Tips to Retrieve Your Boat from the Water

You might rush to get back home with a great catch or after restfully cruising the water, but hang on—you must retrieve your boat from the water first, then hit the road.

Retrieving a boat safely from the water is an essential skill you want to master before your next marine adventure. This can go a long way in making your trip more fun and successful. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Secure Your Lines

Before you head back to the loading ramp, ensure all your lines are secure and ready for retrieval, including your dock lines, anchors, and mooring lines. Ensure they are securely fastened to their respective posts and don't get tangled with other boats in the area.

Let a Crew Member Spot for You

You can retrieve a boat from the water more efficiently if you have someone to spot you. You can seek the help of a crew member, friend, or another boater when retrieving your vessel. They can guide your maneuvers and alert you of any pedestrians and boats in the area.

Put Your Trailer into the Water

When it's time, slide your trailer into the water and bring it close to your boat. You should be able to pull your vessel on the trailer in one attempt, so let your trailer be partially submerged, and the rear tires of your towing vehicle should be wet.

Prepare to Pull Out of Water

Once you have angled your boat and trailer correctly, drive your boat slowly onto your trailer. If the water is shallow, use your oars instead. The idea is to do it correctly rather than quickly, so take a few attempts when launching your boat on the trailer.

Next, you want to connect the winch and safety chain and prepare to pull out. Drive your towing vehicle slowly and let your boat pull out gently and steadily.

We hope you find this guide handy when retrieving your boat from the water. If you have more questions, get them addressed by our experts at Club Royale. We proudly serve Waterford and Rochester, MI, so stop by today.