Page 23 - How to Go Boating Flip 1
P. 23
When approaching a beach ensure the water is shallow enough The following series of pictures shows the process of launching the
before someone goes over the side to hold the boat. Clear water is boat on a basic boat ramp.
deeper than it looks.
• Stop clear of the ramp to load equipment and remove any tie down
• Be very cautious when hooking the wire to the trailer — any surge straps.
or swell can push the boat forward, crushing anyone in the way.
Engage the anti-reverse pawl on the winch so the boat can’t run back. • Attach a rope to the front of the boat to control it.
• Make sure the boat loads evenly otherwise it may not tow properly • Loosen the safety chain.
on the road.
• Back the boat into the water to the depth needed.
• Connect the safety chain to the boat before moving off the ramp.
• Release the safety chain then either a) disconnect the winch rope
• Do not unload, tie down, secure, drain, adjust, prepare or cover and push the boat off the trailer while holding the security rope, or
the boat while on the ramp. Move away to a safe place where you b) unwind the winch handle to let the boat slowly reverse until it is
won’t interrupt other users. Failure to do so will undoubtedly see you floating.
described as an idiot and, likely as not, someone bigger than you will
tell you so. • Carefully unhook the winch wire (making sure that the boat can’t
be pushed onto you by wave or swell). Secure the hook around
• Once clear of the ramp, tie the boat down securely, stow loose the trailer frame so it is ready for later. Hold the boat in water deep
gear, re-engage the override brakes (if fitted), make a final check for enough to allow it to float comfortably — ideally, by the bow.
any problems, remove the bungs and turn off the battery.
• Carefully park and secure the trailer.
• Should a fisheries officer be on the ramp, fully comply with their BELOW: Keep control of the bow rope; when the pressure is off the rope,
instructions. You are entitled to get your boat safe and secure but not unhook it. Tie the boat up or have someone hold it while you park the vehicle
to move away any further than necessary. and trailer.
9 Operating the Boat 2 139
before someone goes over the side to hold the boat. Clear water is boat on a basic boat ramp.
deeper than it looks.
• Stop clear of the ramp to load equipment and remove any tie down
• Be very cautious when hooking the wire to the trailer — any surge straps.
or swell can push the boat forward, crushing anyone in the way.
Engage the anti-reverse pawl on the winch so the boat can’t run back. • Attach a rope to the front of the boat to control it.
• Make sure the boat loads evenly otherwise it may not tow properly • Loosen the safety chain.
on the road.
• Back the boat into the water to the depth needed.
• Connect the safety chain to the boat before moving off the ramp.
• Release the safety chain then either a) disconnect the winch rope
• Do not unload, tie down, secure, drain, adjust, prepare or cover and push the boat off the trailer while holding the security rope, or
the boat while on the ramp. Move away to a safe place where you b) unwind the winch handle to let the boat slowly reverse until it is
won’t interrupt other users. Failure to do so will undoubtedly see you floating.
described as an idiot and, likely as not, someone bigger than you will
tell you so. • Carefully unhook the winch wire (making sure that the boat can’t
be pushed onto you by wave or swell). Secure the hook around
• Once clear of the ramp, tie the boat down securely, stow loose the trailer frame so it is ready for later. Hold the boat in water deep
gear, re-engage the override brakes (if fitted), make a final check for enough to allow it to float comfortably — ideally, by the bow.
any problems, remove the bungs and turn off the battery.
• Carefully park and secure the trailer.
• Should a fisheries officer be on the ramp, fully comply with their BELOW: Keep control of the bow rope; when the pressure is off the rope,
instructions. You are entitled to get your boat safe and secure but not unhook it. Tie the boat up or have someone hold it while you park the vehicle
to move away any further than necessary. and trailer.
9 Operating the Boat 2 139
