2016 OWNERS MANUAL / 0405
Launching Tips and Techniques
Every MasterCraft boat owner develops his or her own favorite
launching technique.
Check the ramp first
Whether launching from an unimproved or surfaced ramp, check it out
before starting the launch procedure. How steep is it? Is the surface
firm enough to support the weight of the trailer and tow vehicle? Is it
wide enough? How deep is the water at the end of the ramp?
Use great care when walking, standing or loading and unloading
boats on or around any launch ramps because some launch ramps
may be slippery when wet.
Prepare for launching
Install the drain plugs and detach the trailer tie-downs.
Slowly back the trailer down the ramp
If possible, have someone stand to one side of the ramp to provide
directions. Backing up a trailer can be tricky. A good way to simplify the
procedure is to grasp the steering wheel with one hand at its lowest
point (6 o’clock). To make the trailer go right, move your hand on the
wheel to the right (move the wheel counter-clockwise); to make the
trailer go left, move your hand to the left (move the wheel clockwise).
Slowly back the trailer into the water until the transom floats 4”+
off of the trailer. The depth of the trailer to achieve this will vary
depending on ramp angle. Set the parking brake and shift into park
(automatic transmission) or first gear (manual transmission). Shut
off the engine. Unlock the Ramp-N-Clamp (where equipped) latch
and winch hook; then back the boat off the trailer.
To reload the boat on the trailer, simply reverse the above proce-
dures, including setting your Ramp-N-Clamp to the proper position,
and drive the boat onto the trailer at a slow pace. Before loading,
clean any dirt or sand off the rollers and bunks. Sand on these can
abrade the boat’s bottom while on the road. Be sure to back in and
completely wet the trailer bunks, then pull forward to the loading
position.
Be certain all the boat tie-downs are properly fastened down before
departing from the launching ramp area. Proper loading depth on
trailers will vary with conditions, but a good starting point would be
the same as launch depth or slightly higher.
NOTE: After the launch depth has been properly determined, apply
a strip of reflective tape at the water level on each guide post. That
will allow launch depth to be easily repeatable.
For the X10, X30, X46, NXT20 and ProStar trailers, it is important
to back the trailer deeply enough into the water to load the boats
so that the hull does not impact the back edge of the center bunk
boards during loading. If the boat is loaded in too shallow conditions,
it increases the possibility of causing
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