Boating for Dummies 101

[Big Block Power]

Nothing pisses your wench off more than stealing her crank!

But for real, this is a thing? I've lived here my whole life and never heard of people stealing winch handles...

Yep every time at the Chicago loop cruise it happens. I don't know that launch I think it's calumet? But yes very common. But those boaters that go to that launch remove the handles all summer long.

I stopped acknowledging Chicago as part of Illinois a long time ago. Not surprised that's a problem on the south side, they'll steal the gold fillings from your teeth if they had the chance.

That was prob the same time we stopped acknowledging IL as a state

[akorcovelos]

Yep every time at the Chicago loop cruise it happens. I don't know that launch I think it's calumet? But yes very common. But those boaters that go to that launch remove the handles all summer long.

I stopped acknowledging Chicago as part of Illinois a long time ago. Not surprised that's a problem on the south side, they'll steal the gold fillings from your teeth if they had the chance.

That was prob the same time we stopped acknowledging IL as a state

No argument here, I'm literally 100' from the WI boarder, I wish we could just be annexed into Trevor, lol.

[AsLan7]

But for real, this is a thing? I've lived here my whole life and never heard of people stealing winch handles...

.
Yup. Had one stolen about 10 years ago. Now I keep a spare.

.

[akorcovelos]

But for real, this is a thing? I've lived here my whole life and never heard of people stealing winch handles...

.
Yup. Had one stolen about 10 years ago. Now I keep a spare.

.

So is there a big winch handle black market out there? Anyone got a winch handle guy they’d recommend?

[Dudley67]

If so mark your wench with a marker so when she is retrieved later she will return to the exact spot.

My wife would kill me if I tried to use a marker on her...

[kas232ca]

Put the drain plug in before you leave home and double-check it at the launch.
Also never approach a dock faster then you want to hit it. Never yell at your wife while docking or backing up. Lol

Not sure about other states, but Arizona and Utah it is illegal to tow with the drain plug in due to the mussel infestation. I have an orange drain plug wrench I put on the truck dashboard on the way to the ramp.

Additionally, at the Utah and California fruit inspection stops, the first thing they look at is to make sure the plug is removed.

[Big Block Power]

Put the drain plug in before you leave home and double-check it at the launch.
Also never approach a dock faster then you want to hit it. Never yell at your wife while docking or backing up. Lol

Not sure about other states, but Arizona and Utah it is illegal to tow with the drain plug in due to the mussel infestation. I have an orange drain plug wrench I put on the truck dashboard on the way to the ramp.

Additionally, at the Utah and California fruit inspection stops, the first thing they look at is to make sure the plug is removed.

No plug rules here

[akorcovelos]

Put the drain plug in before you leave home and double-check it at the launch.
Also never approach a dock faster then you want to hit it. Never yell at your wife while docking or backing up. Lol

Not sure about other states, but Arizona and Utah it is illegal to tow with the drain plug in due to the mussel infestation. I have an orange drain plug wrench I put on the truck dashboard on the way to the ramp.

Additionally, at the Utah and California fruit inspection stops, the first thing they look at is to make sure the plug is removed.

No plug rules here

Same in IL, though Mrs. akor almost died when the boat she was on sank 2 miles off shore on Lake Michigan in 38* water because the "sailing instructor" she was friends with forgot to put the plug in. She quadruple checks the plug before we launch.

[TwoBurgers]

I wrote this for a friend re jet skis a few years ago. Applies to boats and mentions boat ramp behavior. Best to avoid busy days when you are new or take an experienced friend. Good luck!
Chris

Launching
before backing into the water (and getting in the ready-to-put-in line), remove cover, remove rear tie down straps, put a little slack in the trailer winch strap, put starting lanyard on left handlebar grip, place the needed life vests on the seat, attach a line to the PWC (as required for control of PWC), install two rear drainage plugs, start engine and let run for up to 15 seconds, back the trailer into the water until the trailer wheel fenders are just under water (or until rear of PWC begins to float), put truck in park and use safety brake, unclip the strap hook from the tow ring, slide the PWC off the trailer bunks, move PWC to secure location (sand area or tie it up clear of other traffic to allow parking), don't forget to load your wallet, truck keys and mobile phone into the glove box before departing.

Pulling Out
put the PWC in a close but safe location near the ramp while you retrieve the truck and trailer, get your truck keys out of the PWC glove box, open the rear gate of the truck so you can easily see to back the trailer, back the trailer into the water up to where the fenders are just under water, lengthen the winch strap, retrieve the PWC from where you left it, pull the PWC straight on to the trailer bunks (assuring that you do not drag the hull over the metal parts of the trailer including the turn signals), connect the winch strap hook to the tow ring, assure the PWC is centered on the trailer, engage the winch crank directional lock, rotate the winch clockwise until the tow hook is snuggly touching the rubber pad. Get in the truck and slowly pull the trailer out of the water to an area where you can further prepare the PWC for travel. Start the PWC and rev the motor up to 4000 RPM (no more than 15 seconds) to blow remaining water out of the exhaust, loosen/open the rear drainage plugs, install the tie down straps(s) and secure tightly, I like to wipe down the PWC before putting the cover back on, remove the lanyard and place in the glove box, put the life vests in the truck, assure the trailer lights are working correctly, check the front and rear straps for tightness, correctly install the cover and hit the road knowing you and your PWC will arrive happily together.

Note about boat ramps. Boat ramps are places where people are usually in a rush to put in and start their day, or in a rush to pull out and get on the road so they can reach their destination as soon as possible. Much like cars, someone's beat up and barely running Bayliner can easily scratch your new six figure ski boat is one instant. The better to be safe than sorry rule applies if you care about your equipment. That being said, experienced boaters can get frustrated with those that are inexperienced, and those that are inexperienced usually struggle and hold everyone else up - at a minimum. Add in spouses, girlfriends, children, alcohol and that boats do not always perform as we would like, and the boat ramp is a perfect storm for frustration and sometimes aggression. Add a lightning storm blowing in to the mix and all bets are off, as people's sense of urgency overrides any good sense they may have once had. Every ramp has a protocol, and it is helpful to follow the tried and true process that the regulars use. If you don't know, just ask someone. A good rule is to offer help to someone that does not appear to know what they are doing, as we all had to learn at some point.

Chris Burger

[Krob1114]

Boating for dummies:

Find a marina that has dry storage and have them put the boat in the water for you, then take it out.
Wife never has a chance to get mad.

[AsLan7]

I wrote this for a friend re jet skis a few years ago. Applies to boats and mentions boat ramp behavior. Best to avoid busy days when you are new or take an experienced friend. Good luck!
Chris

Launching
before backing into the water (and getting in the ready-to-put-in line), remove cover, remove rear tie down straps, put a little slack in the trailer winch strap, put starting lanyard on left handlebar grip, place the needed life vests on the seat, attach a line to the PWC (as required for control of PWC), install two rear drainage plugs, start engine and let run for up to 15 seconds, back the trailer into the water until the trailer wheel fenders are just under water (or until rear of PWC begins to float), put truck in park and use safety brake, unclip the strap hook from the tow ring, slide the PWC off the trailer bunks, move PWC to secure location (sand area or tie it up clear of other traffic to allow parking), don't forget to load your wallet, truck keys and mobile phone into the glove box before departing.

Pulling Out
put the PWC in a close but safe location near the ramp while you retrieve the truck and trailer, get your truck keys out of the PWC glove box, open the rear gate of the truck so you can easily see to back the trailer, back the trailer into the water up to where the fenders are just under water, lengthen the winch strap, retrieve the PWC from where you left it, pull the PWC straight on to the trailer bunks (assuring that you do not drag the hull over the metal parts of the trailer including the turn signals), connect the winch strap hook to the tow ring, assure the PWC is centered on the trailer, engage the winch crank directional lock, rotate the winch clockwise until the tow hook is snuggly touching the rubber pad. Get in the truck and slowly pull the trailer out of the water to an area where you can further prepare the PWC for travel. Start the PWC and rev the motor up to 4000 RPM (no more than 15 seconds) to blow remaining water out of the exhaust, loosen/open the rear drainage plugs, install the tie down straps(s) and secure tightly, I like to wipe down the PWC before putting the cover back on, remove the lanyard and place in the glove box, put the life vests in the truck, assure the trailer lights are working correctly, check the front and rear straps for tightness, correctly install the cover and hit the road knowing you and your PWC will arrive happily together.

Note about boat ramps. Boat ramps are places where people are usually in a rush to put in and start their day, or in a rush to pull out and get on the road so they can reach their destination as soon as possible. Much like cars, someone's beat up and barely running Bayliner can easily scratch your new six figure ski boat is one instant. The better to be safe than sorry rule applies if you care about your equipment. That being said, experienced boaters can get frustrated with those that are inexperienced, and those that are inexperienced usually struggle and hold everyone else up - at a minimum. Add in spouses, girlfriends, children, alcohol and that boats do not always perform as we would like, and the boat ramp is a perfect storm for frustration and sometimes aggression. Add a lightning storm blowing in to the mix and all bets are off, as people's sense of urgency overrides any good sense they may have once had. Every ramp has a protocol, and it is helpful to follow the tried and true process that the regulars use. If you don't know, just ask someone. A good rule is to offer help to someone that does not appear to know what they are doing, as we all had to learn at some point.

Chris Burger

.
Hey nice post Chris. The only thing I’d change is to make the drain plug a priority by moving it up to the number one or number two position in your launch checklist. It’s too easy to get distracted and miss it. We get out of the car and immediately put it in at the prep area.

Btw, nice job using winch and not wench.



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[Krob1114]

Just checking in.....couldn't help opening as Dummies or 101 anything.

[thunder550]

As for the drain plug, I like to put a visual reminder like a velcro strap or similar on the steering wheel when it's out. Strap goes on wheel first, then plug comes out. Then when in the boat prep lane, plug goes in, then strap comes off. That way if you follow your rules, the plug will never be out without your visual reminder being in place. Wife and I both know what it means and we always drive the boat off the trailer, so if someone gets into the captains chair and the strap is still on the wheel we know there's a problem.

Adopted that after having to jump in 55 degree water to install the plug once...I was launching solo, pulled the boat over to the dock and tied up, parked the trailer and came back down. Saw the boat sitting low from the top of the ramp and knew immediately I had forgotten. Probably had a foot of water in the bilge, glad I wasn't gone longer.

[dustinm]

Nothing pisses your wench off more than stealing her crank!

But for real, this is a thing? I've lived here my whole life and never heard of people stealing winch handles...

Yep every time at the Chicago loop cruise it happens. I don't know that launch I think it's calumet? But yes very common. But those boaters that go to that launch remove the handles all summer long.

I stopped acknowledging Chicago as part of Illinois a long time ago. Not surprised that's a problem on the south side, they'll steal the gold fillings from your teeth if they had the chance.

No kidding just watch shameless.


my 2 cents
The plug - make sure its in

Marry a farm girl, most can back a trailer or operate the boat - I didnt and suffer the consequences every trip.

LOL at the dock yelling, we refrain but sometimes the looks can kill...