Boat launching

[k42]

Getting ready to launch our new Outback v this weekend. Is there anything special I need to be aware of? Use to have a 185 Searay that was very easy to launch and load. Thanks

[mmandley]

Other then the normal, remove the rear straps and make sure drain plug is in.

I back down until I just see the rear of the boat start to float.

Then I go out and unhook the Nose strap, start the boat and just put it in reverse enough to engage it.

Remember there is no steering in Reverse on V drives, they will pull to the Starboard side, then you can bump the throttle forward steering port to rotate the boat, or just power back if you have room.

After the above is ready, I have the wife put the truck in reverse and roll back a few feet and STOMP the brakes, this transfer the momentum to the boat and shoves it right off without needing to POWER Reverse.

When Loading it will take a couple trys to get the depth right depending on your lake.

She backs the truck down, completely submerges the bunks and then pulls forward until the tops of the fenders are only a couple inches deep.

I drive as slow as I can in the boat just until the nose passes the guide polls. Then I idle the engine.

Don't panic if your aim is off and you bump the poles, they are designed for that. Just let the boat settle and center up. you wont hurt the boat or trailer, with the OBV it will self center, then you can power up a bit, or hook the nose strap and crank the boat up.

I personally used to be able to drive my LSV right up to the bow roller, with my Mojo I can not, it has to be exactly centered or my prop will strike the trailer. So I do a lot of cranking.

With time you will get your trailer depth just right and your aim with the boat will get better.

I have always found standing in the center, or kneeling in the center and looking at the tailgate emblem or latch works for aiming the boat.

[sivs1]

Welcome and enjoy the boat. Backing a v-drive is not easy, you'll soon learn steering is almost non-existent. basically the boat will turn based on the rotation of the prop, for me my LSV will turn to the right as I back off the trailer. I just go to the left of the dock, back off the trailer and when I'm far enough out turn and drive away. loading is similar to your Searay except when you kill the power you also lose steering.

Best advice, take your time, relax and enjoy the learning experience. Once you get the hang of it, it's so much better than an I/O.

Post pictures of your OBV when you have a chance.

[jester]

Mike said it right. Just take your time. Do not get in a rush to load and unload. You will have to learn the trailer and the ramp slope to understand how deep to get the trailer but make sure you get all the bunks wet before loading.

[k42]

Thanks for the advice. I thought it would pull to the left since the shaft was offset to the left, didn't know to factor in prop rotation. Thanks again and I'll post some pics later if I figure how.

[wolfeman131]

another Buckeye on the board! Welcome.

The guys have already given you the advice you need. When docking/trailering, it reminds me of the Sea Doo where you need some power to get it to go where you want it to.

To post pics, the best thing to do is to use a host site such as photobucket and to paste the IMG links into your post.

[Beejwest]

Backing X 1,000! Always leave yourself room to escape. On windier days, you may have to make a 270° turn and use the reverse to bring everything straight due to the wind pushing on the tower. It acts like a sail even when the bimini is down. Also, rudders are tiny compared to an I/O outrdrive. You will have little to no steering at in neutral. This is where my wife gets in a jam while docking, or trailering. Keep a bit of steam on her and you'll have much more rudder authority than at super slow speeds. When trailering like that, just make sure your aim is on and it'll slide right into the bunks. If you do need to cram reverse to keep from hitting your trailer off-center, just remember she ain't gonna back straight off and it may slide sidewayys into the dock. You'll scare yourself a couple times and then get the hang pretty quick.

[brain_rinse]

Thanks for the advice. I thought it would pull to the left since the shaft was offset to the left, didn't know to factor in prop rotation. Thanks again and I'll post some pics later if I figure how.

What do you mean by it being offset to the left?

[wolfeman131]

I think they are all offset that way. We noticed it when fixing Pat's boat and figured it was on purpose so you could get the shaft out without having to remove the rudder.

[trayson]

What do you mean by it being offset to the left?

I think they are all offset that way. We noticed it when fixing Pat's boat and figured it was on purpose so you could get the shaft out without having to remove the rudder.

^^^^ This.