boating-how-to
BOATING HOW TO

Below our tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your boating experience.

HOW TO UNLOAD A BOAT

Arriving at the lake on a nice summer day is what we all dream about. However, arriving to the boat dock can be a nerve racking experience for any boater. No one wants to look like a fool in front of other boaters.

 

Below we have creating a simple five step process to help make the unloading of the boat as easy as can be.

Boat dock with red to blue gradient overlay

1. Set The Stage:

Before you even think about backing down the ramp, take 10 minutes in  the staging area to load all the gear into the boat, attach lines to the  bow and to the stern cleat, check that the plug is in, remove the rear  tie-downs, put the key in the ignition, and unplug the trailer lights.

 

If you have surge brakes, unplugging the trailer lights will also  de-energize the circuit that prevents your trailer brakes from locking  up when you reverse. You’ll need to use the manual brake lockout to  prevent this. Also, go ahead and lower the motor or outdrive if it won’t  bottom out on the way down the ramp.

2. Back It Up:

Back down the ramp till the stern of the boat floats. If you can’t tell  when the stern is floating, have a crewmember positioned on the dock  beside the ramp to signal when to stop. Put the vehicle in park, and  engage the parking brake, but leave it running. If you have trouble  backing straight, try resting your hand at the bottom of the steering  wheel. That way, whichever direction you move your hand, the trailer  will turn in that direction.

Backing up boat into lake with red to blue gradient overlay
Securing boat with red to blue gradient overlay

3. Unhook The Bow:

It’s advisable to wear water-friendly shoes, in case you have to wade in to  reach the bow eye and winch handle. Many boat ramps are slick with algae  during summer months, so don’t be surprised if your feet start to  slide.

 

Once you can reach the bow eye and handle, unhook the  safety chain, and back the winch off to get enough slack to release the  bow strap as well. Pass the line on the bow cleat to a crew member on the dock, and push the bow of the boat up and off the trailer. If you’ve  backed down far enough, this should be relatively easy, and the boat should float gently off.

4. You did it! (Now, Let Someone Else Go):

As you head back to the vehicle to park, make sure your crew is walking the boat down to the far end of the dock to free up the ramp for the next crew. 

Steering wheel with red to blue gradient overlay
Someday Rentals with red to blue gradient overlay

5. Enjoy! You made it to Someday!

#WelcomeToSomeday

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