Just bought my first boat and need help launching it. Most of the people I know that have boating experience do not live close to me. I live fairly close to Lake Conroe, so I plan to launch there a few times to get familiar with backing down the boat ramp, etc. Does anyone know of any boating classes that assist you with launching a boat?

BTW - I did launch the boat once with the assistance of the person I bought it from, so I am familiar witht the concepts & mechanics.

Jimster,
Go to a large shopping center parking lot, practice backing into the marked slots, it sure helps, then study all the get ready things to do.

The other thing is until you get a handle launching, try to stay away from the ramp during "high pressure" times.

Sometimes it can be like the first tee in golf when alot of people are waiting to play, everyone is in hurry mode and I have seen many mistakes made.

Better to be able to take your time until you are really comfortable, oh and always have some kind of routine to make sure you have the plug in. )

Rick

What Hooker said-
and remember what shleprock said--ALWAYS put the drain plug in---
unloading the boat is the easier part- loading is another thing- practicing both works wonders- when you unload, look at where your fenders are in the water, when the back of the boat floats off the trailer, then only back the trailer in to that point,and drive the boat on the trailer..

put the drain plug in---lol

Get plenty of practice on calm days before you attempt it in the wind---especially a cross wind.

Do not listen to idiots telling you to hurry up. Take you time. When you rush you forget things. But also do like Hooker said go to a parking lot and practice backing it up.