Solo Launching

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Solo Launching

Cool JZ, hope you have fun doing it by yourself. I went out yesterday all by my lonesome and had a great day although it was very windy.

Here is another little trick I learned and after trying it out a few times I wonder how I missed something so simple and effective.

This applies to docking when your coming back in, as you know doing it solo can be a challenge especially if its windy or the current is strong (the river I was on yesterday has a 5mph current).

When you approach come in at 45 degrees to the dock slowly but under power, as you get close (1-2ft) shift into reverse and turn the motor so it points to the dock and use reverse power to pull the stern of the boat into the dock. This not only stops forward movement but pulls you in parallel inches from the dock.

I am still practicing this maneuver as I usually don't dock at the same place more than a couple times a year but let me tell you it works so slick you will look like a professional.

Heres a little tutorial in pictures so you get the idea, sure makes docking a breeze especially if your solo.

http://www.tropicalboating.com/powerboating/docking-an-outboard.html

I've been practicing this quite a bit. Something to note though is that the boat will pivot close to center. So as the stern swings in, the bow swings out. Thus is best to apply reverse once the bow is very close to the dock. I've not perfected this, but have been practicing the last few times I've been out. Fortunately where I do most of my boating, the docks are very easy to approach and moor to. When I rent a slip it's a completely different story, and I've failed quite a few times...relying on helpful bystanders. Some day I will get it right.

Ian

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Solo Launching

Big sky, your last post is scary. That is a safety chain and one of your most important pieces of equipment. Get someone who is experienced to walk around your trailer with you and go over your procedure before you get hurt or hurt someone else, and your boat.

As for straps breaking--the more likely failure is at the winch itself; that's a tiny little cog holding back that weight.

As I know from experience, bow eyes can pull out, too, so if your strap and chain are both attached to the eye, you can still lose your boat (with your eye safe and sound!)

 

[JZammetti]

Re: Solo Launching

As I know from experience, bow eyes can pull out, too, so if your strap and chain are both attached to the eye, you can still lose your boat (with your eye safe and sound!)

This has been a big fear of mine when I winch mine up on the bunks, I always fear the bow eye is going to come right out. How you had this happen to you Home?

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Solo Launching

Not exactly sure why this happened, but this is my worst fear!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne_jaLiSc7o&feature=related

 

[FFScott6]

Re: Solo Launching

The last time I was seriously boating was alonnnnngtime ago with my Popop. This past year I finally got my boat and put it in the water! Of course I had experienced boater with me. Now I'm feeling a bit comfy since the 2nd trip out I forgot the plug! DOH! I'm very proficient at backing since I haul a motorcyle all over.

Point of the story is I am feeling I can tackle a solo launch after many hours observing at the ramps and reading copious posts and threads on here. Maybe this weekend I'll share my triumps or tragedy after my inauguration!

I love boating!

 

[rbh]

Re: Solo Launching

boats should never be dragged on, your trailer winch is not a skidder and the boats not a tree.
you will have to learn how deep your trailer goes in, so the boat floats on with minor friction.
when you pull it up, tight on the winch into the bow roller/stopper, you have to attach a chain (with a hook) to the eye (6-8 inches long max the shorter the better) chain should be bolted but welded is better, this is for safety only.
before going down the road ensure you strap down the stern to the trailer and it doesnt hurt to do the bow as well, I use a 6 inch transport rated web strap with a rachet style tightener.
safety safety safety
rob

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Solo Launching

i have to solo launch a lot. will skip pre-launch stuff,put in bilge plug and all that.
what i have found works best for me.i have a 5/8" dock line 25' long.our boat is aprox. 24'. all pre launch done. tie one end of line to bow eye and other winch stand on trailer. slowly back into lake till i see boat start to float from trailer. tap brakes gently. if your not sure of the angel and depth of the ramp(first time there) this might take a couple of times.DONT GO TO FAST AND JAM ON BRAKES. this will surely snap line and send boat shooting off trailer into lake out of reach. at this point boat should gently float free and may or may not take slack in line. your almost done. ease tow vehicle back up ramp till you can reach line with out stepping in water. now you can hand line boat to dock or gently beach, which ever is you custom. TAKE YOUR TIME DONT TRY TO HURRY. secure boat and park truck& trailer and enjoy the day.

after a good harted fellow offered to help me launch and backed my truck in to the doors. i tend to be careful of the help i accept at ramp.
lots of well meaning folk but in the end you have no way to judge there
capability's and its your equipment at risk.
launch single handed i have gotten lots of help lining boat, tying up and docking and lining back to and winching on trailer. and always appreciated it. operating boat or vehicle is a different and leave you to make call as applies to you.

x2..

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Solo Launching

I dont boat far from home so i never thought about it what else do you hook to if you dont want to use the eye for both. Actually my boat is strapped at the
back and over the top . it is aluminum boat. i never used a chain but they were all small aluminum fishing boats. It is chained now i wonder if everybody uses the chain. I am glad i learned the easy way instead of the hard way like you.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Solo Launching

I dont boat far from home so i never thought about it what else do you hook to if you dont want to use the eye for both. Actually my boat is strapped at the
back and over the top. It is chained now i wonder if everybody uses the chain.< Start a new thread for that question, why not??

Sounds like you pretty much got it covered. With the stern straps and safety chain and winch strap(cable) your good to go!! use the eye for both, you'll be fine The stern straps on too, don't worry about the eye so much.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Solo Launching

Ah Humm, So how did it go today with the solo launch??

 

[rspar]

Re: Solo Launching

Launched my boat twice now, haven't managed to not get wet yet. If I just pull the boat up with a rope on the bow and try to drive up it slides back further than I'd like to winch it back up. I only launch from the dock I've watched the guys power up and end up nearly 45 degree, I just wait for the dock space. I bring an extra pair of shoes problem solved.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Solo Launching

Someone asked about a failed bow eye, yes it happened to me while trailering; eye pulled loose and remained firmly attached and dangling from the winch cable and safety chain. A "belly band" strap kept it from coming off the trailer--a roller trailer at that. Noticed it just before going on the bridge tunnel. This was a 17' fiberglass OB.
We need to back up a little here on the "rules" fo trailer operations-like all things with boats, one size doesn't fit all. A 14' jon boat doesn't need logging chains; a rope (the bowline) can serve fine to back up the winch, and straps may be all you need. Not so for a 25' cuddy. Point is, don't rely on the winch clicker.
Yes you can use bunks for skids--with the right boat. We've done it for years with a flat-bottom 19' Carolina skiff, with teflon pads for sliding and a power winch--because we do not get the axle wet. It's what you do in salt water if you can. That boat cannot sit on rollers without hull damage. For any boat, what's the harm in winching up on carpeted bunks?
On my new-to-me 21' I have to sink my axles--first time in 40 years of trailering. It kills me and I move as quickly as I can to get the trailer out. But it's only a few times a year; if it were more I'd power winch it up dry. That's a different procedure and perspective than fresh water boating--one size doesn't fit all.
Oh, and I see lots of people sinking trailers in salt water. Some, like me, have no choice. Some think their watertight hubs and sealed lights will save them. Give it time....

 

[TinFishingBoat]

Re: Solo Launching

I'm a rookie and really appreciate the great info - any tips for launching when the courtesy docks have been pulled up for the winter?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Solo Launching

I'm a rookie and really appreciate the great info - any tips for launching when the courtesy docks have been pulled up for the winter?

There's a really crummy ramp that I often have to use that has no docks. Normally I back the boat in till floating, stand on the tongue of the trailer and man-handle the boat as best I can off the trailer and drag it up next to the ramp and beach it on a dirt/gravely area. Park the truck, jump in the boat, push off with an oar and go. If I couldn't man-handle the boat sideways off the trailer, I would attach a long rope to the trailer and to the bow eye of the boat. Back the boat in till floating, push it off, then gently pull the trailer forward. Then unhook and beach the boat.