On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:11:45 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

But from my reading it seems the ramp is a good comedy show sometimes,
and a good drama when the hotheads get involved.
Anybody care to share some "outstanding" experiences?

My advice would be to scout out the ramp in advance and watch other
people. See what works and what doesn't, particularly with boats of
about your size and weight. If you are launching by yourself
everything needs to be highly organized, preferably with a checklist.
It's very easy to forget some seemingly minor detail like tilting the
motor/outdrive up or removing the tie down straps. Do as much as you
can in the waiting area so you don't tie up the ramp longer than
necessary. Here are a few random tips:

1. Prepare to get wet and do some wading.

2. Leave your cell phone in the truck or boat. They don't like
wading (don't ask how I know).

3. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake.

4. Back in far enough that the boat floats on and off easily.

5. Get lots of practice in advance with backing up the trailer, both
straight line and turning both ways. It needs to become an instinct.

6. Have your dock lines ready in advance so you can tie up quickly
and go park the truck/trailer after launching.

7. Make sure your boat batteries are charged.

8. Have everything in the boat that you are going to need that day.

9. Make sure you know how you are going to get on and off the boat in
all circumstances.

10. Remember tip #3.

11. Check your brake lights and turn signals on both the trailer and
truck before hitting the road. Know how to fix them when they don't
work.

12. Remember tip #3.