Bad luck in Roseville

[locodave]

Hopefully it wasnt a raider. Was at roseville boat ramp on saturday when an alloy boat was sitting on the trailer after much effort. I sat next to the guy that helped them put it on the trailer. From what he told me the boys had taken out their new boat and forgot to put the bungs in. By the time they realised and headed back the motor was submerged at the ramp.

Anyone know them? Wonder how the motor would be.

[pod]

Hi all, I am also new to boating and would like to know if anyone has a quick checklist of things to check before launching etc?

I know someone that had ear plugs in their motor and drove around all day and only noticed it at the end of the day...

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

[locodave]

Hi mate,

I think there is a post with a check list or common things people forget. For me it's all about getting into a routine.

I'll add mine below:

Walk around boat first:

Make sure outboard is trimmed up

Nothing hanging out of boat

Straps are on

Oil in the boat (if 2 stroke)

Everything is secured

I leave boat keys inside boat so I don't forget

Hook it onto trailer.

Make sure it's sitting on towball right

Safety chaines on

Light plug in

Padlock in coupling

Check brakes on trailer etc

Drive boat out a few metres and then I hook up the hose to the motor and fire it up. Make sure everything is working. Lights etc

I then load the boat with all my gear. Once that is done I do another lap around the boat and the trailer and check the coupling. Make sure safety chain is on boat and winch is on tight.

At the ramp:

But bungs on, I tighten them with pliers. Not over tight.

Remove straps

Tilt motor up so doesn't scrape the ramp

Squeeze fuel pump if you have to

Make sure boat keys are in the ignition

Everything secured inside the boat

Aerial goes up

Check where you are launching boat first

Reverse boat down ramp

Lower engine trim

Fire motor and I let it warm up a bit before I take off.

Remove safety chain

Then un winch the boat

Away you go!

They are my steps!

[pod]

many thanks loco for your informative check-list, very detailed.

you just have a padlock in coupling for the trailer at the boatramp and at home? I was thinking of getting a klamp-it so just wondering what other security/safety things you have to secure your trailer and boat?

cheers,

[locodave]

Yea i have 3.

Have the padlock through the coupling

One around the tow ball and trailer (when parked)

Clamp on the trailer wheel.

[locodave]

I also carry a set of chocks with me and tools. You never know! Chocks are very handy. I have the folding ones.