Prepare your inflatable boat for launching
With the return of good weather, owners of semi-rigid boats will once again be able to indulge in their passion and set sail on the waves for a full season of excursions, sea trips, fishing sessions, or other leisure and water sports activities.
Although launching a boat may seem easy at first glance, even the most experienced can be caught off guard, forget a step, or lose time... that's why Orca Retail offers you some good advice to successfully carry out the launch of your semi-rigid boat!
What steps are necessary for launching and navigation?
First of all, in order to navigate the inland waters of a country - and in our case, France - you must register your pleasure boat if you haven't done so in the past.
To do this, you need to fill out this document: Pleasure boat inland waters registration form (Cerfa No. 14682*01).
Then, you must send it to the inland waters navigation title registration service.
At the end of this procedure, you will receive a circulation card.
Once in possession of this card, inquire with your port and its harbor master's office to ensure the following points:
- If you decide to keep your boat in port waters, make sure you have negotiated your assigned spot
- Good buoyancy and safety condition of your vessel
- Possible hours or days for launching
- Required documents
Indeed, in case of a check by a river brigade or the coast guard, know that you must always have your documents on board, under penalty of a fine.
Therefore, make sure you have your boat license, an identity document, the trailer's registration card, insurance certificates, and a fishing permit if applicable.
What precautions should be taken to successfully return to sea in a semi-rigid boat?
First of all, a tour of your semi-rigid boat and an inspection is necessary to ensure it hasn't suffered during the wintering.
Start by checking the charge status of your battery and the proper functioning of your electronic devices, primarily those related to navigation (GPS, controls), then those concerning your navigation comfort (refrigerator, automated elements, auxiliary lights, radio, etc.).
Next, plan to refuel your boat's tank and possibly plan additional reserves. Orca Retail offers a range of flexible fuel tanks, as well as for clear and waste water. You can then test the engine to ensure it starts properly and that the propeller turns correctly.
The third precautionary step to prepare your launch is to ensure that your semi-rigid boat will not ... sink! Make sure to properly install the drain plug. More generally, check the watertightness of your boat and its wear level. If any weakness appears that could lead to a potential future breakage of your semi-rigid tubes, it is probably high time to repair or reinforce them using our Orca Neoprene Hypalon fabrics.
Available by the yard for all models of semi-rigid inflatable boats, discover our complete range now and get fast delivery in Europe.
Finally, it is always good to have a maintenance kit for unexpected repairs. Once again, Orca Retail assists you: degreasing cleaners, anti-mold products, protective waxes, glues, hardeners, rubrails ... you will find all the basic essentials for maintaining your semi-rigid in our online store.
Logically, you have thoroughly cleaned your boat to prepare it for wintering, but after long months of storage, a small cleaning and dusting session is always welcome!
If you have any doubts about the control or general condition of your semi-rigid and wish to seek the advice or intervention of a professional, we invite you to consult our network of partner repairers across Europe.
How to proceed for the actual launch?
The critical moment finally arrives: the launch of your semi-rigid inflatable boat, which you now need to unload from your trailer.
All in all, a launch should hardly take more than 5 minutes.
Follow the advice and the following steps to successfully complete the operation within this time frame and not incur the exasperation of other boaters!
Think ahead to properly take your towing equipment such as the winch handle and the rear straps, or you may have great difficulties with your launch. It would indeed be unfortunate, for example, to have to cut the strap because you are missing the handle that allows you to disengage the winch!
The first step of the launch is to load all the necessary equipment for your first outing onto your semi-rigid boat.
For your safety, be sure to take distress flares, enough life jackets, your external navigation instruments if applicable, and your communication tools (radio or mobile phone and their water protection) to always keep in contact with the shore.
If you are doing the operation alone and need to step away at some point, store the most coveted items and your personal belongings in discreet or secure compartments to avoid unpleasant surprises. Make sure to place your equipment and accessories properly so that when reversing, they don't slip and fall into the water!
Then think about taking any other accessory that will make your outing a success: meals, drinks, fishing or sports equipment (skis, wakeboard, tow cables), towels for swimming, etc.
Next, back up with your trailer towards the slope leading to the water. Reverse until your tires are submerged below the rim. No need to back up too far and have your tires completely in the water: if your trailer is well-adjusted, it will do its job well. Note that if you submerge your trailer and there is a problem, your insurance may refuse to assist you.
Adjust your speed and the level of immersion according to the slope's inclination and your type of trailer ("breakable" or not). No need to rush, make sure the angle is right, and that no obstacle disrupts the operation. Look in your rearview mirror or get assistance from someone. If you are alone and need to get out of your vehicle, make sure your handbrake is activated.
Once properly positioned at the water's edge, for the third step of your launch, gradually unwind the trailer strap that holds your boat until it is afloat.
We recommend not having your inflatable boat entirely off your trailer at this point. It is good for it to be partially held by the last "rollers" of the trailer to keep it stable.
Unhook the boat from the strap and board your RIB, after making sure to turn off your car's engine and set the handbrake. Start your boat engine, and slowly maneuver in the harbor towards the dock where you can moor.
Finally, return to your vehicle to clear the launch area, and head towards the port parking.
You are now fully ready to set sail, and we can only wish you a superb season!
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Read more about the world of RIBs:
- Why do we say Zodiac to refer to RIBs?
- The best accessories for semi-rigid boats
- Why buy a semi-rigid boat? Advantages
- The best models of semi-rigid inflatable boats
- How to maintain your semi-rigid boat?