The benefit of keeping your Manitou pontoon boat on a trailer is the freedom to go on a boating adventure whenever you feel like it. Some new owners may initially believe that launching a pontoon from a trailer is more challenging than launching a runabout boat, but it’s not the case. With a bit of practice and experience, you will become a pro at launching your pontoon boat in no time.
Proper Etiquette at the Launch Ramp
The launch ramp can be quite busy, especially during summer weekends. Being a responsible boat owner means contributing to the efficiency of the launching process. If it's your first time at a ramp, park out of the way and take a moment to familiarize yourself with the surroundings:
To ensure an efficient launch when it's your turn, prepare your boat in a staging area:
Visit the pay station if there's a launching fee.
Load all your gear into the boat, including coolers, tubes, towels, skis, etc.
Raise the Bimini if it was lowered for trailering.
Attach fenders to the dock side of the boat.
Remove the transom tie-down straps and the outboard motor brace (if used). Keep the outboard motor tilted up for now.
Secure dock lines to the bow and stern cleats.
Turn on the battery switch if your boat has one.
Verify that the key is in the ignition and consider starting the engine briefly to ensure the battery is operational.
If you have passengers, review the launching plan so everyone knows their role.
Launching With a Boat Driver
Follow these steps if you have both a boat and a vehicle driver who can back the trailer down the ramp:
Back down the ramp until the trailer wheels are submerged but not so far that the stern of the boat begins to float. The boat should remain on the trailer.
Lower the outboard enough to immerse the anti-ventilation plate (the flat surface above the propeller) to about the water's surface. This ensures the outboard water pick-ups are submerged without risking the propeller hitting the bottom.
Ensure the boat driver is wearing a life jacket and has connected the Engine Cut Off Switch (ECOS) lanyard to their belt or life jacket.
Have the boat driver start the outboard to confirm it's running before floating the boat off the trailer.
Disconnect the trailer bow strap and safety chain.
Instruct the driver to shift the outboard into reverse gear with the throttle at idle speed. A signal or horn beep indicates to the vehicle driver to slowly back down the ramp. As the boat floats off the trailer, the driver will maintain steering control.
Once off the trailer, maneuver the boat away from the congested dock area while the tow vehicle is parked. Passengers can board from the dock if available. If no dock is present, passengers can board before launch.
Launching Without a Boat Driver
If you're going solo as both the vehicle and boat driver, follow these steps:
Before backing down the ramp, secure a long dock line to both the bow and stern cleats on the dock side of the boat.
Back down the ramp until the trailer wheels are submerged, but the boat's stern doesn't float yet. Position the trailer near the dock. Keep the boat on the trailer.
Disconnect the trailer bow strap and safety chain.
Ask someone on the dock to hold the bow and stern dock lines. They will control the boat after it floats off the trailer.
Back the trailer further into the water until the boat is free. Your assistant can guide the boat away from the trailer and toward the dock.
Drive up the ramp and park your vehicle. The assistant can use the lines to guide the boat down the dock and away from the immediate launch area.
Once on board, put on your life jacket, connect the ECOS, trim down, start the engine, and confirm it's running before releasing the dock lines.
After starting the motor, you're ready to push off and begin your day on the water. Remember to stow the dock lines to prevent them from dragging in the water.
Launching with a Scissors Lift Trailer
If you have a scissors lift pontoon trailer, which supports the boat on cross beams beneath the deck, follow these steps:
Before backing down the ramp, attach long dock lines to both the bow and stern cleats on the dock side of the boat.
Back down the ramp until the trailer wheels are submerged, but the boat's stern is not floating. Position the trailer near the dock, keeping the boat on the trailer.
Disconnect the trailer bow strap and safety chain.
Secure the bow and stern dock lines to the dock or have assistant(s) hold the lines while standing on the dock.
Use the winch to lower the trailer frame until the boat is free.
Use the lines to guide the trailer away from the boat until it's entirely off the trailer.
Drive your tow vehicle and trailer up the ramp and park.
Once on board, put on your life jacket, connect the ECOS, trim down, start the engine, and confirm it's running before releasing the dock lines.
After starting the motor, you're ready to push off and enjoy your day on the water. Remember to stow the dock lines to prevent them from dragging in the water.
Your Manitou dealer can assist in choosing a trailer that matches your boat's size and weight. Many pontoon trailers come equipped with a boarding ladder for easy access from the ground to the bow deck when the boat is on the launch ramp. With a bit of experience, launching a pontoon boat becomes a manageable task.
