bonz_d
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2008
- Messages
- 5,276
Wow is all I can say. Been going through some posts today and wow are they getting off topic in some. Others seem like they are trying to turn boating into a space launch. No rocket science involved here. Maybe a little knowledge and common sense would help.
One observation has been that most seem to think that all boat ramps are the same. Perfect concrete pads that extend halfway out into the lake. Wide beautiful service docks. They all have that perfect depth were one just backs right in, the boat floats off and away you go. Or just the opposite, back in the trailer, drive on, hook up away you go. Never having to worry about low water levels or having the trailer fall off the end of a concrete pad because it's too short or the water level in down 2 feet.
I have been on ramps that the grade is so steep that one wonders if they are going to slip and crack their melons open and others that were so flat that one has to drive the tow vehicle into the water until the front bumper is wet. In either case, neither can be approached and used the same way.
The 2 best debates to watch for me are the "Power load or Not to Power load" and then "Bunk trailers vs. Roller trailers."
My opinion on power loading is if the ramp is designed or set up for it then go for it. If it's not then please don't. At the same token when I'm in front of you and am not power loading because my trailer is not set up for that or I don't feel comfortable doing it then please, sit down, relax, have a cool beverage, I'll be out of the way in a few minutes. I have in fact been able to winch load my boat faster than some power loaders I've seen.
Trailers and boats, together they are inherently dangerous. There are just certain precautions that one must take no matter which type of trailer one is using. And boats just do not fall off trailers all by themselves. There is a reason for it and it's either operator error or an equipment malfunction. Either way those are preventable. Some time I just believe that some folks just do not understand how and why their trailers work the way it's supposed to.
Roller trailers do not have the same requirements as full bunk trailers when launching or retrieving. I can launch and retrieve with rollers when the end rollers are barely into the water. Might be able to do that with bunks but I wouldn't want to try it.
I have also seen some very poorly made trailers in both verieties. Not enough rollers or bunks for proper support. Not enough adjustment to properly locate the bunks or rollers. Weak, poorly fitted or out of adjustment bow stops and winchs.
Well I need to go take some more cold meds then take a nap. I'll let others continue. Maybe some one will rant about on water etiquette and courtesy.
Later!
One observation has been that most seem to think that all boat ramps are the same. Perfect concrete pads that extend halfway out into the lake. Wide beautiful service docks. They all have that perfect depth were one just backs right in, the boat floats off and away you go. Or just the opposite, back in the trailer, drive on, hook up away you go. Never having to worry about low water levels or having the trailer fall off the end of a concrete pad because it's too short or the water level in down 2 feet.
I have been on ramps that the grade is so steep that one wonders if they are going to slip and crack their melons open and others that were so flat that one has to drive the tow vehicle into the water until the front bumper is wet. In either case, neither can be approached and used the same way.
The 2 best debates to watch for me are the "Power load or Not to Power load" and then "Bunk trailers vs. Roller trailers."
My opinion on power loading is if the ramp is designed or set up for it then go for it. If it's not then please don't. At the same token when I'm in front of you and am not power loading because my trailer is not set up for that or I don't feel comfortable doing it then please, sit down, relax, have a cool beverage, I'll be out of the way in a few minutes. I have in fact been able to winch load my boat faster than some power loaders I've seen.
Trailers and boats, together they are inherently dangerous. There are just certain precautions that one must take no matter which type of trailer one is using. And boats just do not fall off trailers all by themselves. There is a reason for it and it's either operator error or an equipment malfunction. Either way those are preventable. Some time I just believe that some folks just do not understand how and why their trailers work the way it's supposed to.
Roller trailers do not have the same requirements as full bunk trailers when launching or retrieving. I can launch and retrieve with rollers when the end rollers are barely into the water. Might be able to do that with bunks but I wouldn't want to try it.
I have also seen some very poorly made trailers in both verieties. Not enough rollers or bunks for proper support. Not enough adjustment to properly locate the bunks or rollers. Weak, poorly fitted or out of adjustment bow stops and winchs.
Well I need to go take some more cold meds then take a nap. I'll let others continue. Maybe some one will rant about on water etiquette and courtesy.
Later!
