Thread: Nasty fall

Originally Posted by Stumblebum

Sorry about your fall.
I installed a Drotto Boat Latch on my trailer. It eliminates the need to climb on my trailer to release my boat. A rope can be attached to it and it can be released from the the cockpit seat.
I use a retractable dog leash attached to the boat and just trip the Drotto release when I launch. I will never have another trailer without one on it. There are videos on YouTube showing them in use.

Its usually the loading up that gets you . I just hook rope arround winch post and let her float off . Loading not so easy .

Amen

Originally Posted by rebranger

Until you get your steps, try what I do, LET YOUR TAILGATE DOWN. Step off boat on to tailgate, sit down, u got it then!

Sorry about the fall....I know that hurt....I have a big boat (Triton 19' fish & ski).....I am 79 and I launch by myself all the time that's fairly easy to me.....similar to rebranger...when loading on the trailer, first thing I do is lower the tail gate down and back the trailer in, then go get the boat and drive the boat forward till the eye is touching the roller...make sure the trolling motor is unplugged (yes, I didn't do that ONE time), then I lay down on the deck (stomach down) , lean over and place the hook in the eye and crank it up...then I step off on the lowered tailgate then to the ground and pull the boat out.....this way, I do not have to stand on the tongue to hook it up.....that is very difficult....make sure you have something non-slick on the boat and tailgate where you are stepping....

When launching, I tie (or hook a loop to a cleat near the front of the boat) a 25' rope to the boat and curl it up on the boat deck....tie or loop the other end to the trailer near the winch...I back in till the boat starts to float then hit the brakes to float it off....pull the truck up enough that you can get to the rope without stepping in the water....secure the truck and go get the rope off the trailer then pull the boat over to the dock or bank as the case may be....easy....I would rather do this than have someone help me....and I do get a lot of offers....must be the grey hair...LOL

All those suggestions on the fabricated steps sound good....

I may be a redneck but I wear rubber boots. I don't generally spend much time at the ramp but if it's slow it doesn't bother me. My dad will get frustrated at the ramp because he can't back down good and i understand why he gets frustrated. U guys just slow down and take your time. Everybody gripes about having someone taking forever but that's just the way it is. U have guys that do it everyday and guys that do it once a year launching there boats. So take your time and be safe. Don't rush yourself just because some big rig has been sitting up there waiting on u. Take your time and enjoy what God has given us. I'm not sayin dilly dally around by any means, but don't get in a hurry and get hurt.

I figured at my age and physical limitations, it was much cheaper to put a set of steps on my trailer tongue than it was to pay for a visit to Dr or ER. I built these myself out of 2 1/2" square tubing and scrap stuff I had around the shop. I'm no pro welder but I stuck it all together with my wire-feed till I got what I wanted then came back with my stick welder and made it rock solid. Probably got $50 in the whole deal. No telling how many folks I've seen take pics of my set-up at the ramp.

I also have a Drotto latch system for my boat but the low water makes it really hard to use on most local ramps so I took it off till summer pool.

Hope you will be ok. Also getting in and out of boat at the boat dock is a place where you can lose your balance and fall. Before having two total hip replacements a couple of years ago and I asked the Park Ranger if I could put a pull bar on the dock. He said it would be fine as he had trouble getting in and out of boats himself. Being a DIY er I made a homemade one and a lot of people have thanked me for making it as it has helped them keep their balance getting in and out of their boats. The time to stop a accident is before the accident happens. Here is a couple of pictures where my wife is holding the dock safety bar and boat while I was parking the truck.

Well,you still kicking ?

Sorry about your fall. Hope you are doing better by now.