Boat ramps can feel like you’re on stage—cars waiting, wind up, kids buzzing, and suddenly you don’t remember the bungs. The secret is a repeatable routine. Once you’ve got one, launching for a Hauraki Gulf day becomes quick and calm.

Before you leave home, do a short walk-around: fuel, battery, keys, safety gear, trailer lights and straps. If you’re new, keep a checklist in your phone and follow it in the same order every trip.

When you arrive, use the staging area (not the ramp) to do the slow stuff. Put the bungs in (say it out loud), get bow and stern lines ready, add fenders, and do a quick safety brief for the crew. Keep the winch strap and safety chain on until you’re actually backing down.

Assign roles. One person focuses on reversing and parking the vehicle. One person handles the bow line and keeps the boat under control once it floats. Clear jobs reduce chaos—especially with families.

Reverse slowly and make small steering changes. If it’s not lining up, straighten and reset. On the ramp, launch efficiently, then move the boat to a courtesy dock or safe holding spot so the ramp stays clear.

For retrieval, set up before you approach: fenders on, bow line ready, crew briefed. Come in slow, and if wind or current pushes you off line, back out and try again—two calm attempts beat one rushed one. Once you’re on the trailer, winch tight, clip the safety chain, and pull up to de-rig away from the ramp.

Want more confidence for quick Gulf missions? Get in touch with Brookland Boat Club via our contact page.