Things to Check Before Your Boat Launch

If you’re like most boat owners, you can’t wait for the first beautiful day of spring. After a long, cold winter, the feeling of warm sunshine on your back and a gentle breeze blowing through your hair as you cruise the water can make you anxious to jump on board without proper preparation. However, before venturing out on the water, it’s important to plan ahead for your trip and follow proper boat launching procedures, especially the first time you launch your boat this season.

Preparing prior to your boat launch ensures your safety and saves you time when heading for the launch ramp. Whether you are a novice or expert, there are many things to remember when launching and loading a boat, from gathering information about the launch site to determining what hand signals to use.

Get familiar with your boat launch site
Before you head to the boating location, gather information about the launch ramp. If you’re not sure where to find this information, ask local park guides or store employees that sell fishing or boating supplies.

Important facts to know include the total number of boat launch ramps, and whether they are gravel or concrete, as well as how steep the ramps are and their general condition. These factors can help you determine whether or not your vehicle can get safely navigate the ramp. Also, don’t forget to have directions to the boat launching ramp on hand.

Review rules and regulations for launching and loading a boat
It’s important to be familiar with both state and local boating laws before you launch a boat. Knowing and understanding these regulations increases safety for yourself and those around you.

In addition, you will need to pack the right equipment. The U.S. Coast Guard has set minimum standards on the type of equipment you are required to have on board. These standards apply to gear such as personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, marine radios, navigation lights and sound-producing devices. Other items the U.S. Coast Guard recommends you include are:

• First aid kit
• Food and water
• Flashlight
• Personal items, such as sunscreen and extra clothing
• Maps of the local area
• Magnetic compass
• Tool kit
• Anchor
• Bilge pump or bailing device
• Extra fuel
• Paddles

Comprehensive information on regulations and equipment standards can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard’s boating safety website at uscgboating.org.

Prep your boat before launching
It’s important to note that boat launch ramps usually have a staging area where you can prepare for your boat launch. Be polite, and avoid prepping your boat on the actual ramp because it can create delays and chaos for other boaters. Even better, do as much of the preparation work as possible at home, before you reach your boating destination. That’s a cardinal rule in boating etiquette 101.

First and foremost, check your boat registration to ensure it hasn’t expired. In addition, you’ll want to make sure your boat has enough fuel for your trip. Next, examine the condition of your boat trailer. Inspect the tires to make sure they’re properly inflated and replace them if they show too many signs of wear and tear. Test the lights to make sure they work, and examine the straps that secure your boat to the trailer. Finally, load your boat with the equipment you’ll need.

Launch your boat
When you arrive at the boat launching site, look for the staging area. Then, inspect and prepare for your boat launch using the following steps as a guideline:

• Make sure the trip didn’t damage the exterior of your boat
• Disconnect any wiring between your trailer and boat
• Remove the tarp and straps that secured your boat to the trailer
• Put the keys into the boat’s console
• Secure the drain plug into place
• Remove the winch line from the bow of the boat and connect your bow line
• Review the launch procedure and hand signals you plan to use with your partner

Following these tips can help you prepare for a safe and successful boat launch. Further protect your investment with boat insurance from a company you can trust, such as Nationwide. You may be eligible for discounts on boat liability insurance for things such as completing a boating safety course or using diesel fuel. Learn more and get a boat insurance quote today.

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