The waterways are the very moment when the preparations are finished and the real rest or fishing begins, but this is where the most awkward situations arise that can spoil the mood of the entire company. boatBut also the safety of people on slippery shores or ramps.
Many beginners underestimate the importance of pre-actions on hard ground: mistakes made while parking a car or preparing for a car. lanternThis can cause motor flooding or damage to the body when hit by rocks, and in this article we will look at each step to make you feel confident in the water.
The process seems simple only at first glance, but it requires clear coordination between the driver of the tractor and the person controlling the descent. We will look at the nuances for different types of boats and help avoid the typical mistakes that 90% of beginners make in the first season.
Equipment preparation and equipment inspection
Even before the vehicle touches the water, a thorough inspection is required. Transport belts It must be weakened, but not removed completely, so that the boat does not leave early, and make sure that all unattached items, such as anchors, life jackets and fishing rods, are securely fixed inside the cockpit.
Pay special attention to the state winch-line If you see scabs or broken threads, you're at a very critical moment, and you're going to have to check the locking mechanisms of the winch, and they're going to lock the drum instantly.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the winch unlocked while the boat is on a steep ramp slope. A spontaneous descent can result in injury or loss of equipment.
Check availability drain-coopIt sounds trite, but GIMS statistics show that a forgotten open cork is the number one reason for Calls to help with water. Also make sure the fuel tank is full and the engine is warmed up (environmentally and parking regulations permit) to avoid problems with starting already afloat.
☑️ Checklist before descent
Inspection of the ramp and maneuver planning
When you arrive, don't rush back. rampage Visual inspection will help to identify slippery areas, sharp stones or too steep slope, which can be dangerous for your type of trailer.
If the ramp is busy with other vacationers, politely ask how long it will take them. Waiting is part of the process, and trying to slip through can create an emergency. mooring-point And put it on a nose duck.
It's important to consider the direction of the wind and the current, because if there's a strong side wind, it can blow a light boat to the side immediately after it leaves the kilblocks, and in such cases, it requires special skill or the help of a second person to hold the boat.
If you are descending on an unfamiliar ramp, first walk to the water's edge to assess the depth and presence of underwater obstacles.
Plan the trajectory of the car's retreat. Once the boat is on the water, you'll need to quickly and safely remove the trailer without causing traffic jams. Choose a parking spot in advance so you don't rush along the shore with wet appliances.
Descent technique: step-by-step algorithm
The most important step is the immediate descent. The driver slowly backs up until rear-wheel The optimal depth is when water covers approximately 60-70% of the length of the side, but the specific numbers depend on the design of your vehicle. quillblock.
The assistant is at the side, and he's controlling the process, and once the boat's buoyancy exceeds the weight held by the winch, it will start to float, and at that point, you need to carefully release the locking mechanism and let the boat get off the guides.
Below is a table that helps determine the optimal depth of immersion of the trailer depending on the type of boat:
| Type of boat | Depth of submersion of the side | Feature of descent |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable PVC | 50-60 cm | High buoyancy, possible demolition by wind |
| aluminum | 70-80 cm | It's harder to come up, you need a confident jerk. |
| Fiberglass | 60-70 cm | Slippery body, it is important not to turn over |
| catamaran | 40-50 cm | Wide base, risk of getting stuck between kilblocks |
After descent, the boat must immediately be taken away from the trailer to the side so that the driver can easily pull the car. mooring-fly, thrown over the arm, but do not wind it - this can lead to injury with a sharp jerk.
Actions after descent and parking of equipment
Once the trailer has left the water, your job is to securely lock the boat, dock at the pontoon or take it out to the clear water where the current won't press you to the shore. attachment.
Hold the motor, check the mounting. lower unit And you can set the gas tank so it doesn't tip over when you pump. If you're using an electric motor, check the battery power and the position of the plugs. Only when you're sure all the components are reliable can you start the engine.
⚠️ Warning: Starting the engine out of water (on a dry trailer or shore) without a special nozzle on the water intake is strictly prohibited for most models, as this will lead to overheating and breakage of the pump.
When parking the car, try to position it so that the nose of the trailer looks towards the water, and not across the movement, which will save time when pulling the boat, as you do not have to look for a place to turn a long train in a limited space.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is trying to lower a boat. single-handed In a hurry, they forget to take off their belts, and the boat rolls into the water with the winch, which often causes damage to the transom. Always pause for a check.
Another common scenario is ignoring tides The ramp, which was dry in the morning, may be completely underwater by evening, making it impossible to reach the depths necessary for the boat to surface.
What to do if the boat is stuck on the kilblocks?
If the boat doesn't slip, don't try to rock it with sudden movements, it can damage the hull. Try to pass a little deeper or, conversely, pull and lubricate the runners. In extreme cases, gently push your nose with your foot while standing in the water (if depth allows), but watch your balance.
Don't forget. safety-lineMany people neglect to use it, relying only on the winch, but when the main cable breaks, it is the safety cable that will keep the multi-hundred-pound mass from rolling onto a car or people.
The main reason for the ramp accidents is the lack of a clear distribution of roles between the driver and the assistant.
Specificity of descent of inflatable and rigid boats
Owners PVC boats They have a unique problem, which is sailing, and they create a huge area for the wind, so you have to hold a boat on a ramp, especially tightly, and the slightest gust can flip a light boat right on the trailer.
Hard-hull boats (aluminum, fiberglass) require deeper diving to surface. balk If the ramp angle is too flat, the boat can just lie on the blocks without popping up, even when completely in the water.
For inflatable models, the availability is critical transmutation The sudden waves from passing boats can throw a light boat onto a metal trailer, causing the cylinders to cut.
Use silicone grease for the kilblocks before descent – this will make it easier for the boat to descend and prevent rubber or paint from sticking to the wooden/plastic elements of the trailer.
When pulling hard boats often use the method of "nose" in the shore, but for inflatables it is dangerous because of the risk of puncture against sharp stones or shells. Always try to lift them strictly vertically or with a winch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the engine before descent?
In most cases, the motor can be left on the transom if the trailer design and weight load allow, however, if the ramp is very steep or the motor is heavy (over 50 kg), it is better to remove it to facilitate the design and reduce the risk of transom failure on surfacing.
What to do if the winch is stuck in water?
Don't pull the handle by force. Try rocking the boat slightly to change the load on the rope. If that doesn't work, you'll have to gently pull the boat to the side by hand or use an extra phalanx to relieve tension from the winch mechanism.
Can I lower the boat at night?
Technically possible, but it is highly discouraged without strong outside lighting, poor visibility hides obstacles, slippery areas and other people, and GIMS rules also restrict small boats from moving and parking at night.
How often should I change the squirrel?
Steel cables require replacement when rust or fluffiness occurs (sniffing of individual veins), and synthetic cables are changed when scuffing occurs or after a season of active use in salt water, on average every 2-3 years when used carefully.