How to launch a boat at a ramp

Launching gets easy with practice. The trick is to do all your prep away from the ramp, so your time on the ramp itself is a couple of minutes.

Before you leave home

Check the wind forecast and any advisories for the lake. Every lake page on this site shows both.
Make sure the drain plug is with you, and that the battery is charged.
Pack life jackets for everyone on board, a throwable flotation device, and anything else your state requires. The state box on each lake page links to your state's rules.
Bring at least one bow line and one stern line, plus fenders if you will tie up to a dock.

In the staging area (not on the ramp)

Pull into the staging or prep lane, or a parking spot out of the way of the ramp.
Put the drain plug in. This is the most common launch mistake. Check it twice.
Load your gear into the boat: coolers, rods, life jackets, keys.
Remove the transom straps at the back of the boat. Leave the winch strap and safety chain on the bow for now.
Disconnect the trailer lights if your trailer is not built for submersion, so hot bulbs don't crack in cold water.
Tie a line to the bow cleat so you can hold the boat once it floats off.
Tilt the motor up so it can't hit the ramp.

On the ramp

Wait your turn and pull forward to line up with the lane.
Back down slowly until the trailer fenders are just under water, or until the boat starts to float. See our trailer backing guide if this part makes you nervous.
Set the parking brake and put the vehicle in park. Leave the engine running.
Unhook the winch strap and safety chain while someone holds the bow line.
Push or float the boat off. A helper walks it to the courtesy dock. If you are alone, you can idle it off the trailer, then tie up.
Pull the empty trailer out and park it in a trailer spot.

After the launch

Lower the motor, start it, and let it idle for a minute while you check that water is coming out of the tell-tale stream. Clear the dock area quickly so the next boater can use it.

Common mistakes

Forgetting the drain plug.
Prepping on the ramp while others wait.
Backing in too deep, which can float the trailer or flood the exhaust.
Unhooking the winch strap before the trailer is in the water.