Launching & Retrieving a Boat: How Deep Should the Trailer Go?

One of the most overlooked boating skills is knowing how far to reverse your trailer into the water. Too deep and your boat floats on crooked. Too shallow and you’re winching the full weight of the boat — or worse, smashing your prop into the ramp. In this video, I show you exactly how to find the perfect “sweet spot” when launching and retrieving your boat at the ramp. We cover: How to assess a boat ramp before reversing What happens when your trailer is too deep What happens when it’s too shallow How to avoid damaging your boat, trailer, winch or prop How to stay in control at busy ramps The correct waterline reference for safe retrieval If you're new to boating, or even if you've been doing it for years, this simple adjustment can save you time, money, and embarrassment at the ramp. Perfect for beginner boaters, aluminium boats, fibreglass boats, and anyone towing a boat trailer. Subscribe for more practical boating tips, ramp skills, towing advice, and beginner-friendly boat tutorials.