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Launching
and Re-Loading
the Boat
from the Trailer
Releasing the boat from the trailer requires skill as well. Condi-
tions may vary from location to location, too. It is important to pay
attention to surroundings and plan the release to avoid damage to
the boat, trailer and dock/ramp.
First, you should examine the ramp. Some are unimproved, while
others are paved, and many are something in-between. You will also
need to know how steep the ramp is as that affects how far you will
need to back the trailer into the water. You need to have confidence
that the ramp surface will support the weight of the trailer and boat
as you ease back, and that you will not bog down in the water or on
the land surface. Sufficient width, especially if you are inexperienced
in backing up, is important, too. Consider that the land may also be
slippery if wet, which can affect control over the rig.
Before backing into the water, double-check that your boat is
ready for launch. This includes ensuring that the drain plugs are
installed to avoid swamping and potentially flooding the boat.
Then you should release the tie-downs except the winch.
Slowly back the trailer and boat into the water. If possible, have
a second person standing by (but never directly in back of the rig) to
help guide you. When backing up, note that the trailer will go in the
opposite direction to the direction in which the tow vehicle steering
wheel is turned. Perhaps the easiest manner to back up is to place
a hand at 6:00 (the lowest point on the steering wheel). Moving the
steering wheel right (counter-clockwise) will then turn the trailer to the
right. If your hand or hands were higher on the wheel, it would appear
that you are actually turning the steering wheel to the left.
Back up in the water until the trailer's back tire is about half-sub-
merged in the water. If the ramp has a shallow drop, it will be neces-
sary to back in further; if the drop-off is more significant, you may be
able to stop before the wheel is half under.
Place the tow vehicle in Park (or a forward gear if the tow vehicle
has a manual transmission), and shut off the tow vehicle engine. Set
the parking brake.
After checking that the water depth is sufficient for your boat's
hull (it should not make contact with the ramp surface or ground
underwater), release the trailer winch latch-and-hook. Assuming that
2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner's Manual • Page 156
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
all tie-downs are released, back the boat into the water and secure
to a dock as described elsewhere in this Owner's Manual or anchor
while you remove the tow vehicle and trailer from the ramp.
To re-load at the conclusion of your outing, reverse the process.
When the trailer is in position, verify that the trailer bunks on which
the boat will rest are free of dirt, sand or other debris that could
scratch the boat hull. It is a good idea to back the trailer sufficiently to
wet the trailer bunks completely as this will add to protection for the
hull when the boat is loaded.
Directions and suggestions for driving the boat onto the trailer are
provided elsewhere in this Owner's Manual. This requires practice
to master, but correctly loading the boat is critical for both safety and
protection of the condition of the boat and trailer.
Be sure that the tie-downs are secure prior to towing.
section of the Owner's Manual regarding care following
an outing. Also be aware that while the brakes are wet,
they will not work as quickly or efficiently as normal. As
soon as they dry, the brakes should resume their normal
characteristics.
When the Trailer
Is Not In Use
Most boaters experience an off-season in which both the boat and
trailer are not used for several weeks or months. As this period begins,
many boat owners have an annual maintenance routine performed on
the boat by the authorized Malibu dealer. This is the appropriate time
to also perform pre-storage activity for the trailer. Most of these tasks
are best done by the authorized dealer at the same time as the boat is
prepared for storage.
•
Have the authorized Malibu dealer:
•
service or re-pack wheel bearings;
•
touch-up any nicks, chips or rusted areas;
•
repair or replace damaged or worn tie-downs and straps;
•
lubricate moving parts so that they will be more likely to
move freely when the trailer is recommissioned for use;
Submerging part of the
trailer in water will cause
the brakes to be wet. See
the Brake information in this
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