Trailer launching any GEMINI involves a fixed set of steps
in preparing the vessel for launch, in addition to anticipating
VARIABLES at the luanch site and the clear delegation
of duties by the skipper.
On arrival at the boat ramp stop clear of the boat ramp
in the level make ready area. Transfer all equipment
to your GEMINI and secure it in place. Do not exceed
the recommend payload. Passengers require a safety briefing.
Consider the personal comfort and needs of passengers.
Check their dress and warmth. Draw a clear distinction
between launch crew who understand the launch procedure
and passengers who will stand well clear. Have the launch
crew remove any rear tie-downs between the trailer and
the stern, then remove the safety chain at the bow.
Leave the primary winch cable in place, with the ratchet
on. Check the bungs are in and tight. Check the engine
has fuel connected and primed and electrical power is
switched on via the primary battery switch. Remove any
engine locks or chocks. Ensure any engine isolation/kill
switch is set to ‘run’. Place the ignition
key in the ignition. Check the ground tackle is accessible
and can be deployed quickly if required. Check the prop
is clear. Check that bow & stern mooring lines are
secure and accessible. Then take a minute to walk down
to the ramp and access VARIABLES like ramp width, tidal
currents, ramp depth, slipperyness of the ramp, submerged
hazards, wind and available boarding location for passengers.
Return to passengers and check they are ready to board
and advised where they should board.
Every trailer has an optimal depth for launch and for
recovery. Usually the stern roller or guide should be
just below the water level. Deeper is not necessarily
better as the boat will separate vertically rather than
slide back on the rollers. Place one of the crew, as
observer, at the driver’s side of the ramp with
a clear view of the launch area and visual contact with
the driver’s eyes. Place the vehicle in 4WD. Clear
the area visually then reverse at a constant slow pace
taking note of the observers hand signals. Stop the
vehicle at the pre-set launch depth. Have the observer
stand down stream (if any current /wind is present)
secure the bowline in hand, release the ratchet and
release the primary winch cable from the bow to trailer.
Holding the bowline, push the boat off and allow it
to slide clear of the trailer. Assist the observer to
secure the boat to the shore before driving away. In
unstable conditions of wind or current the skipper should
board the GEMINI and remain at the controls, starting
the engine before releasing the bowline. Secure the
winch cable onto the trailer. Drive clear of the ramp
and stow the trailer.
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