What are you pulling/launching it with? That makes a difference. If you have 4WD, make sure it's engaged after you are on the ramp. Once you get on the ramp, take all hold down's off the boat EXCEPT the line at the winch on the bow. Too many take everything off and lose it on the ramp.
At that time, make sure there is a line on the boat, probably from the bow cleat, long enough to be held by someone on the pier next to the ramp or on the shore (you don't want to see your new R-25 drifting away... 😱
Watch others first on the ramp. Do everything deliberately and slowly. If you have a ramp that's steep enough, once you get it in where your tow vehicle tires are at the water, the stern should be floating or about to float. Watch your tailpipe(s), that can stall the engine and lead to lots of problems.
At that point, you can disconnect the bow line at the winch. Just make sure that when you do, the boat doesn't start moving. If you have a bunk trailer, it almost certainly will not. If you have rollers, it may but probably won't.
Now, climb back into the tow vehicle, put in reverse and go a little deeper. When you almost get as deep as you feel comfortable with, stop suddenly. At that point, if the ramp is right, the boat will slip off the trailer and you should then move slowly up the ramp (with the tow vehicle/trailer) to a parking place.
Coming out is almost the reverse except you can get the trailer as deep as you can and power onto the trailer. Don't come in fast but put the bow where it needs to be and them increase power and get it moving again. If you have a cross wind, it will make it harder but I envy those with a stern thruster which will make it a snap to keep the boat lined up. If you don't, a line on the stern on the windward side to someone on the pier should do the trick. I have a ladder on the trailer tongue and I can climb off the bow onto the trailer. You will nearly always have to wade a little. Watch out, it's usually very slippery. If you haven't been able to power the boat all the way up, you should be able to winch the boat up to the bow stop. With a roller trailer its easier. Sometimes, I can't get the TC255 all the way there but if it's within 6-18" or so, I go ahead and take it up to the ramp (make sure the winch cable is attached and tight) on level ground. If I still can't move it, I just go forward a little and tap the brakes and it slides up to the bow stop. Be very careful with this move, with an R-25 it should be less ciritical but on the TC, the bow stop contacts the hull between the two bows of the hulls where it's a little thinner material. You don't want the boat to slide into the truck! Before you leave, make sure the boat is tied down for travel and all the electronics are off!
Just take your time, get some help the first time and you'll be a pro in no time. Good luck!
Charlie
