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Synful
14-12-2007, 06:54 PM
Evening all,

A while back there was a thread about retrieving and launching a boat; can't quite find it for some reason though.

Got an email today from Quintrex that may help those among us who are to find out exactly what is involved in launching and retrieving a boat which may help the newer boaties out there. :)

You can read the article on the Quintrex site here (http://www.quintrex.com.au/NewsPages/News/071203/HowToEasyLaunching.aspx).
Hope it helps the people with their 1st boat...

seatime
14-12-2007, 08:23 PM
Here's a checklist I made up as part of a trailering safety course as requested by Telwater.
The checklist isn't exhaustive and was left open for additions. It would have formed part of a practical instruction.
After I emailed them the checklist I didn't hear back.





Safety Checklist



Trailer Boat Safety, to & from launching facility.



Pre-departure visual inspection and checks:

q Correct trailer tyre pressure as recommended by manufacturer
q Winch strap/wire pulled up and ratchet engaged
q Safety chain connected
q Tie-down strap attached and tightened
q Motor support bracket to trailer secured
q Aerials down, loose items secured in boat
q Bimini/canopy down
q Bungs in


Hitching trailer to tow vehicle checks:

q Tow ball is securely fitted to tow bar
q Trailer coupling fitted over tow ball
q Coupling handle all the way down
q Spring loaded catch down in locked position
q Jockey wheel in travelling position
q Safety chain connected
q Lights connected and checked for operation
q Manual hand brake off
q Disc brake over-ride system operable
q Hydraulic/electric brake system connected


Setting off to launching facility:

q Inform passengers of any proposed reversing manoeuvres
q Ensure clearance both sides before reversing
q Mirrors adjusted for best view when reversing
q Ensure path is clear before reversing
q Passengers to wait near the front of the vehicle where the driver can see them, or in vehicle itself
q If required, one passenger to check for oncoming traffic on roadway



Launching the boat:

q Position vehicle, boat and trailer in rigging area, and clear of ramp approaches
q Tie-down strap removed
q Motor support bracket to trailer removed
q Aerials up, bimini/canopy up
q Battery switch on
q Mooring lines, fenders prepared
q Bungs in
q Motor tilted up
q Passengers informed of launching procedure
q Passengers not involved in launching to stand away and off ramp area
q Path clear for reversing
q Maintain vehicle in a position parallel to laneways when reversing
q Stop trailer with axle above water surface for push-off launching
q Safety chain removed
q Winch ratchet disengaged
q Winch strap/wire payed out by hand for push-off launching
q Care taken with winch handle spinning backwards at speed
q Mooring line from boat’s bow loosely turned twice on winch post for added safety when lowering boat back off trailer
q Disconnect winch hook when boat is floating
q When boat is clear of trailer and secured to shore or structure, park vehicle and trailer in parking area

Retrieving the boat:

q Position trailer as when launching
q Unload passengers
q Motor trimmed up
q Manoeuvre boat to trailer with assistance
q For ease of manoeuvring, attach mooring lines to bow and stern quarter of boat.
q Align boat with centre rollers and attach winch hook
q Engage winch ratchet
q Winch boat onto trailer ensuring keel lines up with centre rollers
q Winch boat tight up to winch post and attach safety chain
q Ensure passengers and others are clear of trailer and ramp area
q Park in rigging area clear of ramp approaches
q Tie-down strap secured
q Motor support bracket secured
q Aerials, bimini/canopy down
q Loose items secured
q Bungs out

































Wash down and storage:

q Apply manual hand brake
q Support trailer on a stand to reduce load on jockey wheel
q Ensure bow is higher than stern to allow drainage
q Flush motor as per manufacturers recommendations
q Remove salt from boat surfaces
q Loosen tie-down strap
q Loosen winch strap/wire
q Store motor in tilted down position
q Follow manufacturers recommended lubrication schedule

Tangles
14-12-2007, 08:53 PM
thanks Gelsec, particularly liked this one if single handed " Mooring line from boat’s bow loosely turned twice on winch post for added safety when lowering boat back off trailer" a good idea, usually the wife/deckie is knee deep in water holding onto the rope as lowered down

only thing i could add is keys in and making sure you had water etc on board

mike

Synful
14-12-2007, 10:02 PM
Well done Gelsec!

Good list and very thoroughly thought out.

Now, just got to get me something to allow me to tilt the boat and trailer up the required number of degrees when giving her a wash down; for some reason the female members of the crew seem to disappear inside when it's clean up time :-X

450 odd kg of boat and trailer to keep tilted up on my own for a few minutes tends to get a bit difficult and I can't expect my 3 year old son to hold it for me (although he'd give it a good go if he could lift it) :-/