Tips for Loading a Boat on a Trailer in a Crosscurrent

The first thing to do when loading a boat on a trailer in a crosscurrent is to make your approach from downstream. You have much more control when the bow is facing into the flow. Elisabeth Kelly/Firecrown

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. 

Read Next: Using Wind and Current to Steer Your Boat

Having a mate assist can be very helpful when loading in a crosscurrent. Elisabeth Kelly/Firecrown

Experience in ­handling your boat is another key to loading a boat on a trailer in a crossing current. Knowing just how much power it takes to stem (stay in place against) a given-­strength current and how much drift (sideways movement) to expect as you make a turn broadside to the stream will serve you well when loading in a crosscurrent. If you are a new boater, proceed with even extra caution. Technique and gear can also help. Let’s load up!

The first thing to do when loading a boat on a trailer in a crosscurrent is to make your ­approach from downstream. You have more control when the bow is facing into the flow. 

Stem the current at a spot downflow from the ramp, and assess the situation. This lets you get a feel for the current’s strength—and thus, its ­potential impact on your boat—before you make the turn toward the trailer. It also allows you to see if the way is clear of other boats. Do-overs prove dicey in this ­situation, so don’t commit until the way is clear. 

Once you’ve got a feel for the current and the way is clear, ­proceed upstream at a controlled rate. Don’t begin your turn ­toward the ramp until it is directly opposite you. Proceed onto the trailer.

Know that it is easier to make corrections if you are slightly downcurrent while headed for the trailer because you can angle your bow slightly into the stream and feather the throttle to stay on target. Correcting while upstream and broadside rarely works out well.

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