It should not be necessary to heave and strain to get a boat into the water. In fact, it should be possible for a ten-year-old to push the boat off the trailer into the water effortlessly.

Unless it is a "car-top" boat, the easiest way to get your boat to and into the water is aboard a specially designed trailer. The latest types are suitable even for small boats under 3m. You can back the trailer into the water, operate the tilt mechanism and the boat will slide gently off into the water. With a “tilt trailer” a pivot lock unlatches, the trailer sub-frame tilts and the boat keel engages the first of a series of rollers. To load the boat again it is hauled up by winch until the tilt mechanism levels and locks into place. The winch, whether power operated or manual, is a worthwhile investment in terms of time and effort saved launching and retrieving the boat. Child's play (or it should be).

The key to successful launching is the position of the boat on the trailer. Since the boat rolls on its keel along these rollers, it must be resting squarely on them. The boat is correctly aligned when, after removing the tie-bar used for road travel, the boat rocks very slightly between the skid bars balancing it on the trailer. There should be at least 3mm of space between hull and skid bars. This play, assures you the boat is resting on the rollers evenly on its keel.

Reversing the trailer.

You should never back the trailer all the way into the water up to its axles. Water gets into the bearings and causes rust problems. The wheels should be submerged in water only up to the tyres. Reversing a trailer can take practise so make your first few attempts from out-of-the-way launching ramps away from crowds. Other boat owners will become understandably impatient if you block a busy ramp.

Maintenance.

You should look after the trailer as carefully as you do the boat. Repaint when necessary and lubricate it regularly. After use, always hose trailer down with fresh water and household detergent to remove salt and road grime, especially the springs and axles. Remove the wheels occasionally, check the bearings, pack with grease and replace wheel. Also check the winch, wire and posts, and make sure all nuts are secure. If using an electrical winch (the kind which connects to your car battery) a regular spray with a suitable lubricant will repel water and prevent rust.