Nothing takes the place of preparation and experience when it comes to launching a boat. Perhaps the following guidelines will help anglers get off to a good start.

Before leaving home be sure...

• Wheel lug nuts are snug;

• Trailer is securely tightened to the hitch ball and the safety lock is installed;

• Safety chains are attached with enough slack, but not dragging, when the car is loaded;

• Electrical system is hooked up and working properly;

• Side view mirrors are positioned correctly for maximum visibility on both sides of the car;

• Boat is resting securely and positioned properly on the trailer rollers, pads, or skids;

• Tie-downs are tight;

• Winch is locked and the line/cable is not frayed.

At the launch site...

• Watch and talk to others at the launching site. Note any hazardous conditions such as strong winds, currents, slippery ramp, and so forth;

• Allow the trailer wheel bearings to cool for 15 minutes. Hot bearings in cold water will create a partial vacuum and suck water into the bearings;

• Disconnect the electrical system, remove tie-downs, check to see that the transom drain plug is in, and that the outboard motor is securely attached. Then, load your gear into the boat;

• Tilt the motor up;

• One person on the ramp should hold a line secured to the boat (two lines are even better, attached to the bow and the stern). With the person guiding from the water's edge, back straight down to the water. Unhook the winch line. Go only as far back as necessary so the boat begins to float, or can be easily pushed of, or the trailer tilts;

• Don't get the tow vehicle's drive wheels in the water because ramps may be quite slippery;

• Remember to go slow. When the car's steering wheel is turned to the right, the stern of the boat will go to the left and vice versa;

• Try not to make any severe turns. It's best to line the boat up for a straight shot to the water. If you can't back straight, plan the approach so the boat is visible in the car's left side mirror;

• Move the vehicle and trailer immediately from the ramp area so others can launch;

• And, for goodness sake, be courteous and helpful to others when at a ramp.