't have 12 other boaters waiting for me to park so that they can do the same things.
Alas, this is just a rant. I understand the principles of backing up. Could be the physics of going down a ramp as opposed to a flat parking spot as I'm always straight until I hit the angle of the ramp. Could be nerves. I use my side mirrors and also my backup camera, but it generally takes me 4 times to get lined up in a way that I can launch, and even then I'm still way crooked. Maybe I could try pulling up the tonneau cover and opening the tailgate so I can turn and see it better.
Retrieving the boat only takes me two times - I think I have the boat lined up straight and then something pushes me off - again, probably me overcompensating.
Did everyone go through this when they first started or am I just a bad trailer-backer-upper?
On a more serious note, I have a two inch drop on my tow receiver. Is that pretty standard or do some folks have straight receivers? The trailer dips in the front. It's not a safety factor, but I'm wondering if having a trailer that is not level is giving me some trouble. It just feels like I am not in control sometimes when backing up.
riverbasser reply :
practice, practice, practice. don't worry about the other guys waiting just do your thing
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:00 AM, riverbasser said:practice, practice, practice. don't worry about the other guys waiting just do your thing
When I launched at 10:00 everyone was nice and chuckled when I messed up after telling them I'm new at this. When I was retrieving these two guys would have none of that. They were kind of d!cks.
A-Jay reply :
Post a pic of your trailer hitch with the boat on it. The trailer will usually handle best if the trailer is 'level' on the hitch; provided the boat is loaded evenly and or not over loaded.
As for getting comfortable going on & off the boat ramp, I'd recommend going to a place and at a time where you can make several approaches for practice without holding up other ramp users.
Might mean going to a place super early or at a different off peak user ramp time. Also make this a priority and do it without your fishing gear. Go just to get this right. You'll be glad you did. You'll get it.
btw, besides on & off the trailer evolutions, actual boat handling is also a skill that is learned with practice & over time. You may want to address that as well, I mean before your first crash. Tip, only go as fast as you want to hit something . . . .and power never saves.
A-Jay
Zeeter reply :
Yep - that's why we launched at 10:00 rather than earlier. Didn't want to hold up the more serious anglers.
I'm sure it will come as second nature eventually. I'm just wondering if this is something we call go through or if it's just me.
My first boat, about 12 years ago, I had no real trouble with after the first time. I could launch it by myself in about a minute or so. I'm really starting to think that it's because I'm relying too much on my mirrors and not turning around to see the boat.
PECo reply :
By "more serious anglers", did you really mean "dicks"? 
Like riverbasser said, take your time and don't worry about everybody else. Especially the dicks. 
Jm526 reply :
Get the boat straight then put it in neutral. The boat will pull the truck straight down the ramp. Also practice, practice and a little more practice helps a lot.
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:47 AM, Jm526 said:Get the boat straight then put it in neutral. The boat will pull the truck straight down the ramp. Also practice, practice and a little more practice helps a lot.
Hmm...never thought of that.
Also need to check one of my trailer tires. It could be a little low, which may be a reason for some drifting when I think I'm going straight.
Scott F reply :
Do yourself a favor. Either turn your head around to look at the trailer when backing OR use the mirrors. Trying to use both will confuse the heck out of you. Pick one and stay with it. Don't switch back and forth.
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:42 AM, PECo said:By "more serious anglers", did you really mean "dicks"?
Like riverbasser said, take your time and don't worry about everybody else. Especially the dicks.
Not really. My son wanted to go out at 6:30 or so, but I didn't want to hold up the launch ramp for tournament fishermen. These guys are fishing with a purpose and don't need to be held up by some yahoo trying to launch his boat at a 35 degree angle.
The d!cks were later when I was retrieving. It was around 5:00 or so. They didn't say anything, but they weren't happy. After the delay I looked at them, smiled, and said sorry - I'm kind of new at this. They didn't even look at me but their faces more or less said, "f-you." Now I don't mind holding them up so much.
Glenn reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:47 AM, Jm526 said:Get the boat straight then put it in neutral. The boat will pull the truck straight down the ramp. Also practice, practice and a little more practice helps a lot.
^^ This ^^ putting it into neutral is a big help (I even mention it in the video below). Also, usually ramps have paint stripes in front of the ramp that shows the edges of the ramp. So while you're looking in your mirrors, align your trailer with those lines as you begin backing. You'll be tracking straight before you even hit the ramp.
Here's more tips:
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:53 AM, Scott F said:Do yourself a favor. Either turn your head around to look at the trailer when backing OR use the mirrors. Trying to use both will confuse the heck out of you. Pick one and stay with it. Don't switch back and forth.
I'll turn my head next time. Right now I'm using the side mirrors and the backup camera and yes - it can be disorienting when switching.
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:56 AM, Glenn said:
^^ This ^^ putting it into neutral is a big help (I even mention it in the video below). Also, usually ramps have paint stripes in front of the ramp that shows the edges of the ramp. So while you're looking in your mirrors, align your trailer with those lines as you begin backing. You'll be tracking straight before you even hit the ramp.
Here's more tips:
So the first video you're saying DON'T turn around and to use mostly my driver-side mirror, checking the passenger side periodically for safety. I was planning on only turning around next time and not using the mirrors at all, but now after looking at this I'm rethinking it. Though it is what I had mostly been doing - looking at the driver side mirror and keeping the boat wheel in the same spot.
Neutral seems to be the key, here. I'll try that next time along with the side mirror. Plus the aforementioned trailer tire that might be low and pushing me off to the right.
Dwight Hottle reply :
A few suggestions. Take a deep breath before launching & try to relax. Pull forward far enough that the trailer is straight behind you & linedup with the ramp. Learn to back up JUST using your mirrors & go slow until you get comfortable with backing. You will be a pro in short order.
12poundbass reply :
You're not the only one. I have this launch I frequent quite often. Basically its a 10-12' with path cut through thick stuff. I have to back my boat down it about 150' hardly any room for error. Most times no issue other days I have to straighten out a couple times. Then there's another launch where its wide open....I have more problem with that one than the long narrow trail!
People watching you will psych you out and make you do all sorts of crazy things.
One tip I learned to help with the steering part if that's an issue, put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and the way you move your hand will be the way the boat moves instead of the opposite way when you hold the steering wheel up top.
Also slow and steady wins the race! If you take your time you're more likely to go faster and make less mistakes.
YUT18 reply :
The best advise I could offer, in addition to what has already been stated, is look over your shoulder and physically watch what is going on behind you until you get the hang of it. Once you feel as though you are mastering loading/unloading then start using your mirrors. When I first started out I couldn't for the life of me use my mirrors. I would be all jacked up if I tried to back up without looking over my shoulder. One major thing you need to learn is the pivot point of your trailer. Some turn on a dime and others have a longer turn radius. By learning the pivot point it will help you with the over/under compensation.
In regards to hitch receiver, I would make sure that the trailer, when hooked up, is as straight as possible. This will help out with maneuverability and safe trailering.
Jm526 reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:56 AM, Glenn said:
^^ This ^^ putting it into neutral is a big help (I even mention it in the video below). Also, usually ramps have paint stripes in front of the ramp that shows the edges of the ramp. So while you're looking in your mirrors, align your trailer with those lines as you begin backing. You'll be tracking straight before you even hit the ramp.
Here's more tips:
Yup you are the one who taught me about that.
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 1:22 AM, YUT18 said:The best advise I could offer, in addition to what has already been stated, is look over your shoulder and physically watch what is going on behind you until you get the hang of it. Once you feel as though you are mastering loading/unloading then start using your mirrors. When I first started out I couldn't for the life of me use my mirrors. I would be all jacked up if I tried to back up without looking over my shoulder. One major thing you need to learn is the pivot point of your trailer. Some turn on a dime and others have a longer turn radius. By learning the pivot point it will help you with the over/under compensation.
In regards to hitch receiver, I would make sure that the trailer, when hooked up, is as straight as possible. This will help out with maneuverability and safe trailering.
So don't use the mirrors right off. I seem to recall having better luck in the past when I turned and looked rather than using the mirrors.
tracker01 reply :
Learn with mirrors. Someday a friend with a van will ask you to back him in. I used to turn around then I got determined to back up with mirrors. The only way you will get comfortable with it is to just do it.
RoLo reply :
Before backing down, be sure that your trailer and tow car are in parallel alignment (that'll reduce overcompensation)
Using 'only' your mirrors, strive to keep the same amount of trailer fender visible in each mirror.
When either fender swings out of sight, turn your wheel slowly and wait patiently for the fender to reappear.
Impatience is the cause of overcompensation, when we over-crank to hurry up and see the fender again.
Roger
fishnkamp reply :
Hi Zeeter, Where were you trying to launch at? There are some tricky ramps around here. The ramp at Wilson Point is one of them, since the right hand ramp has a turn of he sidewalk half way back into the lane. The left one is better since it is a straight. Both have plenty of room to leave the prep area swing forward till your trailer is straight and then back down to the ramp.
If you use the ramp at Mariner Point make sure you pull up and straiten out before you try to go backwards.
If you are off loading up by the flats try Anchor Marine. They have a large prep area and lots of room to swing around then back up. If you would like some personal help, I would be happy to help you do some launching up at Mariner Point Landing. That is a county launch onto the Gunpowder River located near the Baltimore/Harford County line. It is located behind the shopping center with the Amish Flea Market and the Wendy's in it. I believe that is Joppa Farm Road. We could meet up there during the week, which will definitely be less busy. It has about 4 ramps so we would not need to hold anyone up. During the week Wilson Point near Martin State Airport or better yet Dundee Marine is always empty during the week..Dunde would cost you around $10 but thew others are free.
If you are interested just let me know. Do me a favor post a pic of your boat and trailer from the side and rear, there may be some things tricks to make it easier to launch, these are mods to do to your trailer.
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 4:56 AM, fishnkamp said:Hi Zeeter, Where were you trying to launch at? There are some tricky ramps around here. The ramp at Wilson Point is one of them, since the right hand ramp has a turn of he sidewalk half way back into the lane. The left one is better since it is a straight. Both have plenty of room to leave the prep area swing forward till your trailer is straight and then back down to the ramp.
If you use the ramp at Mariner Point make sure you pull up and straiten out before you try to go backwards.
If you are off loading up by the flats try Anchor Marine. They have a large prep area and lots of room to swing around then back up. If you would like some personal help, I would be happy to help you do some launching up at Mariner Point Landing. That is a county launch onto the Gunpowder River located near the Baltimore/Harford County line. It is located behind the shopping center with the Amish Flea Market and the Wendy's in it. I believe that is Joppa Farm Road. We could meet up there during the week, which will definitely be less busy. It has about 4 ramps so we would not need to hold anyone up. During the week Wilson Point near Martin State Airport or better yet Dundee Marine is always empty during the week..Dunde would cost you around $10 but thew others are free.
If you are interested just let me know. Do me a favor post a pic of your boat and trailer from the side and rear, there may be some things tricks to make it easier to launch, these are mods to do to your trailer.
I was going out of Tydings. I've helped launch another boat out of there. When we got back later I asked if he wanted me to bring his trailer down. He said no, because I kind of suck at it. But he said it in a nice way. Trouble with this guy's tow vehicle was that it has a very sensitive turn radius and I overcompensated. He did let me back it down from the ready position last week and I did ok. Then he let me do the whole thing on retrieval and I did alright there, too. Not perfect, but ok. Guess it takes some getting used to.
With my boat I really think a big part of the problem is that one tire pulling me off to the left. I know which way I'm supposed to turn to correct but in the heat of it I turn the wrong way and all hell breaks loose. This will just take more practice.
MickD reply :
Regarding height of the tongue, if the ball bayonet is offset by about 2 inches, most can be turned over (reverse the ball) and now it will be 4 inches higher. More offset may get it too high.
gimruis reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 4:29 AM, tracker01 said:Learn with mirrors. Someday a friend with a van will ask you to back him in. I used to turn around then I got determined to back up with mirrors. The only way you will get comfortable with it is to just do it.
I disagree with this suggestion. As someone has already mentioned, if you've been looking back and then using the mirrors and then looking back, its going to screw you up. Stick with one of them and learn that route. I always learned looking back so I don't really use my mirrors. If someone is dumb enough to launch a boat with a minivan and you can't look back they should be at soccer practice anyways.
You may think some of these other guys at the launch site are di**s and impatient, but put yourself in their shoes. No one likes waiting a long time for some yahoo to load/unload when there's only one access. If you need to practice, go when no one else is there. Put the tail gate down if you need to for better visual reference as you back down the ramp.
Zeeter reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 9:02 AM, gimruis said:You may think some of these other guys at the launch site are di**s and impatient, but put yourself in their shoes. No one likes waiting a long time for some yahoo to load/unload when there's only one access. If you need to practice, go when no one else is there. Put the tail gate down if you need to for better visual reference as you back down the ramp.
This is why I practice in a walmart parking lot and also why I launch after the morning rush. No matter what there's going to be some DBs out there who are impatient. They need to deal with it. If I was trying to launch while other boats were waiting on me to start their tournament that would be a completely different scenario and I'd be the yahoo. This is not the case. Some guy giving me dirty looks when I'm just trying to learn during non-peak hours is the jack-off in this case.
Todd2 reply :
The best advice I got early on was to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel then move it in the same direction you want the trailer to go while backing down.
Tucson reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:53 AM, Scott F said:Do yourself a favor. Either turn your head around to look at the trailer when backing OR use the mirrors. Trying to use both will confuse the heck out of you. Pick one and stay with it. Don't switch back and forth.
This - absolutely do this. No man can serve two masters, no man can use two back-up methods.
PECo reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 9:02 AM, gimruis said:You may think some of these other guys at the launch site are di**s and impatient, but put yourself in their shoes. No one likes waiting a long time for some yahoo to load/unload when there's only one access. If you need to practice, go when no one else is there. Put the tail gate down if you need to for better visual reference as you back down the ramp.
I only get impatient when a boater blocks the ramp unnecessarily. Loading gear into or unloading gear from the boat should be done somewhere other than on the ramp.
I usually tell boaters who are having problems and rushing to get out of the way to slow down and take their time. In the end, it's quicker when they do.
fishnkamp reply :
Anyday you want we can go to one of the local ramps and I will be happy to assist you in learning some good habits. I am available almost any day right now.
jimf reply :
Just relax, easier said than done I know. You will get better with practice, and really no reasonable person is going to be impatient or upset with you if you clearly are trying but just having a little trouble. If you are prepped and ready to go when you launch, then take your time and do your best and eventually it will become second nature.
As far as the inevitable impatient jackass, just remember being a decent person and respecting others is way higher on the list of cool people skills than knowing how to launch a boat.
adrenalnjunky reply :
On 5/2/2017 at 11:58 PM, Zeeter said:I know "how" to maneuver the trailer and can back up perfectly into a boat width sized parking space at WalMart. Yet when I get to the ramp it's just chaos! I over compensate, under compensate and all sorts of things. Of course, at Walmart I don't have 12 other boaters waiting for me to park so that they can do the same things.
Alas, this is just a rant. I understand the principles of backing up. Could be the physics of going down a ramp as opposed to a flat parking spot as I'm always straight until I hit the angle of the ramp. Could be nerves. I use my side mirrors and also my backup camera, but it generally takes me 4 times to get lined up in a way that I can launch, and even then I'm still way crooked. Maybe I could try pulling up the tonneau cover and opening the tailgate so I can turn and see it better.
Retrieving the boat only takes me two times - I think I have the boat lined up straight and then something pushes me off - again, probably me overcompensating.
Did everyone go through this when they first started or am I just a bad trailer-backer-upper?
On a more serious note, I have a two inch drop on my tow receiver. Is that pretty standard or do some folks have straight receivers? The trailer dips in the front. It's not a safety factor, but I'm wondering if having a trailer that is not level is giving me some trouble. It just feels like I am not in control sometimes when backing up.
Man it gets easier. I used to wakeboard every day, and with a tournament-style inboard you have basically no rudder authority without the boat in drive. Putting on the trailer even with years of experience could turn into a pinball-machine on the bunk boards due to last second drift.
for the backing up thing - just go to the ramp at night and back up and down til you feel better about it. You'll get it dialed in. Regardless of technique you decide to use (mirrors or not, hand on top or bottom) building up some muscle memory of what works for you, gets you to that level of confidence of knowing what "normal" feels like. From there you only have to deal with the outliers like ramps that aren't familiar.
jboutfishn reply :
Hey guys, there is no correct way to back a trailer. I use my mirrors with right hand on bottom of wheel but that is me. Start with what seems comfortable and practice practice and practice some more. One last note, small slow movement of the wheel makes for a straighter line.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Been there done that, that why I always take my boat out not on busy day. Now I get better only need once or twice to straight up the trailer, but still avoid busy hour.
One time my wife tried to back up trailer by herself. She jackknifed pretty bad and lifted one side of trailer up almost 90 degree into sky.
crazyjoeclemens reply :
I like to launch early on days the lake isn't too busy. If someone is there, so what? They can wait their turn like everyone else. Mistakes happen when you start to worry about them and rush yourself, so don't worry and just pay attention to what you're doing. If you want an instant confidence booster, just wait for a holiday and head over to the ramp that the powerboaters like to use. The first time you see a couple of people trying to launch/unload their party barge with the trailer jack-knifed across both ramp lanes, you'll feel a lot better about how you're doing.
thomas15 reply :
If you do as others have said, put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, then use your thumb to point in the direction you want the back of the boat to go. Turn the wheel in the direction your thumb is pointing.
I live literally right around the corner from my boat ramp. Personally, I stay away from this lake between 8:00 AM and 8:00PM pm on the weekends between Memorial and Labor day. I have no problems with my ramp skills, I just cannot stand the jerks, of which there are many. My home lake is one of the few unlimited horsepower lakes in the area so it gets a lot of weekend traffic. Fishing/boating are for relaxation and fun, not doing battle with others so I find other things to do prime-time.
3dees reply :
use your mirrors. do not turn your head. in time it will become second nature. I have thirty years experience driving semi's in the city. don't worry about anybody else. they have probably seen much worse than you. most times they will offer to help. the pleasure boaters are more inclined to get antsy.
Mosster47 reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:53 AM, Scott F said:Do yourself a favor. Either turn your head around to look at the trailer when backing OR use the mirrors. Trying to use both will confuse the heck out of you. Pick one and stay with it. Don't switch back and forth.
I just turn my head back and do it. I used to have to back double jointed trailers a lot for work and mirrors were pretty much impossible.
The way I was taught with mirrors is only use the drivers side. Put both of your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel with your thumbs pointing away from center. Whatever way you turn the wheel your thumb is pointing in the direction the trailer is moving. It's fool proof, just go slow.
mllrtm79 reply :
as a co-angler I have backed 3 different boats with 5 different vehicles over the last couple of months, you would be surprised how much easier it was to back with my buddy's Nissan Rogue than his Silverado lol. Once you learn mirror backing it's a lot easier to go from one vehicle to another and feel (somewhat) comfortable. I still get nervous sometimes, but if you're in someone else's $50k truck backing up a $40k boat...
You can customize your trailer as well, giving yourself a reference to use such as a flag off the rear or a mark on the fender/rail for lining up straight. You'll notice that some semi trucks have many more lights down the side of them than others do, this makes them much easier to maneuver at night due to the extra reference points.
WRB reply :
Before backing down the ramp make sure your rig is straight to start with, pull forward until it is straight!
If you use only the drivers side mirror and watch only the drivers side trailer tire you only need to keep that tire/finder going straight down the ramp, everything follows, just make sure nothing is behind you before you start down and know where the dock is located.
As noted put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel at 6 o'clock and slowly back down, if are straight to start with only a few small adjustment maybe needed moving your hand slowly a few inches in the direction you want the trailer tire to go. Slow and easy staying relaxed is the key to success.
Tom
jimf reply :
I had an experience last weekend when launching that might help - transom straps. Those need to come OFF before the boat launches. For the life of me I couldn't understand why the boat wasn't coming off the trailer!
Stuff happens. Fortunately I've never forgotten (knock on wood) to put the drain plug in.
BigAngus752 reply :
On 5/3/2017 at 12:53 AM, Scott F said:Do yourself a favor. Either turn your head around to look at the trailer when backing OR use the mirrors. Trying to use both will confuse the heck out of you. Pick one and stay with it. Don't switch back and forth.
Good advice here. We have family issues with this. I'm a "turn around and look" guy that can back any of our trailers perfectly with an arm thrown over the seat. My 5'3 wife can run the truck backwards at 40mph using the mirrors. She is so awesome. But we each do our own thing and don't mess with the other.
Robeng reply :
Go real slow backing up and put drivers side to dock when you can. Level trailer on hitch.
kfili reply :
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Also Ive started realizing less is more (at least for my trailer) smaller motions are often enough. And dont be afraid to pull up and straighten out if you start to get wonky, it is WAY faster then try to correct which usually puts you all sorts of out of position. just my .02
moguy1973 reply :
First time backing down a ramp after I bought my boat last year I picked a doozy. It was about a 200' ramp with a steep 30 degree incline. It was a dual ramp but there was a concrete separator between the two lanes that made it that much more difficult. It took me about 5 tries to get the boat back down into the water. It just so happened to be Big Bass Bash that weekend and there was a lot of boats trying to put in. I just told everyone that looked at me that this was my first time and they were all pretty kosher with it and didn't mind. Then it took me way more tries to get the boat out of the water because it was harder to see the trailer in the mirrors without the boat on it. One guy even told me he would show me what I was doing wrong but he said just keep trying and that's the only way I'll get it down. Another guy even told me I had the trailer in too deep when I was having trouble getting the boat to line up on the trailer. I'm still no pro at backing it in but it's much easier now.
I only use my side mirrors now after learning my rearview camera is pretty much useless to use since you can't see anything except the front of the boat and you cant tell which way the trailer is starting to turn. I couldn't learn the hand on the bottom of the wheel thing either. I just have to remember that which ever mirror the boat is showing in is the way I need to turn the wheel and it will straighten out. I think a good tip is to get the trailer as straight as you can behind your truck before you start backing it up.
The rig you have also makes a huge difference. My truck is an Crew Cab F150 with a short bed and I have a single axle trailer with a 175TXW Tracker on it. It sometimes is really touchy when backing the boat up and the slightest movements of the wheel translates into the boat going way past where you want it to go. A couple weeks ago I had to back my uncles boat into a lake for a tournament we did. He has a Chevy 3500HD dually (huge truck) and a dual axle trailer with a z521 Ranger on it. I was pretty nervous as this rig is way bigger than mine. But it was way way easier to back up than mine. His does have huge towing mirrors on it and I think that helped a lot as I could see the boat start to turn earlier and I could correct quicker. I think the dual axles as well as the overall length of the rig made it easier too. I can even back up my buddies 19' boat with my truck a little easier than mine. I guess size does matter 
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