question about boat launches at Tournaments.

[Backlash Black Belt]

I fish out of a kayak, but I have a friend with a BassBoat. I often asks him why we don't do a fun tournament together. maybe a windy-wednesday thing.

his answer kinda shocks me. he hates and is NOT good at backing up his boat trailer. he actually never does, since he parks/stores his boat at a Delta Marina that puts the boat into the water for him. they will however put his boat onto his trailer if requested.

I am fairly proficient, but I could picture myself with a case of "stage-fright". hahah..it has been a minute.

is launching at a tournament a fast thing? everyone smoothly launching boats and moving off with zero fanfare? asking for a friend..truly..for him.

I would hate to be "that guy".

[JakeV77]

Good question. Launching at tournaments you see guys at different trailer skill levels. I have never done the Wednesday nights but that parking lot does tend to get pretty crowded and things can get tight. Some things to remember when backing up a trailer (especially if it’s been a while): go slow, small steering adjustment are usually best instead of constantly overcorrecting. Remember the usual boat launching procedures, plug in, back straps off. I don’t take my front strap off until I am at the water edge. If launching in the
dark morning or pulling out in the evening or at night, put your lights on low beams or turn them off as to not blind the other guys trying to back up. If you foresee issues with launching you can always get there early, before the crowds and be one of the first in the water. Hope some of this helps, maybe some others can chime in with things I may have missed.

[mark poulson]

Just go slow, and don't be afraid to pull ahead and start again.
We all learned how at one time or another.

[tunaman]

ALWAYS pull far enough up the ramp to square the vehicle and trailer before backing down.

Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel when backing - that way you can turn it in the same direction you wish to turn.

NEVER try to save it… best to always pull forward a couple of times to square, if necessary.

[Kevo]

All guys that fish Windy Wednesday is a bunch of cool cats. Everyone is welcoming especially host Richard/Gerry. Don’t worry for being that guy when launching, you are only taking up 1 of 6 slots few minutes longer than usual. There is still 5 slots for those that are hurry. I fished Windy Wednesday entire season last year and I don’t recall anyone was in a hurry. Don’t let not being efficient from launching for joining a very friendly and fun tournament. Practice in a real event will make you more proficient.

[TonyM]

Anyone who owns a boat should probably take a few minutes and learn how to back a trailer. Might be a good idea for him to find an uncrowded parking lot somewhere and practice. Would probably serve him well moving forward. The Delta is cool, but there’s also lots of cool fisheries he could experience within a short distance.

[Will C]

All good stuff. Another added help if you are paired up get the other person to step out and be the backer. Stand on drivers side/port side of rig and walk alongside the trailer at the rear corner. Sometimes trailer screws drop off and such can be seen before running over them. Not so much at the 6 lane ramp but the foothill lakes water levels vary in the spring. Lots of things drift in at the ramp as water rises of is falling. Shallow limbs, old tire rims, cables and etc...

[Addicted Fisherman]

I learned how to really launch a boat, and launch etiquette, in my local bass club as a non-boater. You launch with different people all the time. At first, they start you close to the water, and let you drop them in and park. I never owned a boat, so I also learned from a mentor how to put the boat on the trailer and run a boat from him. When I bought my own boat, I had a lot of valuable experience from the club.