Backing a Boat Trailer into the Water
Backing a boat trailer into the water is a stressful and anxiety filled experience. I have felt the pressures of a watchful crowd. Not wanting to look like a fool, trying not to jack knife the trailer and being worried about the space between the launch pad dock. This is a common event for many anglers and it only gets easier with practice. The number one thing to remember is that everyone has experienced this dilemma, and generally the fear is always in your head. You can overcome this fear and back up like a professional. Here are a few tips and tricks to put the boat in the desired spot every time you back the trailer up.
Tip # 1
Place your left hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and grip it so the top of your hand is facing the sky. Using this tip will be intuitive to the angler because it makes you able to turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the boat to move.
Tip # 2
Forget the mirrors and turn your body so that you are facing the bow of the boat. This will make it easier for you to see the direction the boat is turning. Go slow and adjust the steering wheel to the direction desired. Do not make hard turns with the wheel, gradually position the boat with one steady motion.
Tip # 3
If using a truck, lower the tailgate. This will aide in backing the trailer up with no boat on it. The tailgate of the truck blocks a significant amount of the boat trailer. Lowering the tailgate gives you a higher chance of hitting the vehicle if the trailer becomes jack knifed, but it will mostly prevent it because you are able to see.
Tip # 4
Unplug your trailer lights before backing up a boat and entering the water. This is a lesson that I have learned the hard way. I have burned out countless bulbs because of water. Unplugging your lights will increase the longevity of them.
Tip # 5
Back the boat and trailer into the water until the water is flush with the lower edge of your wheel wells of the trailer. This is more than enough depth for the driver to drive the boat off the trailer. Going too deep can lift the boat from the trailer and cause it to become crooked. Also, this will be the same depth used to load the boat onto the trailer.
Summary
These tips are simple to learn and can make a dramatic difference in backing a boat trailer. They have helped me in tournament situations where people are quadruple stacking boats on the ramp. Remember having anxiety is common, and learning a few tricks to help combat it, will improve your confidence. Practice these tips and it will eventually become as natural as breathing. To learn more on the best boat rod holders on the market click here.
