What is power launching or loading?
Power launching or loading is what it's called when you use the boat motor to load and unload a boat onto and off a trailer. Power launching or loading can damage your boat, motor and trailer, as well as the launch ramp and lakebed.Why is it a problem?
Trying to load or unload your boat using engine power can erode sediment and dig large and hazardous holes at the base of the ramp. The eroded sediment creates a mound behind the propeller. Trailer tires can get stuck in these holes, and boats can run aground on the mound. It results in a barrier for both launching and loading.
- Boats and equipment can incur costly damage when boaters unknowingly back trailer wheels into the hole, damaging their trailer frames on the submerged ramps or getting the trailer stuck in the hole. When this happens, a tow truck may be the only option to retrieve the trailer and the vehicle attached to it.
- The boat or lower unit can run aground on the mound.
- In extreme cases, the end of the launch ramp can collapse, leaving it unusable and causing the access to be closed.
- Most of Wisconsin's public launch ramps were not designed to sustain the forces of power loading generated by today's larger and more powerful boats.
- Repairs are costly and time consuming.
What you can do.
- Always check the end of the ramp for power loading holes and mounds before launching, especially in low water level conditions. You may not be able to see holes from the surface of the water.
- Don't race your boat motor while on the ramp. Slightly more than idle speed should be all that is necessary to load or unload the boat.
- Instead of power loading, use the trailer winch to load and unload your boat.
- Back in just far enough that your boat starts to float - you don't need to back in so far that the boat floats entirely off the trailer.
- "Trim up" your motor (button on throttle that raises the boat's motor out of the water) if possible
- Consider using smaller watercraft or going to a different launch ramp if the water is too shallow.
Power launching or loading and retrieving is prohibited on Big Cedar Lake per Ordinance 93-1.08 (8) Regulations on Boat Operations. Fines will be issued.
Please be courteous and patient at the public boat launch areas to help preserve the boat ramps and for the health of the lake. Thank you for your cooperation!