Verify before you go. Details come from state agency records and may be out of date. Check local conditions, closures and fees with the managing agency before launching. Not for navigation.

How to launch and retrieve a trailered boat

Launching is easier with two people: one driving the tow vehicle and one handling the boat. You can do it alone, but practice in an empty lot first.

Backing down

Line up straight with the ramp lane before you start backing.
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel and steer that hand toward the side you want the trailer to go.
Go slowly and use your mirrors. If the trailer drifts, pull forward and straighten out rather than fighting it.
Back in until the boat can float off. How deep depends on your boat, trailer and the ramp; avoid sinking the tow vehicle's wheel hubs or exhaust if you can.

Launching

Set the parking brake (and put the vehicle in park) before anyone gets out.
Keep hold of a bow or stern line. Unhook the winch strap and safety chain only once the boat is in the water and someone has control of it.
Push or motor the boat off, then walk it to the courtesy dock or tie it up out of the way.
Pull the vehicle and trailer out and park in a trailer space.

Retrieving

Bring the boat to the courtesy dock first, then fetch the tow vehicle. Don't leave the boat blocking the ramp while you walk to the lot.
Back the trailer in so the bunks or rollers are partly wet. Some ramps ban power loading; follow posted signs.
Winch or guide the boat on until the bow touches the bow stop, then attach the winch strap and safety chain.
Pull up to the staging or tie-down area to drain the boat, pull the plug, secure straps and clean off any plants or mud before you leave.

Cleaning plants, mud and water out of your boat and trailer helps stop the spread of invasive species between lakes and rivers. See Clean Drain Dry and FWC invasive plants; your state agency lists any specific rules.

Your state wildlife agency publishes the rules for boat registration, required equipment, operator education and local restrictions: Florida FWC boating regulations, Tennessee TWRA boating and Kentucky KDFWR boating.

Official sources

Not legal advice. Boating rules differ by state and change over time. Check your state's current rules with your state wildlife agency (FWC, TWRA or KDFWR) before you go.