We have been asked by a lot of people to produce a basic generic launch and recovery checklist. The below list is a good basic guide. Obviously your vessel may differ so don’t treat this list as conclusive, it’s just a guide to offer some basic help.
Before leaving home:
- Engine trimmed fully up
- Engine trailer lock in position
- Flag on engine
- Stern strop tightly secure to trailer
- Safety chain connected to boat trailer eye
- Electrics connected and trailer lights working
- Trailer safety chain connected to vehicle
- Any antennas lowered
- All loose items in boat removed or secured
Upon arriving at launch site:
- Remove stern strop
- Remove prop flag
- INSERT BUNG
- Remove engine trailer lock
- Rig appropriate fenders and lines
- Raise antennas and/or navigation lights
- Remove trailer light board if required
- Check hull for any road damage
- Allow 10 mins for wheel bearings to cool
- Only remove boat safety chain when trailer is in the water
Recovery:
- Raise engine before pulling trailer out of water
- Remove bung
- Ensure boat is level
- Flag on engine
- Stern strop attached
- Electrics are attached and trailer lights working
- Safety chain on boat and trailer attached
- Antennas/lights lowered
- All loose items removed or secured
- Engine trailer lock in position