Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2020 - 35

Current Flow

When loading, the current flow works to hold boat position steady as you slowly approach the trailer from downriver. If the ramp
does not already face downriver, try angling the trailer slightly downriver. Angling the trailer is also helpful when rope launching. The
"angling" is not always possible on narrow ramps, but any angle downriver helps loading and unloading, especially in swift current.

use your mirrors as I do, or turn your head to back up, it is
a simple tip until it becomes second nature. Another tip for
backing up-slower is faster. Meaning, back up slowly; turn
the steering wheel slowly. Moving slowly allows operators to
make small corrections and keep the boat trailer straight.

Launching and loading tips

The mistake I see most often is that boaters do not put
the boat in the water far enough when launching, and then
put it into the water too far for loading. The general rule is
to launch deep and load shallow. When launching, the boat
should be in just far enough to start lifting at the stern and
take weight off the bow. If the trailer is not in the water far
enough, it is a struggle to push the boat off the bunks. For
roller trailers, it is a different issue. When the trailer is not in
the water far enough, all the rollers are in contact with the
boat and the full weight of the boat wants to drop into the
water. Putting the trailer further into the water lifts the boat
and makes it easier to manage for both trailer styles.
Not all access areas and boat trailers are created equal.
Some trailers fit the boat well and some do not. Also, when
it comes to access ramps, water levels and launch site depths
are always different. However, bunk and roller trailers are
designed to self-center and align the boat. If the trailer is too
deep when loading the boat, bunks or rollers cannot assist
in aligning the boat. Whether power-loading the boat on the
trailer or using a guide rope, wetting the back 3 feet of the
trailer bunks is generally far enough to allow the bunks and
rollers to center and align the boat.
Use the wind and current to your advantage. Most of
my access areas on the river are crude. Many are gravel
with the levels constantly changing, and it can be difficult
in extremely low or high water. When possible, instead of
backing the trailer straight in, I point the trailer slightly
downriver for launching and loading. For launching, the
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current helps release the boat from the bunks or side guides.
When loading, the current pushing against the bow versus
the side of the boat helps align it to the trailer.
On a lake on a windy day, this works the same way.
When possible, pivot the trailer slightly downwind. This
angle helps align the bow of the boat instead of fighting the
crosswind backing the trailer in completely straight (see
diagram above).

Launching and loading ropes

There are times when powering on and off the trailer is
not possible or permitted. Whether its debris in the launch
area or being on a lake that does not allow boaters to drive
the boat on the trailer with the engine running, a set of
launch and load ropes come in handy. This is especially
useful for lakes and launch areas with docks.
A single bow line works well, but working a line off
the bow and another line off the stern will give the boater
more control when launching and loading. The two-line
method gives control to the bow and stern and will keep
the stern from swinging.
Other useful tips for launching and loading come in
the way of making small improvements to the boat trailer.
Adding a small catwalk down the center of the trailer
to keep your feet dry and secure will help to launch and
load boats, especially when using a rope. Installing side
guide rails or rollers will also help with boat alignment.
Retractable transom tie-down straps are a nice addition
to any trailer. Since the straps are mounted directly to
the trailer, they are never misplaced and always at arm's
reach when getting the boat ready for travel. Many of these
aftermarket items are designed to fit most trailers and will
improve launching and loading.
These tips will help boaters simplify launching and
loading the next time out.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2020

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