How to Launch a Sailboat From a Trailer

Depending on the size of your sailboat, launching from a trailer can be accomplished with relative ease. The main requirementis an appropriate vehicle that is able to pull the loaded trailer out of the water. Normally, concrete ramps are provided to allow boat owners to launch from trailers. Launching in other areas, such as on a beach, may be risky and require good judgment. The vehicle will need good traction and a reasonable incline to successfully launch and retrieve the boat from a trailer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your boat for the launch. Tilt up the outboard motor and make sure the drain plug is in. Put the key in the ignition, if necessary.

    • 2

      Drive to the ramp and make sure it is clear for use. Turn the vehicle away from the water and begin to back up toward the ramp. When the trailer is close to the water, stop the vehicle and apply the emergency brake. Untie the boat from the trailer so that it can float freely when the water lifts it. Make sure that the boat remains attached at the front of the trailer. Give this rope a few feet of slack.

    • 3

      Start backing up slowly once the boat is untied, keeping an eye on the boat in your rear-view mirror. If someone can spot for you, have them signal to you when the back of the boat begins to lift from the trailer. Stop, apply the emergency brake and check if the boat will slide from the trailer. Push the bow of the sailboat to see if it will move. If not, back up a little more, and try again.

    • 4

      Hang onto the rope tied to the sailboat once it floats free from the trailer. If other people are there to help you, someone can be onboard the sailboat to navigate the boat away from the ramp and out of harm's way. Without help, you will have to tie up the boat on the dock until you are ready to board.

    • 5

      Get back in the vehicle and pull the trailer out of the water. Use a low gear and drive slowly up the ramp.