One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is to make sure your motor will
start before removing the boat from the trailer (if depth allows). My
process is similar to many described on my 21' but before I unhook the bow
strap, I tilt the motor down and start it. That way if the motor doesn't
start, I can pull the boat back up on the trailer easily and get out of the
way. A lot easier than parking the truck, getting back to the boat and
finding out it's not going to start.

Some other tips:

I have a secondary safety cable on my bow in case the strap fails. I leave
this on until in the water just in case I forget to reset the winch -- the
boat will stop rather than dragging the winch strap out

Prepare as much as you can before entering the ramp.

Take your time but only do what you need to do without stalling and noone
should give you grief.

Be systematic about launching solo and you'll soon start doing things
without having to think twice. This takes a lot of the pressure off of solo
launching. I do so many things without thinking about it anymore, I often
get that "oh, did I leave the gas on?!" feeling.

If the dock is really busy with people standing about, ask them to help,
they are often willing to grab a line, help tie off, walk the boat down the
dock, etc.

Definitely pay attention to current and wind when solo. Use them to your
advantage. I'll often get in line for an advantage and let others go ahead
of me when I can't get it.


- Ray

"JimmyG" wrote in message
...
I"m really close to upgrading to a 17 ft G3 aluminum boat with a 60 HP
Yamaha from my 14 ft johnboat with 8 HP evinrude. I have not been
able to identify any devoted fishing buddies (yet), so I usually fish
alone. When launching and landing the boat, I seek out very small
ramps that are less crowded. Most of these don't have docks, so I
just drag my boat on the bank. I'm thinking that I'll have to start
using the deeper water ramps now and they are sure to be crowded. Any
advice for the solo launcher?

Thanks,

J