Since I am a new boat owner I was wandering if you guys wouldn't mind sharing some safty tips on Launching and Loading?? I heard that when backing up to the ramp you put the truck in neutral and ease it on down. Is that correct? Any tips will be a big help, Thanks.

Some folks put it in neutral but not sure thats a big deal when it comes to safety or not. Biggest thing is be prepared to launch before your turn. Don't get into a big rush either if you feel pressure because you'll make a mistake, but mistakes can be avoided by being ready to lauch when its your turn.

Stop in a spot away from the ramp. Put in plug, remove transom straps etc...that way all you have to do is back into the water and do your thing. Can be in and out pretty quick after a few trips.

First few times out it might be wise to take a partner especially if they have boating experience. If nothing else they would be able to pull out after you get launched so you don't have to dock and go do it.

You're supposed to put the tow vehicle in neutral, yes. I wonder how many actually do.
I know I don't.

If it's dark, or near dark, turn your headlights off if you can. Just use your parking break lights so people can see your vehicle. That way, you aren't blinding the next guy trying to back down the ramp. Probably boaters biggest pet peave when it comes to loading and unloading your boat.

Oh..and go as fast as you can and try not to tie up the dock.

+1 and be SURE to put it in park BEFORE you exit the vehicle!

You sure came to the right place to ask this question. I'll start the ball rolling by offering these tips: Safety has a lot to do with establishing a pre-launch routine and following it every time. First thing is thinking about everything you need to do to prepare to launch. My routine goes like this. Bow- hook up my launch rope by hooking to bow eye and trailer winch post. I do the launch rope thing because I launch by myself. Load equipment, coolers, all you plan to take in the boat. Stern- remove hold-downs and transom saver, be sure motor is tilted up. Be sure drain plug is in securely. Do all this well away from launch ramp. You don't want to p-off others waiting behind you. Also, you don't want the pressure of having others waiting and maybe forget to do something. After you complete your pre-launch routine, go ahead to the ramp and back trailer down to the water, with hitch/winch still on dry land. Unhook winch strap from bow eye. Back on in and float boat of trailer. If some is helping, they should be in the boat and ready to back up and go tie up while you go park the tow vehicle/trailer. Lock up and go fishing.

No mater what happens. Good,Bad or nothing. STAY CALMMMMM. One bad move leds to another if you git Up Set.

On your first couple of trips try and go to a lightly used ramp or not during prime time. This will help keep you from getting rushed which is when a lot of mistakes are made. Be sure plug is in, transom straps are removed and transom saver is removed ( all of which are mistakes that I have made, and though it can be humorous to onlookers they can be rather embarrassing). Back the trailer far enough in so that the back of the boat barely starts to float off of the trailer. Put vehicle in park and set the parking brake. Be sure and tilt the motor into the water before hitting the key ( another thing I've done numerous times). When loading be sure and ease it onto the trailer, remember these things don't have brakes. Hook up bow strap and raise motor before trying to pull boat and trailer out of the water. Don't forget to use the kill switch lanyard and life jackets. Be safe and have fun.

Always set your emergency brake before you get out of the truck, on the ramp.

One other thing i might add, if you have a ramp around your house that is free, go practice backing down, and practice trying to keep your boat to one side or the other on the ramp, this well help you on tight one lane ramps, as well as help you to learn not to block the whole ramp while trying to load or unload.

Hope this helps.

I launch by my self alot also and do my routine before the ramp as stated above, but for me I leave my boat strapped to the winch until I have the motor going, It is pretty easy to unhook it. The last thing I want is to have the boat floating away and it not start. once it is started I unstrap and get to the dock quickly so I can get the truck out of the way quickly.

I overlooked part of your question- loading. This is almost a mirrow image of launching, in reverse order in other words. First back trailer into water. It will take a little experimenting to find the best "depth" so the boat goes on straight and up to the winch. Drive boat onto trailer. Hook up hinch strap, crank boat up snug, lock the winch. Drive out and go on away from the ramp to put on tie downs, transom saver, unload stuff from boat, pull plug if necessary to drain water from hull. I look for a shady spot and you can take your time if you want to. No one will be waiting on you. Don't forget to use your emergncy brake and put trans in park while on the ramp.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE in a empty parking lot before you head to the lake on a busy summer weekend. make sure plug is in,straps are off,SET EMERGENCY BRAKE, be calm. the more you hurry the more you screw up, just take it easy

Seriously though, I launch by myself 99% of the time and in addition to the pre-launch routine you'll develope to suit yourself, what saves me time (and dirty looks from those with no patience)is I hold a long rope in my left hand and lightly "pop" the boat off the trailer, PUT IT IN PARK and quickly get out to either beach the boat to the side of the ramp or tie it to the pier. Works for me and I am able to get the trailer out of the way quicker.

I have glide sticks on my trailer, makes unloading and loading very easy. I am generally doing it alone since I take kids with me alot. Makes it easy to back off trailer without completely floating the boat. Be sure to not unhook the bow eye till you are ready to unload the boat, watched a guy at Texoma launch his boat on the Highport ramp, ugly sound the skeg going across the ramp. I definitely won't unhook with the glide sticks, boat comes off too easy. Turning off headlights is great in the dark, I can't stand it when I'm blinded by someone and can't see the other ramps to back down. Like everyone else said, have your boat completely loaded before you get on the ramp and unload away from the ramp. I keep extra plug and keys in the boat too. Also it's a good idea to have jumper cables or even better a power boost starter. I also keep a wire cutter/stripper, wire, and connectors for electrical problems and electrical tape. I also keep extra oil in the boat in case I forget, I try not to use it so it will be there just in case. Also keep a cheap tool kit onboard, boat vibrates alot and things seem to come loose, battery cables, etc..... Also keep a long rope in case you need a tow, I've gut unlimited towing with Boat US membership and of course you will need your cell phone!!

Thanks!

One other thing to add to all the above. Upon loading your boat, make sure to trim the motor up before you pull out !!!