Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

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Most popular comments
for Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

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Randy Krank - 4 years ago

Great video for us " rookies". Appreciate the point of doing your prep off the ramp.
Just subscribed.

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

You're welcome Randy, thanks for subscribing!

John Simlett - 4 years ago

Got the basics, thanks. Just remains for me to fit a submarine TV in the car just in case it gets submerged. Cheers, mate!

William Ogilvie - 4 years ago

Well done!

patrick boxsell - 4 years ago

Is that an alfa romeo badge on the bow of the green machine? For extra speed I presume

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

Yep, definitely a good way to go.

MartinL1958 - 4 years ago

That’s my problem!!! Can’t see the naked trailer when reversing then get flustered when I continually fluff it. The ‘“right/left hand down” toward the mirror tip is going to save me! I love your videos Stu. Thanks so very much!

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

You're welcome mate. Adding a bicycle flag to the trailer really helps with that too.

Ian Morris - 4 years ago

Hi, about three or four minutes in you mentioned a certain way of waving your arm to signal to your driver, is there a code that is internationaly understood, or is it something between you and a mate?

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

There may be a standard but I'm not aware of it.

darryl mcleman - 4 years ago

Cheers again from Canadas West Coast.A lot of boaters over here will install wooden plank with carpet on trailer to use as a walkway.Also prefab.metal walkways available.

Kewyn Gold - 4 years ago

Never reversed an form of trailer and followed your advice. Worked perfectly so much so I was in an out within 10 mins without even rushing through anything. Thanks for the tips

10. comment for Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

joseph pace - 4 years ago

great video lots fun waching had some good larfts keek them coming joe in uk living east cost on top off sea thancs

gordon peden - 4 years ago

Tip #1 If there's nothing good on TV drive down to your local boat ramp, deck chair, sunnies, beer, and watch the passing parade of unpractised trailer reversers, shouting and doing their block, arguing with the missus. Great fun!

Norman Dunnagan Jr. - 4 years ago

I wanted to share a super easy solo launch method. So you install a rope cleat on the back of your trailer with stainless screws and nuts. I put Teflon around mine. Not centered, go off to the left or right a little. Tie rope around this, a good bit , you will run this rope to your eye bolt up front that your winch is hooked to. The idea is to unhook the winch and safety straps, and abruptly brake with your boat in the water almost - she slides right in on the first try if you do it right. Inch forward in your vehicle and “tow” the boat a bit closer to shore and get your trailer out the water. Put vehicle in park with the P brake on. You should have another rope affixed to the eye bolt that you can handle your boat with and tie off to a nearby piling while you park your vehicle. Always untie the trailer rope from the eye bolt before doing this - to avoid congestion - Make sure the launch rope has a clear path sitting inside the boat - mine runs along the lip of my boat, but I only take it out when it’s time to launch. It stays tied in a knot over the cleat when I am mobile. I should do a video on this, I found this method very useful and cannot find the original video I found it from. It was a guy with just a couple hundred views. But this method is great. Just make sure the safety straps are off the back before doing your abrupt launching, otherwise you become the show. :)

Gdawon - 4 years ago

I know this is an older video but do you have any tips of could you do a video of solo ramp launching at a ramp with no pontoons, in weather and swell conditions. This is typically my own scenario in fairly basic ramps with no pontoons. I'm struggling tbh.

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

Launching in swell on your own is hard as without someone else to back the boat away from the trailer it is always going to be tricky. A long painter on the front of the boat will help but it would be difficult to do safely.

homeless - 4 years ago

Question :
What kind of bird ?

homeless - 4 years ago

Thank you!

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

Cockatoo.

Capt Don Formula Pacific - 4 years ago

Thank you for the advice!

Capt Don Formula Pacific - 4 years ago

Hi Stu, I have a question. Would attaching anode's to the boat trailer be a good idea? I launch in fresh and salt water and my trailer is steel. Would using zink and magnesium for different water types on the trailer help in reducing electrolysis-rust?
Thank you

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

Anodes only help with electrolysis, not rust, and the trailer isn't in the water long enough for electrolysis to have any effect so I wouldn't do it.

Kenneth Ward - 4 years ago

Turning the wheel to the mirror worked great today! Caught a mess of fish. Backed down the ramp like a pro. Thank you from Colorado. And no, never seen that kind of hitch before.

Dangar Marine - 4 years ago

You're welcome mate. Glad you had a great day fishing. :)

Kevin Taylor - 4 years ago

You missed the biggest tip.
GO! AND! PRACTICE!!!
If you don't want to embarrass yourself at the ramp, take your boat and trailer to an empty parking lot and practice reversing.

Rob Kelly - 4 years ago

Stu, awesome stuff. I put always put my working eqiuip/ropes etc for on the passenger side, so should anything need to to be corrected enroute, that way i can do manage safely as per truck driver standards. Also, I have a tinny similar to green machine and added another ratchet strap at the bow, pulling the bow fwd and down, with the stern strap positioned behind 2 cleats pulling the boat fwd into the fwd roller, at the winch.

20. comment for Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

CRT2907 - 4 years ago

:30 I thought my wife was calling me.

Gene Murphy - 5 years ago

At 0:30ish is that the mating call of the O-no bird
When landing it calls out O-no O-no as it’s legs are 25cm long BUT it’s testies hang down 50cm

Thanx from the left coast near the Krapitol of California

James Bach - 5 years ago

Great points. Set up and tear down your boat in the appropriate areas. Don't tie up the launch itself. Especially when you are backing in, TAKE YOUR TIME. It will wind up being faster in the long run. I constantly have to be on the look out for walkers who will walk right behind you when you are backing into the water.
Not mentioned in the video, but pay your launch fee. At least here in America, most launch ramps have a minimal fee to defray the maintenance. Power loading is a big no no where I come from. Especially when the water is low. It creates an axle catching hole where the concrete ends. Not a good thing.
I've watched a few video's from Dangar Marine. Great work! I'm hitting the subscribe button!

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Interesting that you guys have launch fees. Most boat ramps that I use in Australia are public but then again I know there are a lot of ramps at ski parks where I presume to you to be staying to use so I guess the ramp fees are included in the site fees.

bobw222 - 5 years ago

After years of battling backing trailers up I came across a tip that makes it easy. Hold onto the bottom of the steering wheel instead of the top. Then just move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to turn. Push the wheel left and the trailer goes left. push right, the trailer goes right. Works like a charm.

dap - 5 years ago

Wow that boat has been through a bit. Great video!

Emm Dee - 5 years ago

Great videos, thanks so much. If I was in the right hemisphere I'd buy you a beer. Thanks very much

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Thanks mate!

philip Brailey - 5 years ago

I personally never get my rear wheels wet. And also I never take my eyes off the trailer, except with the odd 360 degrees head turn.

kman 4443 - 5 years ago

Good tutorial, I don't know if you mentioned when backing the boat down the ramp using a car don't go so far the exhaust pipe submerges. I will stall the car out.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Thanks mate. A health car will generally just blow bubbles but if it's salt water you can certainly expect to have some corrosion problems down the track!

kman 4443 - 5 years ago

I'm a trucker here in the US the trailer cutting the corner is known as "off tracking". Rather, a trailer, especially a long one, does not follow the same path as the tractor or tow vehicle.

kman 4443 - 5 years ago

@Dangar Marine I agree, I don't have any experience as a boat mechanic like you, but I'm looking for a fixer upper as I have extensive experience as a DIYer on my cars and Mack truck over the years. It will be a challenge because of the lack of experience, but I find that fun, learning as I go. I'm not looking for a boat the size of that trawler you bought though, talk about me being over my head. I would be if I bought that as a project. Definitely not a project for a novice.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

A think boating is a great retirement project. My dad is a few months off retirement and is starting to get involved with the trawler restoration.

kman 4443 - 5 years ago

@Dangar Marine Keep up the good work on the videos btw. I used to own a sailboat years back. Sold it because I never had time to take it out and it sat on a trailer in my driveway mostly. Now I'm a little older and near retirement from my job and I'm looking to get a boat something that I could use on a river and ocean if I choose to go out there. Your videos are inspiring me to own and enjoy boating again all the way here in the US.

kman 4443 - 5 years ago

@Dangar Marine Professional truck driver terminology LOL! Ask one of the "lorry" drivers over there I'm sure they have heard of it.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Interesting, had never heard that term. Thanks!

James Driver - 5 years ago

There's one more smart thing you did, but I don't think you mentioned it:

You crossed your safety chains between the trailer and the tow vehicle. Crossed, they will catch the hitch if it jumps off the ball (worn or poorly adjusted lock mechanism, or forgetting to lock the handle in) and reduce swaying of the trailer. if they're not crossed, not only can you get speed wobbles, but if the chains are long enough, the hitch can hit the road and really upset things!

30. comment for Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

CrimeVid - 5 years ago

There is only one thing to know about putting a boat in the water from a trailer that is important, before braking to shoot the boat off the trailer... tie the painter to something on the trailer !!

Sam Rodely - 5 years ago

I've been really enjoying your videos mate, just wondering if you have a procedure for limiting the damage that submerging the trailer in salt water does. I imagine a good hose down would go a long way, but do the wheel bearings become an issue?

Kay Sutton - 5 years ago

Thanks Stu, watched this a few times now, I got my boat Licence this year and my first tinny and have learnt so much from you from these vids. Was wondering when fitting a Bimmy in my tinny would it be better to have it folding forwards so when it is down it doesn't get in the way of the controls and drivers seat? Cheers

Kay Sutton - 5 years ago

@Dangar Marine Thanks, ended up folding it forwards so I can still get my anchor from the well., is it common to knock some top end off your speed with the bimi up?

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

You're welcome Kay, and congratulations on getting your license. With regards to which way the bimini folds it really depends on how the boat is setup. Whichever way suits your particular layout is the best way to go.

Music Islife - 5 years ago

8.30, that was some pretty impressive parking!

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Thanks. :)

Julian Hubbard - 5 years ago

Thanks for an absolutely fantastic video. So many top tips. We’ll be launching our new boat in 2 weeks and I’ll be using your tips. Well done mate and greetings from Cologne.

imadvizinyounow - 4 years ago

How did it go?

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Thanks Julian. I hope your new boat gives you many years of pleasure. :)

Dick Dastardly - 5 years ago

LOL try that on the Knab Rock Mumbles South Wales UK on a slightly windy day Oh My Lord you'll be putting holes in your boat in no time. I wish I lived where you are looks fantastic.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

It isn't a bad spot for boat, and co-incidentally in New South Wales. :)

RetroCNY - 5 years ago

I used to use similar ratchet straps to keep the transom of my boat against the bunks, but I recently installed a pair of those BoatBuckles that mount to the trailer frame and are ratcheting AND retractable just like a car's seat belt. Great $60 investment as they really simplify that step of the launching/recovering process. If you're boat has eye hooks on the back of the transom, you just hook to those and then ratchet the boat down on each side and lock the buckle. When you go to launch the boat, you unlock the ratchet and the strap retracts down into the buckle and stays tucked away until you need it again. I love them. My uncle's boat had these installed from the Lund dealership and when I saw them, I knew I had to get a pair for my trailer.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

They sound really interesting, I'll look them up now.

Lucky Goose - 5 years ago

That dying animal in the back there ground sounds just like out prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

J. K. - 5 years ago

everything in this video looks rotten ?

alanfox270 - 5 years ago

Try this simple method of steering. The direction the bottom of the steering wheel turns will be the direction the rear of the trailer will turn. So when your backing put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand in the direction that the rear of the trailer needs to go.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Good tip!

Random Biker - 5 years ago

Hi. I have watched so many of your videos. You have been such a great thing to have in my tool box. Which is why Im not happy with myself that my first comment is thus. I would like to add to your wonderful, video, that if the base under the trailer is sand, DO NOT use your engine to bring the boat further up the trailer. By doing that the prop wash creates a hole in the sand under the water for the next vehicle to get stuck in. Sorry that my first comment detracts from your AWESOME videos.

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Hi mate. All good, very nicely put. Good point about the sand. All the boat ramps I use are concrete for a fair way out but that certainly isn't the case everywhere so it is an excellent point to remind people of.

MrCalifornia1234 - 5 years ago

I launch my boat by myself with my two young children, so I declare myself an expert. I also don’t appreciate you telling everyone all these tips. One of the best things about going to a ramp is all the comedy of incompetence.

Dick Dastardly - 5 years ago

Ahh you seem to have forgotten the days when you were inexperienced and every one was laughing at you..

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Boat ramps are always entertaining!

JOHNAUDIO - 5 years ago

What filter do you use on your audio, it will sound better without it!

JOHNAUDIO - 5 years ago

The new ones are way better ;) The noise filter makes it sound 8 bit old game sound lol. What edit software do you use? maybe I can make you a preset for the voce processing. Keep up the good video's! I'm a boat owner and sound engineer, so let me know if I can help you out audio wise. Cheers!

Dangar Marine - 5 years ago

Yeah, these old videos have terrible audio. It was so bad I used to put a noise filter on it but that made it sound very artificial. I think it's much better these days, I should re-do some of these old ones.

Bob Pitt - 6 years ago

Good job Stu, given you were working with one hand operating the camera. When testing my trailer lights, I use my tackle box to press down on the brake pedal. That way I can check all the trailer lights single-handed.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Thanks mate, it's nice to hear someone understand how hard it can be doing this type of thing on your own. Good tip about using your tackle box to test the brake lights! :)

Trevor Stover - 6 years ago

Hi mate can you drive on and drive of on any trailer

Music Islife - 5 years ago

Dangar Marine I worry about hitting my Skeg/prop on the bottom :/

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

I'd say pretty much yes, I haven't seen any I can think of where you can't. What most people worry about is putting the rear wheels of their car into salt water.

Ion Racer - 6 years ago

What the heck happened to the front of that poor skiff?

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Who knows! I've asked previous owners but it appears to have happened about four owners and nobody knows the story.

Troy - 6 years ago

I know this is old video but found that a great tip steering towards the trailer in the mirror. I have always rubber necked it - this will help me a lot since I am not as young as I used to be, love it, thanks, Stew.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Glad it helped you Troy. I always like little short cuts like that until practice makes it second nature.

Paul Obrien - 6 years ago

this a great vid . i dont have a boat licence but a lot of common sense . so my bro launches the boat with me in it . i start it puttt around and pick him up on the wharf

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Yep, Arn and I do the same thing when the two of us are together, it's a great way to go.

Bud Bev Wright - 6 years ago

Pig cooker

Bud Bev Wright - 6 years ago

Pig cooker

50. comment for Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

netltube - 6 years ago

When I saw that hitch on the trailer, I was cracking up! grew up around boats my whole life in east coast us, never saw a hitch like that. So thats an aussie trailer hitch? (the handle part that lifts on the trailer hitch) hahaha learn something new every day with danger studio!

G webster - 5 years ago

Your American hitches are completely illegal here in oz. There the first thing we have to change if we import a boat and trailer from the state's.

Stan Patterson - 6 years ago

Hi Stu, this is a typical North American style tongue ball receiver. http://www.loadrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/p-17671-01.jpg . Various manufactures make them. We have several sizes of hitch ball, according to the load range you plan to pull, so the trailer tongues would be heavier or lighter construction. If you go to what I call "extreme heavy" ball-hitch arrangement, you can find a variation on the design that you have in Aus., but that is somewhat rare, found in commercial setups where roofing contractors haul tarpots for roofing (just as one example). Next stop after the ball-hitch is the pintle hook.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

I've never seen a trailer hitch that isn't like that. Can you post a link to a picture to the style you use?

Oscar Noden - 6 years ago

Did u remember your phone in the end?

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Yes. ;)

AA JJ - 6 years ago

What boat ramp is this?

AA JJ - 6 years ago

Thanx for the reply, looks like a nice area and well maintained ramp and facilities.

Also keep up the good work, really enjoying the videos.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

This is Parsley Bay in Brooklyn.

David Dye - 6 years ago

Do you recommend unplugging the lights from the trailer when launching if water gets in the housing will it blow the bulb?

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

I never do, I've found the waterproof ones to be quite well sealed. We use the trailer many times a week and they have lasted for years so far.

David Dye - 6 years ago

Are the bunk boards on the trailer supposed to have movement or are they supposed to be tight?

David Dye - 6 years ago

Dangar Marine Thanks.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

They are generally tight.

Vinny Swinnich - 6 years ago

They see me corollin'

Nick Thirgood - 6 years ago

They hatin'!

erik bensen - 6 years ago

Just got my first boat here in the u.s. You're videos are very informative and you never miss a beat. Ive changed seals and learned how to launch a boat from a ramp, just by watching your videos. Thank you for your time and great instruction sir!

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Thanks Erik, glad the vids have been helping you. Enjoy your new boat! :)

kingswoodhj76 - 6 years ago

This was really good to watch. I have recently purchased my first boat, have to paint it and do a few other things but am looking forward to getting on the water this summer. I have never launched a boat so seeing this is good for me, thanks for uploading!!

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Thanks mate, good luck with your new boat, I hope it gives you plenty of enjoyment.

mikeuitscheveningen - 6 years ago

turn your wheels al the way to one direction ,if the brake fails your car wont go strait back in the water.
cheers from holland

mikeuitscheveningen - 6 years ago

thanks

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Good tip!

mighty Major - 6 years ago

that bird is horny

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

That is a possibility. ;)

Ryan Bess - 6 years ago

How heavy is your boat. Looking to tow a boat with an suv

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

I'm not sure exactly how heavy it is, but aluminium boats aren't that heavy compared to fibreglass boats. I can easily tow this one with a small Carolla.

Rod Royal - 6 years ago

slow process you use

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

But safe!

Rod Royal - 6 years ago

to a rope between trailer and boat, back up, hit brakes, boat slides off . use rope to pull in boat, tie up, move off ramp. no wet feet. reverse, leave winch out of water, drive up trailer, get out hook up winch, pull boat in, leave ramp. no wet feet

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Yeah, I quite often do use the shunt launch, but depending on the boat you can get quite a bit of water over the transom so I leave that up to owners to decided whether it works for them.

Rod Royal - 6 years ago

saw a guy drying his boat on the ramp. my partner was so pissed.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

I'm not surprised.

Rod Royal - 6 years ago

safety ramp mounted in tounge and no slip strips invaluable. you can slip, hit your head and drown in a half foot of water.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Absolutely, particularly in tidal areas where the ramp is quite slimy at low tide.

Rod Royal - 6 years ago

I saw a guy back his boat down to 8' from the water, get out and stare at the back for awhile. finally takes off straps . gets around to putting pedistal seats in. rummages thru his truck. finally gets in boat. wife backs boat half way in. he lowers outboard and tries starting. won't start, lifts deck lids and takes off cowling. of course that does nothing. tried to push off with paddle. finally gets boat off. lowers trolling motor and waits five minutes for wife to come back. took 20 minutes. always rig boat in parking lot. double check everything. practice makes perfect. I can get in or out in a few minutes. thanks!.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

A bit of practice and some ramp etiquette goes a long way! ;)

ryan joseph - 6 years ago

very well put together as always i learnt something today

ryan joseph - 6 years ago

well done buddy

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Thanks Ryan, glad it helped.

vetterfellow - 6 years ago

Yes Capitan; I think you covered it all. When I brought my boat home the strap tail was fluttering about and at the traffic light this bobo stopped on the top of my strap. What a surprise I got when I tried to pull away. Thanks fer another great video. PS. you drive on the wrong side of the road there,,, LOL. :-D

vetterfellow - 6 years ago

Yes that was my second mistake, My ratchet was on the drivers side too. I did get to the fix quicker. Safety first. I do learn as I live.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Another tip I was just given that I wish I had included was to put the buckle of the ratchet strap on the passenger side (left!) so that if you need to pull over and tighten it you are standing in the traffic.

Boone county Automotive - 6 years ago

You guys have the worst trailer hitching and breaking system I've ever seen

G webster - 5 years ago

Electric brakes are only good WHILE they are working.

Music Islife - 5 years ago

Shocked Fishing we have electric brake systems too but personally, I hate them!

Boone county Automotive - 6 years ago

Dangar Marine breaks on our trailers electric and when you push the break on your truck they turn on and the tongue of the trailer is flat and you open the coupler and claspes the top of the coupler and it hugs the ball then you just put a pin in it to lock there's not a giant handle

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

What's different / wrong with it?

TheGmork - 6 years ago

I had real problems getting my boat off its trailer and into the water. The rollers have flat spots on them and I did not want to get down too far and get the car wheels wet.. That was 6 months ago and I still have not gotten it into the water >.> I'm somewhat scared of trying again hahaha. Also, I needed a new battery so, that's good. After watching this I think I'll be able to try again. I'll have to use the motor to reverse the boat off, I did not think of that the first time. Thank you for the vid :)

Cya - 6 years ago

TheGmork go to a mariner most of them can lift boat off ground but not sure how much it cost

TheGmork - 6 years ago

I would replace them, but it's a big fiberglass boat and I have no idea how I would get it off the trailer on dry land. I can have a better look once I get it off and into the water.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

You can replace the rollers separately, but don't be shy of going in a little deeper and even hitting the brakes to give the boat a little shove off the trailer. Be sure it's tied on to the trailer though!

Gary Pugh - 6 years ago

geuss we learn the hard way. i untied my speedboat too soon and it slid off the trailer on the concrete ramp. what a dumbass. now i know unhook whem ready to go in water. i 'm learning to do it with no help. its only a 11ft boat. thanx

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

We all make mistakes when we are learning, in a few years time you'll be watching others go through the same thing.

Gary Pugh - 6 years ago

you answer all remarkes. i like that.

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Thanks Gary. Sometimes I miss some! :)

Gary Pugh - 6 years ago

wish my new 2 seat speed boat looked as good as yours. .. ha!

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

She's a beauty!

roaloe - 6 years ago

hola tienes videos muy buenos la pena es q no se escuchn en español
gracias un saludo

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Thanks mate, glad you like the videos.

Casey Matthews - 6 years ago

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Stephen Simpson - 6 years ago

One tip I have for everyone is with straps, try not to leave them without a twist. Yes, put a twist in the strap when tying down.
If you leave a strap straight, when you drive along on the road/highway/freeway, it will get a harmonic vibration happening. This vibration will actually shatter a strap.

External loading in a helicopter in the army, we where taught to put 1 twist in for every 3 ft of strap. so one twist would be fine for a boat. same with the straps on your Bimini if you have it up when going to or from the ramp. Just put one twist in it. The harmonic vibration can't go around corners (the twist) and will stop.

Try it next time your on the road. Put a twist in one side and no twist in the other. watch the none twisted strap vibrate like a bastard! :)

FAKE NAME - 4 years ago

Dam I'm using that tip for sure, that vibration noise has driven me nuts on many occasions... don't know why I never thought to twist the dam thing seems so simple

Music Islife - 5 years ago

Science :)

Dangar Marine - 6 years ago

Hi Stephen, that's a really interesting strap. I know exactly the vibration you are talking about and it can get pretty bad at speed. Thanks for sharing! :)

DaebakMonkey - 7 years ago

Dang. Wish I knew this before. I started on an 18 foot boat.

DaebakMonkey - 7 years ago

Yeah. It was the launch of the 1970 Century Buccaneer 18 my mom, dad, and I restored. Powered by a 1985 VRO Johnson 90hp your videos help me get unseized and running!

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

+DaebakMonkey Pretty big boat to cut your teeth on!

Torben Lien Ljungberg Nielsen - 7 years ago

Nicely done. How long is The Green Machine ?

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Thanks Torben. The Green Machine is 4.6 metres long.

generalpatton71 - 7 years ago

Is that trailer tongue style popular in Australia? I live in the US and I've never seen anything like that.

kman 4443 - 5 years ago

I was thinking the same, I've never seen a setup like that here in the US. I'm sure legal requirements specify it different than here.

FutureAirways2 - 7 years ago

Dangar Marine prolly the round head n straight latch, mine is flat with a 90 degree moving latch on top. idk just a guess well good video

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Yeah, it's pretty standard I would say. What bit of it seems different?

John King - 7 years ago

thank you for all your vidos i have lernd a lot waching your repare vidos showed me a lot too hope you put more out thanks john king in the usa nc

John King - 7 years ago

you have dunn grate with the videos have you ever tested trolin motters and hale long thay last whats the safe running time on a 12 volt battery with a 30 amp minn kota motter all i get here is amps draw but no true run time

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Thanks John, glad the videos have been helping you. :)

Jorgan Morgan™ - 7 years ago

I think it's funny that a boat of that size has oar locks.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

It is rowable if the motor breaks down, not easily, but it can be done.

Jorgan Morgan™ - 7 years ago

There's just one thing I have to say!

Read More

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Me too! ;)

cs512tr - 7 years ago

cockatoo wants in on your video mate
:)

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

You're not wrong, he's a noisy bugger!

William Bates 0361 - 7 years ago

i bet they do . been watching a few videos thanks hey the anchor vid was great lmbo

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Thanks mate, glad you've been enjoying the vids. :)

William Bates 0361 - 7 years ago

Damn that boat looks beat all to hell lol

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

They get a hard life these work boats.

Howdy Partner - 7 years ago

Another couple of tips ...

1/ ALWAYS wear suitable footwear. When walking in the water towards your trailer You can't always see what you're stepping on. LOTS of hooks / knives get dropped by pontoons around boat ramps. AND you don't want to slip over. I snapped my elbow and cracked my head open when I slipped backwards at the ramp one day (Out on my own too ... Live and learn! )

2/ if you're launchin0g alone at a ramp with a pontoon alongside set your ropes up and when you get near the pontoon throw the stern line onto the pontoon (If the current is strong away from the ramp) tie off on the pontoon giving enough line to back up and get it off the trailer. That way if you don't like to motor on/off the trailer (Like me) you can grab the rope easily once your off

3/ start your engine BEFORE leaving the trailer (like you did) so you know it starts - you don't want to have to fetch the trailer again due to a pain in the arse motor!

4/ Once your boat is off the trailer pull it to the end of the pontoon, tie off then move your car. This allows the next person to launch their boat while you're parking your car. The reverse stands when retrieving.

5/ ALWAYS pack your boat BEFORE launching. Get ready in the staging area and don't jump the que when launching.Wait your turn.

Happy boating!

Pete.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Hey Pete, good tips. You are right about boat ramps being slipper, particularly in tidal areas like this.

Louis Barningham - 7 years ago

0:40 WTF IS THAT BIRD OR THING!!?!??!??!!

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Ha, yes, it is a bird, a cockatoo.

charlotte05060 - 7 years ago

Hi thanks for the tips. One question I have for retrieving the boat. Would you recommend driving onto the trailer with an older style glass boat without the V guide for the bow? Cheers Aaron.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

The V guide is pretty important for driving on to a trailer as if the hull if off centre and rides against the metal brackets for the rollers it could do a fair bit of damage to the fibre glass. Fibre glass boats are also very heavy so they can be almost impossible to man handle into position once they are on the trailer.

Maurice Melosi - 7 years ago

Too much speech you make me tired. And speedy spoken is very disturbing manner.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Just get some sleep and you'll be fine.

thull1234 - 7 years ago

The bird crying out at the beginning is hilarious

Music Islife - 5 years ago

Straya!

Cya - 6 years ago

He was not hearing what he had to say

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Australian birds are nuts.

Ramblin Man - 7 years ago

I've been watching your videos for just a short time. One tip I learned early on when launching and retrieving my boat is getting to know the lake or other body of water and if there is more than one ramp available at different locations on the lake. I say this because my first experience of launching my boat was at a ramp on the windward side of the lake where the wind was strong and the lake was very choppy. The second time I launched was at a marina on the calm side of the lake where the ramp was in a small protected cove and I had a much better experience learning how to launch my boat. These days I never go back to ramp on the windward side because it's not worth the extra trouble. Please keep making the videos as I learn something new even after years of boating experience. :-)

Brett S - 6 years ago

Especially if boat ramp has walkway so one can launch their boat alone. Key is to ignore busy times if your alone as ramps are always busy at my local marina at end of day. He shows one important point so darn many people miss. The chains need crossed and length right so it ball breaks going over tracks or down road the trailer does not dig into pavement.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

That's a really good point. A few people have mentioned investigating the boat ramp which is good advice. Because I always use the one boat ramp I don't think so much about the depth, orientation, protection etc, but if you travel around it is well worth thinking about the best spot for the conditions. Safe boating! :)

ShnitzlHaus - 7 years ago

is that a pterodactyl in the beginning? jeez what was that.

ShnitzlHaus - 7 years ago

now that is a nice native species, we only see cockatoo's at the pet store! well nice minus the screech!

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

If it sounds like a pterodactly it is going to be a cockatoo. They screech like you wouldn't believe. :)

ShnitzlHaus - 7 years ago

noise, at around 0:27 mark. pelican's?

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Is it a noise or something you saw?

AISLE3B - 7 years ago

Hi - Do you have trouble with your trailer lights not working because water gets into them?Regards

AISLE3B - 7 years ago

Thanks for the reply - I may give that a try.

ProjecthuntanFish - 7 years ago

Trailer lights always stop working on a boat trailer. the way around it is to mount your lights on short pieces of PVC pipe and make a wiring harness that runs to them. Install some rod holders at the rear of the boat to place the lights in when trailering the boat. When you get to the boat ramp remove the lights and unplug the harness, wrap up the wires around the lights and put in vehicle. Im using a set up like this that I made about 12 years ago and they always work when I plug them in.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

The ones we have at the moment seem to be really well sealed as no water has got into them at all. If yours are leaking take a look at the seals and maybe put some silicone grease on them to help them stay water tight.

Markolav70 - 7 years ago

Stu.what are council doing at Parsley Bay ramp ? I noticed it's closed off..

Markolav70 - 7 years ago

We used to use that ramp a lot in the 80s and early nineties...on the central coast now so occasionally get down to Brooklyn if heading to Cowan Creek etc..Its a great facility and one of the better ramps as you know...not sure why they would modify it ??

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Hi mate, according to the council website, "The existing ramp will be removed and replaced with a new ramp that meets NSW Boating Ramp Facility Guidelines. The new ramp will still have 4 lanes, however these will be wider. A new pontoon will provide better access for boat passengers." Do you get down to Parsley Bay often?

Ron Powell - 7 years ago

A suggestion that came to me while watching this - how about a what to look for in a trailer- say when you are buying a boat and trailer - what to look at , check out , what is a nice to have, what could be used to negotiate a bit on price etc. Some things I have found - the longer the trailer. the easier it is to reverse (but they cut the corners more)I like a plank for a walkway on the trailer- safer than walking on most boat ramp slime to get to the bow, plus you don't have to lean over the trailer to get to the bow.'Rated' D shackles are now required for the safety chains. There are plenty of stories about the Queensland cops having a feast fining people from interstate last Christmas.Light boards - plus or minus? (plus to me)How about doing the same video but for using a break back trailer?So far I have watched just about all your videos. Although I can do most of the stuff already, the videos show me how what I know already is applied to boat work. Thanks for the great, simple and clear instructional videos, they are really better than a lot of stuff on the web!

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Hey Ron, I think it is a good suggestion to do some follow-up trailer videos, particularly on what to look for when buying a trailer. Brakes - no brakes, built in lights - light board, two axles - one axle etc, etc. Classic about people getting fined for not having the yellow rated shackles. Can't say I've ever seen a shackle fail from being overloaded. Pins come out and they corrode, but it takes some serious force to break them! I know what you mean about having learned most things as you get older. It's nice though to be able to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together and use those skills in a new context. Often it is just about being given the confidence to know that you can tackle something different using things you have learned in the past. Thanks for watching, Stu.

Fabian Sosa - 7 years ago

There's a lot to take into consideration when launching at ramps as you are well aware.I hope you don't mind if i share some tips to help others out too to add to yours.A good tip for beginers is to always check where the end of the ramp ends on unfamiliar ramps as you don't want your trailer wheels to go off the end,keep your windows down and doors unlocked,make sure your in park in an auto or 1st gear in a manual with the handbrake firmly applied,use chock/s behind trailer wheels particularly for heavy boats on slimy ramps(I have a pair off wooden chocks with a rope inbetween both that I simply place behind each wheel and loop the rope over the towball that when I drive away after launch/retrieval follow me up to the pre-rig area).If you have a partner get them to hold the brake pedal down when launching retrieving especially heavy boats as all 4 wheels will be braked instead of the 2 rears only when using the handbrake.If winching on use a long painter(rope) tied to the bow and stern at both ends to control the front and rear of the boat easier especially in wind and cross currents.Try to let the bearings cool for a period of time before dunking the trailer to prevent bearings sucking in water.When backing and making turns its easier to turn to the right as you'll get a better view of the trailer during the turn(this helps when backing into garage at home etc).These are just a few tips to add to Stuart's great advice and most of all enjoy your new boat and the pleasures of being a boater.
Great video Stu.

Cheers.

Dangar Marine - 7 years ago

Great advice Fabian. I think I suffer for really only using the one boat ramp I am quite familiar with (and it is very protected), so it's great to hear the types of challenges people here when they travel around to unfamiliar boat ramps and ones with tricky currents etc. Thanks for sharing! :)

Matthew Moses - 8 years ago

Matter of interest, I find it easier when reversing a trailer to keep my hands on the bottom of the steering wheel, if I need it to go right I push up with my right hand, if I need it to go left I push up with my left hand.

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

+Matthew Moses HI Matthew, that's a good idea! Thanks for sharing. :)

Dayne Cowan - 8 years ago

Nice one mate. Where is the ramp you shot the video at?

Dayne Cowan - 8 years ago

Cool !

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

+Dayne Cowan You'll see it when you come to visit. ;)

Dayne Cowan - 8 years ago

Cool, looks nice. I'll check it out on a map

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

It's Parsley Bay, just opposite the island.

Deuce Gamz - 8 years ago

Also nice hair cut :)

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

+TheDanielSnipz All ready for summer now!

Jenkodiesel - 8 years ago

Hi mate, thank you because you gave me confidence to tackle a four stroke Yamaha head change. I just recon you probably should have mentioned the handbrake, even though it would be stating the obvious. Just mentioning it, not being critical. Cheers ,Darryl.

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

You're dead right, that occurred to me today too. I always miss something. Thanks for pointing it out. :)

100. comment for Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

BigRift - 8 years ago

I like how you made sure to emphasize the boat prep areas. Nothing I hate more than waiting for people to unstrap the boat after they already put the trailer in the water. Great video as always looking forward to watching you fix the hydraulics.

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

Thanks mate. A bit of boat ramp etiquette is always good to learn. ;)

ThatBoatGuy - 8 years ago

that trailer tong looks really weird lol

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

Dodgy to say the least!

Deuce Gamz - 8 years ago

hey :D i was wounding when you would do this video :D thanks mate :)

Dangar Marine - 8 years ago

It is a bit overdue, that's for sure. :)

About Beginner's guide to launching a trailer boat

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