Bass Fishing Forum

when you buy a bass boat, does the dealership give you a tutorial on how to launch it?  or is it "go with God..."

my younger brother bought one, and he just seemed to know how deep to put the trailer to get the boat to "just start to float".

trail and error?  all the ancillary stuff, you just figure out?

I bought a 2023 Toyota Tacoma last year.  some buyer's remorse thinking I should have gotten a full-sized rig just in case my wife utters the words, "maybe you need a boat"

just thinking and questioning out loud.

"Go with God." The dealership will do a walk through with you at the time of pick up.

 Maybe if the dealership is on or very near a body of water, you can schedule a water test. But I have never experienced that.

 Take full advantage of the walk through! Take careful  notes, and if anything looks wrong, or it is wrong. The dealer will correct it.

As far as your tow vehicle is concerned. Your taco should be able to handle towing. Especially lighter bass boats. Hopefully, you have a 4x4. That will help you a lot at bad ramps.

Good luck with the purchase.  Sometimes the marine dealership will do a real good walk around with the customer.  Take notes because your not going to remember everything they tell you.  Read the owners manual from front to back especial the outboard engine Break In Information.  Screw up the break in on the engine and it might void your warranty.

Learning to launch and reloading the trailer is ALL ON YOU.  When I first got my boat I went down to the church parking lot and practiced backing up into the parking slots.  Once you got the backing down head on down to the nearest boat ramp.  If at all possible do this DURING THE WEEK when there's not a bunch of people trying to launch.

There's nothing more frustrating than being rushed into launching.  Launching the trailer with the boat on is pretty simple once you figure it out.  Backing an EMPTY BOAT TRAILER is different than with the boat on it.  You need to learn to back the trailer down using your SIDE MIRRORS.

Another thing when launching your boat no matter what type it is DON'T FORGET TO undo the transom tie down traps.  The boat won't float off the trailer if its still connected to the trailer.  We've all done this one time or another.  Safety tip here don't unfasten the bow strap until the trailer axle wheels are in the water.  You can undo the safety chain but leave the bow strap connected.  Reason being there have been times when a boat has slid of the trailer onto the hard ramp.

Reloading the boat onto the trailer takes some skill and luck.  Each trailer has a SWEET SPOT > how far to back the trailer into the water <.  My Stratos Trailer I only need to back the trailer down to where the Wheel Wells are 1/2 way under water.  On my G3 trailer I have to completely cover the axle. This takes a lot of practice. 

There's lots to learn about putting the boat back on the trailer so don't get frustrated with learning this.  Every boat ramp is different etc. weather plays a big part in this also.  Clear slick calm days usually there's no issues loading.  Pouring down rain, thunder, lighting and high winds with 4 (+) waves makes a real challenge.

Best wishes and if you have any other questions just get on here UltimateBass and we'll find an answer for ya.   

Your Tacoma should tow just fine. If it's not a 4X4 you might consider putting two or three hundred pounds in the back for steep ramps.

Take a couple trips with a buddy who's willing to show you the ropes, maybe let you drive a little. Maybe you can find a UB member nearby who's willing. You might also find a dealer who's willing to take you out for a lesson if you commit on a boat.

"Go with God" or "Trial by fire" but DON'T forget the drain plug!

Tiller Mafia.

Quote from: topdsm0138 on October 07, 2024, 12:56:25 PM"Go with God" or "Trial by fire" but DON'T forget the drain plug!

Tiller Mafia.

Lol!! On the drain plug. Been there!

I can back a trailer very well.  Even a tiny one.

Hope you get the go ahead!  Maybe the first time or two, take a buddy that is an experienced boat operator.  Getting off the trailer is easy. Back up until it flaots off. Putting it back on is different. As was said, most rigs have a sweet spot. Many people back the trailer in too far.  I like to start with the center bunks about 75-80% into the water. That allows the boat to center itself before you push it up. Aluminum boats with flatter bottom hulls are more challenging. How steep the ramp is makes a difference too.  Good luck!

this sounds like your wife in concerned and wants you to get a boat -- do it  lo

great advice!! biggest thing is be patient.  it is your very expensive piece of fiberglass, no one is judging you, and if they are they should have gotten off their butt and offered to help. 

definitely check the plug, get the straps, take the transom support off and dont unhook the strap until you are in the water as has been mentioned. 

We've all done it.  patience and a routine are important.  if you dont deviate you wont mess up. 

so............ what boats are you looking at  ~roflmao

One of my dealers gives you a full water test demo to go over the boat and get you acquainted. I guess it depends on what a dealer is willing to do in your area. A good question to ask while looking at the boat.

My Tacoma towed my 17 Basscat fine..I had trouble from time to time at sand ramps and wished that I had 4wd.

my mom bought us a very old janky boat when i was 17.  i towed it with a 1971 Bronco, with the stick on the TREE!!  3 on the tree!

my first launch was a shore launch.  not a lot of boat ramps at Elephant Butte lake in NM.  it started taking on water immediately.  guy next to me asked, "did you put the drain plug in?'

"what drain plug?"

hahahha..i got that lessone behind me early.  hahahah.

I sold these things for a lot of years. Some customers had plenty of experience (doesn't mean they knew anything...) I've been known to spend HOURS on a delivery. I even did guide trips for customers as soon as we could after delivery. A whole day on the water can teach you a bunch.

Dale