DIY: Boat launching alone

[MeghanOOD]

https://oodmag.com/boat-launching-alone/

The next time your fishing buddies are unable to join you, use these tips for a stress-free solo boat launch.

[finsfurfeathers]

Two points to be considered
1. do all your prep off to the side and not on the ramp
2. if someone offers help take it.

[Bo D]

True story !
Got to the ramp early to pre fish an upcoming tournament in late September. Was by myself but there was a number of other guys doing the same thing. I spoke to the guy behind me and told him I’d launch the boat and let it float out of the way and asked him if he would wait while I parked my rig and I’d give him a hand launching his boat and I could hitch a ride out to my boat. He agreed. As I was walking back to the ramp I glanced out at my boat and noticed a stream of water coming out the side of my boat. I forgot to put the plug in and the bilge pump kicked in and water was spewing out both sides of the boat.

So here I was on board my boat stripping down to my shorts ready to jump in and put the plug back in to where it belonged. Believe me when I say the water was cold…

So don’t do as I did, make sure you put the plug in or check to see if it is in prior to launching…

[trimmer21]

True story !
Got to the ramp early to pre fish an upcoming tournament in late September. Was by myself but there was a number of other guys doing the same thing. I spoke to the guy behind me and told him I’d launch the boat and let it float out of the way and asked him if he would wait while I parked my rig and I’d give him a hand launching his boat and I could hitch a ride out to my boat. He agreed. As I was walking back to the ramp I glanced out at my boat and noticed a stream of water coming out the side of my boat. I forgot to put the plug in and the bilge pump kicked in and water was spewing out both sides of the boat.

So here I was on board my boat stripping down to my shorts ready to jump in and put the plug back in to where it belonged. Believe me when I say the water was cold…

So don’t do as I did, make sure you put the plug in or check to see if it is in prior to launching…

How come that's always funny when someone else does that?

[Marker]

True story !
Got to the ramp early to pre fish an upcoming tournament in late September. Was by myself but there was a number of other guys doing the same thing. I spoke to the guy behind me and told him I’d launch the boat and let it float out of the way and asked him if he would wait while I parked my rig and I’d give him a hand launching his boat and I could hitch a ride out to my boat. He agreed. As I was walking back to the ramp I glanced out at my boat and noticed a stream of water coming out the side of my boat. I forgot to put the plug in and the bilge pump kicked in and water was spewing out both sides of the boat.

So here I was on board my boat stripping down to my shorts ready to jump in and put the plug back in to where it belonged. Believe me when I say the water was cold…

So don’t do as I did, make sure you put the plug in or check to see if it is in prior to launching…

Done it myself also, luckily my bilge pumps kicked in and saved the day.

[dean.f]

I use the same technique as the article because where I launch there's no dock and it's very shallow . I have a rope that's the perfect length to keep the bow touching the rear rollers and gently pull it to shore and beach it, when I take the boat out I use the winch strap instead and push the boat with the trailer into deeper water and winch it back on without doing the balancing act down the tongue or having to drive it on. Back when people were decent at that ramp you could launch 2 side by side so I used this method and always took the side farthest from the shore.

[Its About Time]

I've done that twice in 30 years. The 1st time I forgot the plug was my very 1st boat and my 1st launch ever. So I guess it was to be expected.

Then, 20 years later, I bought a new boat, I was so excited when I was launching my brand new boat for this first. Wouldn't you know it, I forgot the drain plug again.

Just goes to show, follow your routine regardless what is going on around you and hopefully won't forget the all important drain plug

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

I prefer to fish solo, so I am somewhat of an expert at solo launching...

I have brought guests before and when I do the next thing you know they are telling you how to fish, where to fish and what time you're done fishing. umm no thanks! lol

[FishHog]

Been solo launching for 40 years. Go when the area isn’t busy and figure out how to do it quickly and efficiently. I’m in and out faster than most but even so I usually go at times when things aren’t too busy.
If people are around they usually offer to help. I usually politely decline as I have a fast system solo and it usually goes worse with help.
Every ramp is a bit different so it helps if you can see it first or park out of the way. Go look and make any changes necessary before tying up the ramp

[Fisherman]

I use the same technique as the article because where I launch there's no dock and it's very shallow . I have a rope that's the perfect length to keep the bow touching the rear rollers and gently pull it to shore and beach it, when I take the boat out I use the winch strap instead and push the boat with the trailer into deeper water and winch it back on without doing the balancing act down the tongue or having to drive it on. Back when people were decent at that ramp you could launch 2 side by side so I used this method and always took the side farthest from the shore.

That's pretty much how I do it, no help required. The only thing I may get is an electric winch, the shoulders are getting a little cranky.