How to Launch Your Manitou Pontoon

Launching a pontoon boat can be an exciting part of your boat adventure, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and efficiency. The advantage of keeping a Manitou pontoon boat on a trailer is that you can put your boating adventure on the road. You can explore new waters, attend events, and take your Manitou fun just about anywhere there’s water.

Whether you're a seasoned boater or a novice, understanding the proper steps involved in launching a pontoon boat is crucial. With a little experience you can launch your pontoon boat like a pro. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step:

- Choosing the Right Boat Ramp
- Equipment Safety Check
- Etiquette At the Launch Ramp
- Backing the Trailer into the Water
- Docking After Launching

Choosing the right boat ramp is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free launching experience when preparing to set out with your pontoon boat.

Water Depth and Slope

Make sure the ramp has sufficient depth to accommodate your pontoon boat's draft without grounding. A gradual slope is ideal as it allows for easier maneuvering of the pontoon trailer into the water. It minimizes the risk of the trailer submerging too deeply or the boat slipping off prematurely.

Accessibility

Choose a boat ramp that provides easy access both onshore and offshore. This means sufficient parking space for your trailer and vehicle, along with clear pathways for maneuvering. A well-maintained ramp, with clear signage and adequate lighting, improves safety and ease of use, especially for early morning or late evening launches.
 

When preparing your pontoon boat for a trip, it's essential to have the following safety equipment on board:

- Life Jackets (Personal Flotation Devices, PFDs): One for each person on board, properly sized and readily accessible.
- Throwable Flotation Device: A Type IV throwable device, such as a buoyant cushion or ring buoy.
- Fire Extinguisher: A properly rated marine fire extinguisher, easily accessible in case of an emergency.
- Sound-Producing Device: A horn, whistle, or bell to signal your presence and communicate with other boats.
- Navigation Lights: Properly functioning navigation lights for operating during low visibility conditions or at night.
- Anchor and Line: An anchor with a suitable length of line to secure your boat if needed.
- Boat Registration and Documentation: Up-to-date boat registration papers and any required documentation.

Always check the specific boating regulations for your area or state, as requirements can vary. Having these items on your pontoon boat also ensures that you are prepared for emergencies, enhancing the safety of everyone on board. If you need more information, feel free to consult our complete pontoon boat safety checklist.

A boat ramp can be a busy place, especially on a summer weekend. A good boat owner takes pride in contributing to the efficiency of the launching process. If you are new to this launch ramp, park in a safe spot and look around. Check the water depth, where the dock is located, and watch for other boats waiting to launch.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area before starting. Your goal is to be as efficient as possible when it’s your turn to actually back down and launch. With that in mind, park in a staging area to prepare your boat.

Pre-launch Preparation Checklist

Make sure to prepare your pontoon boat efficiently before heading to the boat ramp, minimizing launch time and avoiding congestion:

- Visit the pay station if a launching fee is required.
- Load all your pontoon accessories and gear into the boat – coolers, tubes, towels, skis, etc.
- Put up the Bimini top if it’s been down for trailering.
- Attach fenders to the dock side of the boat.
- Remove the transom tie-down straps and the outboard motor brace if you use one. Leave the outboard tilted up for now.
- Attach dock lines to the bow and stern cleats.
- Turn on the battery switch if your pontoon boat has one.
- Check that the key is in the ignition. This would be a good time to bump the key into the “start” position to make sure you don’t have a dead battery.
- If you have family or friends along, go over the launching plan so everyone knows how they can help.
 

Backing a trailer into the water is a crucial step in pontoon launching, requiring precision and vigilance. Before you start, make sure the launch ramp is clear and that there's enough room to maneuver. Start by positioning your towing vehicle and trailer parallel to the ramp, keeping in mind the direction of the water and the angle needed to guide the boat smoothly into the water.

Adjust your side mirrors to give you a clear view of both sides of the trailer and your surroundings. If possible, use extended or auxiliary mirrors to improve visibility, especially if your trailer and boat are large. These mirrors are essential for monitoring the trailer's position in relation to the water's edge and aligning it correctly for backing.

When backing up, use gentle, deliberate movements. Slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. Remember that the trailer is moving in the opposite direction to you, so minor adjustments are essential to keep the trailer aligned with the ramp. Avoid jerky movements and excessive corrections, as these can cause the trailer to misalign or jackknife.

Having a spotter is extremely helpful during this process. Position them where they have a clear view of both the trailer and the water. Communicate beforehand about signals or instructions you'll use (such as hand signals or verbal indications). The spotter can provide real-time feedback on the trailer's position relative to the water and any adjustments needed to ensure it stays on course.

As the pontoon trailer approaches the water's edge, proceed slowly and cautiously. Stop when the rear wheels of the towing vehicle are just at the water's edge or slightly submerged. Engage the handbrake to prevent the vehicle and trailer from rolling away. At this point, the boat is ready to be safely unloaded from the trailer into the water.
 

- Disconnect the trailer's safety chains and winch strap, but only do this once you are confident the boat is sufficiently supported by the water. Keeping these connections secured until the last moment prevents the boat from prematurely sliding off the trailer.

- With the help of a spotter, slowly walk the boat off the trailer. The spotter should guide you to ensure the boat moves straight back and doesn’t drift sideways. Insert: If the boat resists sliding off, you may need to push it gently or back the trailer a bit further into the water to increase its buoyancy.

- As the boat begins to float, maintain control using the bow and stern lines to prevent it from drifting away. Insert: If you’re launching alone, consider tying the bow line to the trailer winch post before disconnecting, so the boat remains tethered to the trailer until you can properly secure it.
 

After launching your pontoon boat, approaching the dock or mooring requires careful maneuvering to ensure safety and prevent damage. Approach the dock against the wind or current, as this gives you better control and slows your speed naturally. Reduce your speed to idle as you near the dock, and approach at a shallow angle of about 30 to 45 degrees, which allows for a controlled and gentle contact with the dock.

As you near the dock, shift into neutral and allow the boat's momentum to carry you forward, using gentle throttle adjustments if needed. Have fenders in place to protect the boat’s sides. When you’re within a few feet of the dock, use a boat hook to guide the boat gently alongside.

Secure the boat by attaching bow and stern lines to the dock cleats or mooring points, ensuring the lines are tight enough to prevent drift but not overly restrictive. Drive up the ramp and park your vehicle to make way for the next boat.

Finally, assist passengers in embarking one at a time, maintaining stability by holding the boat steady against the dock. Proper docking techniques not only protect your boat and dock but also enhance the overall boating experience, making it enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.
 

Launching a pontoon boat is a skill that improves with practice and knowledge. By following these steps, you can improve your boating experience and ensure a smooth, safe pontoon launch every time. Remember, preparation and attention to detail are essential to getting the most out of your Manitou pontoon boat.

Your Manitou dealer can help you select a trailer matched to your boat size and weight. Many pontoon owners have discovered that trailering to a new lake or river is a great way to make fantastic #ManitouMoments.