Tips for Loading a Boat on a Trailer in a Crosscurrent

Balancing thrust, current strength and a good plan are keys to loading your boat while fighting a strong crossing current.

Many, if not most, boat-launch ramps are situated so as to be somewhat sheltered from strong currents.

Not all ramps offer this convenience, though. At some point, you might find yourself needing to load your boat back on the trailer while fighting a strong crossing current. Those in tidal areas can be a headache. Those on rivers can be a real challenge.

You can make this task easier to begin with even before you are actually loading on the boat. If possible, back the trailer down so that it is angled away from the current. This allows you to approach it more into the current with the boat, and so in more control. Another tip is to back the trailer down just enough to get the boat on. Back in too deep, and your stern could swing off, even if your approach is brilliant. Finally, side guides installed on the trailer are a big plus, and they really help.

Additionally, if there is an ­upstream dock, have a mate stand on the dock with two long lines. Get a line on the boat’s  bow and stern. Then have the mate let out the lines until you are lined up with the trailer. Power slowly toward the trailer while the mate walks alongside tending the lines.