How to beach launch a boat
Imagine the following scenario. You’re driving down a long coastal road in remote area. You’ve got your boat in tow and as you glance out the window you longingly see an endless expanse of pristine water.
Not a single fishing boat is in sight. That’s because there are no boat launching ramps within cooee. Indeed, to get onto the water from here would mean navigating sand banks, dunes, tides, currents, soft sand and many other hazards. You’re also guaranteed to get very wet — much wetter than if you were launching from the regular concrete ramp.
Is it worth it? Like almost everyone else, you could launch from the regular boat ramp 50 miles away. Sure, there’s a strong chance you’ll be waiting for the numpty ahead of you to load up all the gear that he should have sorted before he left, and when you do finally launch, you’ll share the fishing grounds with a hundred other fishing boats.
Or, you can learn how to beach launch. Yes, it requires skill, precision and patience, but just think of the rewards when you have those pristine, virtually untouched fishing grounds all to yourself. This guide below can help you not only successfully beach launch your boat, but retrieve it as well.
How to: beach launching a boat
Imagine the following scenario. You’re driving down a long coastal road in remote area. You’ve got your boat in tow and as you glance out the window you longingly see an endless expanse of pristine water.
Not a single fishing boat is in sight. That’s because there are no boat launching ramps within cooee. Indeed, to get onto the water from here would mean navigating sand banks, dunes, tides, currents, soft sand and many other hazards. You’re also guaranteed to get very wet — much wetter than if you were launching from the regular concrete ramp.
Is it worth it? Like almost everyone else, you could launch from the regular boat ramp 50 miles away. Sure, there’s a strong chance you’ll be waiting for the numpty ahead of you to load up all the gear that he should have sorted before he left, and when you do finally launch, you’ll share the fishing grounds with a hundred other fishing boats.
Or, you can learn how to beach launch. Yes, it requires skill, precision and patience, but just think of the rewards when you have those pristine, virtually untouched fishing grounds all to yourself. This guide below can help you not only successfully beach launch your boat, but retrieve it as well.
7 crucial steps for successful beach launching
So you can’t resist the temptation of those pristine unfished waters. Angler Scott Amon’s expert guide explains everything you need to know about beach launching, from how to position your trailer to avoiding injuring yourself.
How to retrieve your boat after beach launching
Successfully beach launching is only half the battle. At some point you’re going to have to return to land. In the second part of Scott Amon’s expert guide, you’ll find out how to get out quickly, how to prevent your trailer from sinking, how to read wave patterns and more.
Case study: extreme boat launching
Launching straight off the beach? Lowering your boat from the commercial crane on the local pier? Manoeuvring ramps that can only be accessed by AWD tow vehicles? It’s all in a day’s work for the tough fishermen of south-west Victoria.
Boat launching from a sand ramp
While not quite as wild as the beach, compact sand ramps can still present challenges for large trailer boats. But fret not, one angler from Flinders explains how he gets it right, every time.
Steve Starlo on how to avoid ramp rage
Still convinced the beach isn’t for you? Don’t worry, almost everyone feels the same. Problem is, tempers can flare on a crowded boat ramp in summer. Fishing celebrity Steve Starlo explains that it doesn’t have to end in tears.
The worst boat ramps in Australia
Maybe you beach launch because the local boat ramps really are that bad? Or are you sick of finding the last trailer-only parking spot occupied by small hatchback? Is the ramp crumbling faster than the rotten transom on your last project boat? Here’s your chance to vent to vent your grievances.