I've never unhooked lights for a launch/retrieve. Only ever had a problem if the lenses on the trailer are leaking, which has typically manifested itself in a rainy tow beforehand.
Here's what the wife and I do for nearly every launch. She's in the boat, I'm in the truck.
Start by getting ready AWAY from the ramp. Find the far end of the parking lot, or similar place where you can take your time, aren't rushed, and aren't holding anyone up. Here's what happens "pre-launch"
- Him:
- Uncover boat and stow under truck bed cover
- remove straps
- check/install plugs (19 ft boats have two)
- Check/Install cleanout plug
- Deploy Bimini - Stow cover
- Turn on Battery
- Assist with loading "stuff" into bow area(coolers, bags, snacks, children, etc)
- Her:
- Get one boy in the boat and vest on
- Turn on blower
- Turn on Bilge
- Get "stuff" stowed in appropriate locations
Now we have one boy in the boat, and one boy in the truck. I drive us down to the launch ramp and back the boat in. Still haven't touched the safety chain, or the winch at this point. I back her and the boat into the water and do the following.
- Him
- Back into the water until fenders are just under surface
- Set parking brake
- Put truck in Neutral to check parking brake is holding, if so, move to park
- Hop out and LEAVE DOOR OPEN with engine running (leaving door open allows fast access should the truck begin to head towards water, been there done that)
- Proceed to back of truck to undo winch and safety chain (once engine is verified started and running)
- Release winch and let boat float off trailer (might have to power off depending on # of people and gear aboard
- Her
- While backing have short safety talk with crew. She's the captain, sit down, shut up, and be calm until we're away from docks.
- General "look around" for situational awareness
- Once in the water start engines
- Once winch and chain removed back off trailer and proceed to waiting area
- begin sunscreen application on the little ones and self while waiting
- Turn off Blower
Now she's in the water and I'm on land. So I go park the truck and bring the smaller boy down with me. She motors over to the courtesy dock when she sees me arrive, and comes and picks me up.
We've got this down to somewhat of a science, and typically only have to speak a few words along the way. We each know our part, and just "get it done" since this is the the "work" part of boating, not the "fun" part of boating. We've been doing this together for about 12yrs now, and the teamwork in this area shows. We will typically get 2-3 comments a year on how fast we're in/out of the ramp/docks, and how little drama there is. We pride ourselves on not being "that couple" at the ramp that are yelling at each other, or generally disorganized. Took maybe a single season to get "good" at this routine, and it was well worth the practice and honing of the process.
@rayg1022 Good luck with the new boat, and the new hobby!
