A boat ramp makes getting in and out of the water as easy as possible. But, you’ll also need to worry about transporting your boat or PWC to and from the ramp itself. This doesn’t have to be nearly as complicated as you’d expect.
Taking the right steps should be more than enough to help with this, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t make it a breeze.
Why Proper Transport Matters
Transporting your boat properly is part of being a responsible boat owner, and it protects your boat from a wide range of damage. These range from small scratches to cracked hulls. You could even risk hurting yourself or others if something goes wrong.
And, your boat would’ve been a significant investment; it’s worth protecting, even when you’re just going to and from your boat ramp.
Transporting a Boat: Steps to Take
1. Know Your Boat’s Weight & Size
Before you try to transport your body, you’ll need to know its exact weight, length and beam width, and the hull type. These have a significant impact on multiple areas:
- Trailer Capacity
- Dolly Type
- Winch Rating
- Tire Requirements
Some trailers and dollies can only accommodate specific types of boats or hulls, for example. Then there’s the fact every type of trailer (and any vehicle you use to pull it) can handle up to a maximum weight.
The same can be said for winches and similar essentials. Never exceed the maximum, as it could lead to damage to your essentials and your boat.
2. Pick the Right Transport Method
Next, you’ll need to figure out which transport method you should go for. You’ll have several options for this:
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Trailer - This is the most common option to go for, and it’s best used for boats stored in garages or sheds, longer backyard runs, and getting over uneven terrain. A properly-sized trailer with inflated tires distributes the weight evenly and helps prevent damage.
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Boat Dolly or Launching Wheels - These are best used for PWCs, small fishing boats, and lightweight boats. They tend to be better for shorter, flatter routes between the shoreline and where you store your boat. These should have rust-resistant frames and adjustable bunks to make them durable and easy-to-use.
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Pontoon Transport Systems - Pontoons need more specialty support because of how they distribute weight across two or three tube systems. Use pontoon-specific trailers, evenly spaced bunks, and multi-point support dollies if you’re using pontoons. And, avoid lifting from just one tube to avoid any damage.
Each of these offer their pros and cons, and one could be a standout depending on your specific needs. Go with whichever one’s best for your situation.
3. Prepare the Pathway
The transport path matters just as much as what you’re using, and it can even have an impact on which kind of transport you can use. But, this doesn’t always mean leaving the path as-is. You could take a few steps to make it easier to transport over.
These include removing:
- Rocks
- Yard Debris
- Low Branches
- Any Other Hurdles or Barriers
Even a relatively small obstacle could cause the weight in a trailer, for example, to shift, which can then risk damaging your boat. Keep it as clear as possible.
Don’t forget to check for slopes, uneven terrain, how hard or soft the ground is, and similar factors. These can all affect how easy it is to navigate the pathway, and you might need to make slight adjustments to make sure everything’s straightforward.
Soft soil could risk your trailer sinking, for example, so you could put down some boards to pull the trailer along without an issue.
4. Secure the Boat Properly
Once the pathway’s taken care of, it’s time to secure your boat before moving it. This doesn’t have to take too long. Before moving:
- Remove the drain plug if coming out of water
- That you’ve removed or secured the gear
- Bimini tops are collapsed and strapped
- Loose items are properly secured
These are all the basics of securing your boat properly. But, you should also make sure you:
- Tighten the winch strap
- Attach the safety chain
- Use stern tie-down straps
No matter how short of a distance you’re moving your boat, make sure everything’s properly secure. You wouldn’t want to risk a lot of damage.
Moving a PWC/Jet Ski
PWCs and jet skis need a slightly different approach than a boat. While they seem easier because they’re lightweight and smaller, you still need to take the right approach. On a boat ramp, this includes:
- Centering the craft on the trailer or dolly
- Winching it slowly and evenly
- Making sure the bow eye is tight against the stop
Then there are short-distance yard moves and similar moves. For these:
- Keeping it level to avoid oil shift in engines
- Using the wheels instead of dragging
- Moving slowly over uneven terrain
These should make sure there isn’t any damage to your PWC, trailer, or dolly.
Moving a Fishing Boat or Small Runabout
Small runabouts and fishing boats shouldn’t be too hard to transport, but they’re more of a two-person job, at least. For a smooth transport, you should have one person guide at the bow while the other manages pushing and vehicle control. Move slowly and communicate properly for this. If you’re using a vehicle, try to keep your speed to under 5mph.
Transporting a Pontoon
Pontoons often feel overwhelming to transport to a pontoon boat ramp, since they’re usually wide, long, and heavy. The right system makes it relatively straightforward, though. Keeping a few considerations in mind helps with this:
- Make sure the trailer bunk aligns evenly under both tubes
- Avoid twisting the frame when turning
- Move in straight lines as much as you can
You’ll still have to put the time and effort into it, but these should help make sure transporting a pontoon goes as smoothly as possible.
Wrapping it Up
As easy as a boat ramp makes getting in and out of the water, you’ll need to worry about getting your PWC to and from the boat ramp itself. With the right steps and a bit of preparation, it’ll be more manageable than you would’ve thought.