How to Load a Powerboat on a Trailer
Outdoor Life

How to Load a Powerboat on a Trailer

Whether you spent the day water skiing, fishing, riding your personal water craft, or just out cruising, the stress you relieved on the water can quickly return when it comes time to put the boat on the trailer. With a little practice, you will know how to load a powerboat on a trailer and this part of your boating experience can be quick and painless.

Method 1 of 2: Before You Go Boating

  1. Practice backing the trailer. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 1.jpgBacking boat trailers is essential to the powerboat loading process. The biggest key is to go slowly, which can be difficult when many other boaters are waiting to use the ramp. For this reason, it makes sense to practice somewhere else. Take your trailer (with or without the boat) to an empty parking lot and practice backing until you are comfortable.
  2. Ask questions. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 2.jpgYour relationship with your boat dealer shouldn’t end when you drive off the lot. Ask for specific tips about loading your powerboat.

Method 2 of 2: At the Boat Ramp

  1. Back the trailer slowly onto the ramp. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 3.jpgIf possible, have a helper ensure you are centered on the ramp and backing straight.
  2. Stop when the wheels are almost completely covered by water. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 4.jpgThe precise position depends on your boat, but this is a good starting point.
  3. Put the car in park and set the emergency brake.Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 5.jpg
  4. While piloting the boat, on the final approach to the trailer, pay special attention to wind, currents and waves that can easily pull your boat off course and into a collision course with another boat or dock. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 6.jpgAnticipate the direction of these forces and steer into them to offset their effects on the direction that your boat will travel with the idea towards landing squarely between the rails of your trailer.
  5. Pilot the boat slowly towards the trailer, alternating between a slow idle, neutral and reverse if necessary.Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 7.jpg
  6. Drive the boat onto the trailer until it is close enough to attach the winch hook to the handle on the bow of the boat. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 8.jpgDrivers who are inexperienced at powerboat loading tend not to give the boat enough gas when driving onto a trailer. Don’t be afraid to drive what feels to be a little too fast.
  7. Attach the winch hook to the handle. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 9.jpgWorking as a team, the powerboat driver should slowly drive the boat forward while the assistant cranks the winch.
  8. Stop when the bow of the boat is touching the winch.Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 10.jpg
  9. Secure the boat to the trailer. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 11.jpgYou will make sure your boat is safely attached to the trailer with different clips and straps depending on the make and model of both your boat and your trailer. Be sure to check your boat owner’s manual to be sure you are attaching the boat to the trailer correctly.
  10. Take out the drain plug. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 12.jpgThe drain plug at the stern of the boat needs to be in when you are in the water, but excess water will drain out of the boat if you remove the plug before you drive away.
  11. Very slowly drive the tow vehicle with trailer and boat forward and out of the water. Load a Powerboat on a Trailer Step 13.jpgBoat ramps can be slippery with moss and algae and it is important to not let the vehicle’s tires spin. If your tow vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive, this can be useful if your back tires start spinning.