2013 Chaparral SSi Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
5-3
Roller Trailers – Launching
Here are some tips to remember when you are putting your Chaparral
boat in the water while using a roller trailer:
I
mportant: Before launching your boat, make sure the transom drain
plug is installed. If it is not installed, the bilge could fi ll with water
quickly.
1. Always prepare the boat for launching before you get to the ramp.
• Stop in a launching prep area near the ramp that doesn’t block traffi c
and remove your tie-downs, tilt up your engine or drive unit, replace your
transom drain plugs, etc.
• Do not disconnect the wiring harness, winch cable or boat bow safety
chain until you are by the water, ready to launch. Winch and trailer unit
should be locked.
• You do not need to disconnect the electric trailer brakes before launch-
ing the boat. If you disconnect the electric trailer brakes, the trailer brakes
will not work.
• Store all loose gear properly.
• Inventory your safety equipment.
• Tilt drive unit up to clear the ramp.
2. Have someone at the ramp to give you directions. Slowly back the trail-
er down the ramp to the water. If there isn’t a ramp available, use a solid
area of ground to the shore, with a slope if possible. Avoid wet, soft sand.
Always remember to launch your boat at a right angle to the shore.
3. When the boat’s transom is in several inches of water:
• Do not put your trailer wheels and brakes in the water if possible, espe-
cially in salt water. Tie a mooring line to the boat to help you control it in
the water.
• Stop towing vehicle with manual transmission in gear or automatic
transmission in PARK. Remember to turn off engine and set the parking
brake.
• On average grade ramp, the rollers on your trailer will allow your boat to
gently roll back into the water. Do not remove the boat bow safety chain
or winch lock until the boat and trailer are located in “launch” position.
• Once in “launch” position, remove bow safety chain from the boat. Hold
the winch handle securely, reverse the winch lock and begin unwinding
the line. Unwind it slowly and carefully.
• Move boat down the trailer and into the water.
• If your boat doesn’t immediately move, try unwinding about six inches
of line, lock your winch and give the boat a push. Then unlock the winch
and try again. Your boat should roll safely into the water.
• Tie boat to pier or secure appropriately.
• Pull your vehicle away and park it.
Important: After each launching, monitor the bilge periodically to
assure against abnormal water intake. Do not leave a new boat un-
attended for at least 8 hours after its initial launching. A forgotten
plug, a loose through-hull fi tting, or faulty valve can easily cause
swamping. Neither the boat nor the engine warranties cover engine
or engine components damaged by abnormal bilge water accumula-
tions.
WARNING
: If the winch handle slips out of your hand, let it spin.
DO NOT try to stop it
