How To Back In Your Boat At A Boat Ramp
If you’re new to boating and looking to avoid a boat ramp disaster, then you’ve come to the right place!
There’s an art to backing a boat trailer down a boat ramp and into the water. Boat ramps are usually extremely busy places, with everyone rushing to get their boat into the water and get their day underway. The last thing that anyone wants is to look silly trying to back their boat trailer down the ramp with a dozen angry boaters all waiting.
Towing any trailer starts with the right trailer hitch. BulletProof Hitches offers you a versatile and practical adjustable trailer hitch that makes reversing any trailer a dream. In the following article, we’ll cover the basics of getting your boat into the water to avoid any mishaps at the boat ramp and make your next day on the water get off to the right start.
5 Tips for Reversing Your Boat Trailer
Before we jump right into the trailer reversing tips, it’s vital to have your boat ready before you hit the ramp. While you’re waiting for your turn at the ramp, make sure that all the tie-down straps are removed, the bungs are in, and the boat is ready to go. It’ll save you time on the ramp, and those waiting behind you will appreciate the extra effort to speed things up.
- Practice – They say that practice makes perfect, and they’re right! Head to your local parking lot when it’s empty and find yourself some parking spaces. Practice lining your trailer up between parking spaces. Learn how your trailer and boat will react when you steer, and remember that your boat will do the opposite of your car when you’re reversing.
- Line Up Straight – The first step in successfully reversing your boat at the boat ramp is lining up your vehicle straight. If you start crooked or with your wheels off track, then you’re already at a disadvantage. The key is to be lined up as straight as possible before you begin reversing. This means that you’ll be ready to make some minor adjustments but shouldn’t need to make any drastic course changes.
- Allow for the Slope – When you hit the ramp itself, the boat and trailer are going to drop away if the ramp is on a steep slope. You’re going to lose sight of the back of the trailer for a few seconds until the rear of your vehicle hits the slope. Ensure your mirrors are set up for this, and the trailer is positioned straight before you hit this transition, and you’ll be fine. Just take it slowly.
- Make Small Adjustments – Don’t snatch at the steering wheel if you notice that you’re drifting off track. Any adjustments should be small and slow. This will avoid you snaking your way down the boat ramp.
- Don’t Be Scared to Straighten Up – If you find yourself in a position that’s hard to recover from, move forward a little bit until you’re straight and try again.
Reversing any trailer starts with high-quality trailer hitches, components, and accessories. After that, it all comes down to practice, practice, and more practice! Learn to trust your mirrors and your instincts, and you’ll be reversing down that boat ramp like a professional in no time at all.
