Step-by-step techniques for smooth, safe GP14 handling at the slipway
Preparation makes launching easy and stress-free.
Fit and tighten drain plugs securely.
Keep it in the boat or car until afloat.
Fully raised and locked.
Tyres inflated, handles secure, safety strop fitted.
Painter (bow line) attached and long enough to control the boat.
Decide who's holding, who's pushing, and who's in charge at the slipway.
Most launching mishaps come from rushing — slow down and check before rolling.
Walk the trolley straight down the slipway — avoid sideways angles that stress the hull.
Stop just before the waterline and assess the slope and tide.
Remove the cover and secure it away from the water.
If it's breezy, keep the bow pointing into the wind and mainsheet loose.
Hold the bow firmly; don't let the boat roll off early.
Push together (helm and crew) — one guiding the bow, the other steering the trolley handle.
If the slip is steep, use the painter as a safety line to hold the boat once it floats.
Float the boat until it just starts to lift from the trolley.
Crew holds the painter while the helm steadies the boat.
Push the trolley clear and park it above the waterline.
Board carefully: Helm steps in last, facing forward, sheet loose.
Lower rudder and daggerboard halfway once in clear water.
Sail or drift slowly toward the slipway head-to-wind.
Ease sails early and drop the jib if needed.
Raise rudder and centerboard halfway before the hull grounds.
Crew steps out first to guide the bow.
Align the trolley directly behind the boat — don't twist the hull.
Float the boat on until it rests evenly on supports.
Clip on the winch strop or bow hook if fitted.
Walk up the slipway together; don't pull alone in deep water.
Drain hull by removing bungs.
Rinse salt and sand from trolley wheels, rudder, and fittings.
Loosen rig tension if the boat will be stored.
Cover up once dry.
| Situation | Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Strong onshore wind | Launch with crew holding bow to wind; helm boards quickly, sheet loose |
| Strong offshore wind | Use a long painter; don't let the boat blow off the trolley |
| Crosswind | Launch from windward side of slip; bow to wind before hoisting sails |
| Tidal flow | Launch into current if possible; hold with painter until clear |
Forgetting bungs (floods boat quickly)
Dropping rudder too soon (damages blade)
Letting mainsheet cleat during launch
Trolley misalignment causing hull scratches
Leaving painter too short (boat drifts away)
| Gear | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Long floating painter | Keeps control during launch and recovery |
| Padded trolley supports | Prevent hull wear |
| Painter carabiner | Quick attach/detach |
| Wading shoes | Safe footing on slimy slips |
| Small sponge | For quick bail-out or wipe-down |
Bungs in, rudder off, board up, painter on.
Float free, steady, crew holds bow.
Approach slowly, raise foils, align trolley, rinse and drain.
Print this handy pre-launch checklist and keep it at the slipway for quick reference
Download Launch Checklist PDF"A smooth launch is quiet, controlled, and unhurried — just like a good start line."
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