Master the Art of Launching a Boat By Yourself

Lessons and rules for launching and retrieving your boat on your own.

May 19, 2025 By Jeff Knapp

For a pair of experienced anglers, launching and retrieving a boat is typically a fluid demonstration of teamwork, with each individual having clear responsibilities. For the solo fisherman, the operation is a bit more challenging. However, it’s a necessary skill all boaters should possess. Properly completing this process minimizes the risk of equipment damage and injury. It also generally keeps things running smoothly at the landing, which is a good thing, particularly if there’s a line of boaters waiting to launch or take out.

The following suggestions for solo boaters apply to drive-on style trailers with carpeted bunk boards (not rollers), which represent the vast majority currently in use. They don’t consider accessories such as automatic bow releases/latches and shallow-water anchors, devices that would alter the process.

SAFETY WEEK TIP
NEVER MIX ALCOHOL AND BOATING
Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, and in many states a citation for boating under the influence goes on your driving record.

LAUNCHING LESSONS

1. Prep the Boat

It’s vital to properly prepare the boat before launching. Pay particularly close attention to the details since there’s no second set of eyes to double-check things. Remove/disengage transom straps and any outboard support, and replace the drain plug. Leave the winch strap and safety chain connected. Also, rig any mooring lines you feel you might need.

2. Back Down the Ramp

Before backing onto the ramp, visually check for the presence of courtesy docks and their position, as well as for other boaters using the landing. When all’s clear, begin backing down the ramp and easing the boat into the water. Immerse the boat just far enough that it begins to float off the trailer. Do this by keeping a sharp eye—via your vehicle’s side-view mirror—on the boat in relation to the trailer fender. When the boat starts to float free, it’ll separate slightly from the trailer, rising higher in relation to the fender. When this happens, put the vehicle in park and set your parking brake. In this position, most of the boat’s weight is now off the bunks.

3. Unhook the Winch

It’s now time to unleash the boat. First, unhook the safety chain. With the strap still attached, grab hold of the winch handle, crank it forward to take the strain off the winch, then disengage it. Next, carefully ease up on the winch and allow the boat to back off the trailer under its own power. It should move roughly a foot or so before re-resting on the bunks. You can now unhook the winch.

If the boat doesn’t begin to back off, you probably aren’t deep enough in the water. If it feels like the boat wants to take off, you’re in too deep. In either case, re-secure the winch and safety chain and back in or pull out as needed.

Note that variables such as ramp pitch and the condition of bunk carpet (or bunk slicks) can affect finding that sweet spot. Some initial experimentation might be necessary.

4. Climb Aboard

With the boat now resting lightly on the bunks, climb aboard and start the outboard. After a few moments to allow the engine to warm up, put the motor in reverse and provide the necessary throttle to back off the trailer.

5. Land the Boat

The advantage of powering the boat off the trailer—as opposed to allowing it to float free while attached to a long bow rope, as is commonly done—is that you are now in control and can react to wind, current, nearby boaters, etc. This makes it easy to safely land the boat and secure it.

If a courtesy dock is present, and you choose to use it, consider wind direction if any is present. If possible, use the windward side of the dock. This way you can secure mooring lines without the boat drifting away from the dock. If you must use the leeward side, be prepared to use two lines to keep the boat under control. Using two mooring lines is also helpful in areas of high current or heavy boat traffic, or in any situation where you have similar concerns. It’s better to have your boat over-secured than under-secured while you’re parking your vehicle.

If a dock isn’t available, you must ease the boat up on shore, preferably on a soft spot. Actually, when a quality soft landing (sand/light gravel) is present, I prefer it to a dock, particularly in a wind-protected spot. Opting for a soft landing eliminates the hassle of mooring lines and doesn’t tie up a dock spot while you’re parking your rig.

The first step to loading your boat at day’s end is having a plan. Without someone to assist, it’s best to choose a time when the access isn’t busy. Don’t wait until evening twilight is waning or a storm is approaching—times when everyone wants to get off the water. Often, I’ll finish the day by fishing a spot within view of the landing and make my move when an uncluttered window of opportunity opens.

2. Secure the Boat

The same strategy applies here as when launching. If using a dock, have any mooring lines already rigged so you can easily secure your boat.

3. Position the Trailer

Again, look for that sweet spot—the one where the bunks will cradle the boat as you drive it onto the trailer. In general, proper trailer depth is when the forward tips of the bunks are just out of the water.

With the trailer in place, it’s time to load the boat. I like approaching the trailer at little more than idle, nosing it on, waiting for the boat to center itself between the bunks, then powering it onto the trailer. Keep in mind that power loading is not permitted at some landings, meaning you’ll have to hand-crank the boat onto the trailer those final few feet. Also, it’s smart to trim the outboard up to avoid potential prop damage.

4. Hook Back Up

In the loading process, the biggest difference between going solo and having a partner occurs now, when you must secure the boat to the trailer. Plan to get your feet wet or wear boots, as you’ll often be standing in shallow water.

With the boat now up on the trailer and the outboard tilted up, simply climb over the bow and use the winch to pull the boat up until the bow loop rests against the roller. Re-hook the safety chain and you’re ready to return to the parking lot for final tie-downs.

Adapting these guidelines to your needs will be to the benefit both your equipment and your fellow boating anglers when you go it alone.