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Please Don't Power Load

Power loading is what it's called when you use the boat motor to load and unload a boat onto and off a trailer. Power loading can damage your boat, motor and trailer, as well as the launch ramp and lakebed.

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Why is power loading a problem? 

Trying to load or unload your boat using engine power can erode sediment and dig large and hazardous holes at the base of the ramp. The eroded sediment creates a mound behind the propeller. Trailer tires can get stuck in these holes, and boats can run aground on the mound. It results in a barrier for both launching and loading.

  • Boats and equipment can incur costly damage when boaters unknowingly back trailer wheels into the hole, damaging their trailer frames on the submerged ramps or getting the trailer stuck in the hole. When this happens, a tow truck may be the only option to retrieve the trailer and the vehicle attached to it.

  • The boat or lower unit can run aground on the mound. 

  • In extreme cases, the end of the launch ramp can collapse, leaving it unusable and causing the access to be closed. 

  • Most of Minnesota's public launch ramps were not designed to sustain the forces of power loading generated by today's larger and more powerful boats.

  • Repairs by DNR crews are costly and time consuming.

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Read more about this on the DNR page at:https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/water_access/powerloading.html

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