Thread: Boat Loading and unloading

Guides and practice. Hip waders keep you dry if you have to load by hand. I don't hesitate to put the boots on and get in the water with the boat.

One other thing to consider is to put those slick bunk covers like Glyde Sliks.

They will allow the boat to slide over the bunks with less friction. But take care... you can launch a boat on the ramp if disconnect the winch from the bow eye too soon.

Originally Posted by Fishtaco

One other thing to consider is to put those slick bunk covers like Glyde Sliks.

They will allow the boat to slide over the bunks with less friction. But take care... you can launch a boat on the ramp if disconnect the winch from the bow eye too soon.

So true:D Glyde sticks are great, but don't disconnect the winch too early. With Glyde sticks, trailer guides and hip boots you should be able to launch/unlaunch any boat.

I too am new at boating, but after taking the boat to the lake a sh!!t load this spring and summer gave me plenty of practice and learning what my boat and trailer like, I have a 17 ft javelin with just two bunks and a roller at the end of the trailer, I just kept experimenting with it at the ramp til I figured what depth the trailer needed to be to launch and load, I found that if i back the trailer in till the tires(single axle) are sticking out of water by about 3-6 inches of water and bunks are 3-4 feet out of water this gives me plenty of dry ramp to launch and load by myself with ease and without ever stepping into the water

But when your new to boating take my advice and be patient and be prepared to have a few guys laugh at ya while your in this learning phase, and when your at the bow gettin ready to step off onto the tongue to finish winching the boat onto the trailer, keep in mind the cables to the trolling motor like to REACH OUT AND GRAB YOUR ANKLES:D luckily I have good balance

And dont be toooo proud, if you dont know then ask someone who does, theres alot of good folks here and at the ramp that will help ya out

Originally Posted by Fishtaco

One other thing to consider is to put those slick bunk covers like Glyde Sliks.

They will allow the boat to slide over the bunks with less friction. But take care... you can launch a boat on the ramp if disconnect the winch from the bow eye too soon.

Seen a guy dump his Dad's brand new 24' Sea Chaser onto the ramp one day. . . . and, no, his Dad wasnt there! Imagine explaining that one. . . . . Id stay away from them slicks

My issues are more loading than unloading to unload we back down into the water, lower the transom, start the motor, unhook, backup about 1' and stop suddenly..boat floats off easy..

You will get good at it. And don't worry about looking stupid. It's a learning thing. We've all been there and done that. Eventually you will be able to get it right up to the winch with very little problem without out having to get wet (most times). We've also probably done something stupid at the ramp at one time or another. I know I have.

Amen

Pomoxis,

My husband and I are taking our loading and launching act on the comedy boat ramp circuit! That is how bad we are at it. People are laughing so hard that they don't even care that we are in their way!

We are new to boating too. My husband says it is now my boat and up to me to learn how to drive it. He has given up. He just goes along for the ride and tells me how to do it! (yeah right)

We have the same issues with loading. It floats to the right so I try to go farther left and it winds up crooked on the trailer. We pull out the trailer and push the boat over by hand. We use the tall PVC guides, but still load it crooked. Maybe we are putting the trailer too deep.

We also have issues putting the boat next to the dock when other boats are around. I am scared I will do the wrong thing and hit someone, so we stay away. Then I don't get to practice so I can get better.

I know it doesn't seem like you are getting better, but it has to get better, doesn't it? That is what I am hoping for. Just find a time of day that few people are using the ramp and practice.
Hang in there, Peke

:D

We've all been there done that pomoxis and peke!... and it does get better!

I personally would change from the pvc guides to the roller or skid guide ons.

As mentioned earlier in this thread, back the trailer all the way into the water to get the bunks completely wet and then pull up so about half the length of your bunks are out of the water. The boat should not still be floating once pulled up onto the trailer, if it is... your trailer is too far into the water/deep.

Also mentioned earlier in this thread are the Glyde Slyks, they really help a lot! I put some on my trailer and don't have to back the trailer near as far into the water to get the boat onto the winch roller.