backing into water, how deep

[dmikes62]

how far should i back my trailer into water, 1986 rinker v170 16.5 ft boat with 120 hp evinrude‹

 

[JASinIL2006]

It's hard to say... a number of things can affect it. The height of the trailer, the type of trailer (e.g., tilt vs. bunks), the steepness of the ramp...

Generally, with my boat on a bunk trailer, I shoot to just submerge the trailer fenders under the water's surface. If the ramp is steep, I don't back in quite as far. If the ramp is shallow, I have to back in much further, sometimes until my truck's tail pipe is almost under water.

I'd start by submerging your trailer fenders and see how that works.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Loading or unloading, bunk or roller, shallow or deep water at launch etc.....

 

[gddavid]

When the stern lifts up from trailer you are usually pretty close on a boat of that size (assuming you remember to remove your tie downs). Do a little trial and error and you will get a good feel for it. If you are watching the boat closely as you back down the last few feet, you will notice when the weight of the boat starts to come off of the trailer by the angle and it will usually rock a little.

 

[dmikes62]

Thanks it is roller type trailer and steep ramp

 

[Maclin]

With a roller trailer in general you would not need to go in as deep as with bunks, but have to make sure there is enough water depth for the motor and stern to splash in some and clear the ramp.

 

[Scott Danforth]

also on a roller trailer and steep ramp, do not unhook the winch or bow safety until after you have backed down into the water. at least once a year we hear of someones boat rolling off the trailer because they unhooked at top of ramp

 

[smokeonthewater]

When the stern floats you are too deep

With a roller trailer get the last crossmember about 6" under water.... Way less needs to be in the water than with a bunk trailer.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Oh and don't unhook the winch EVER until you are ready for the boat to leave the trailer.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Each setup works a little different than others. You're going to have to try different ways to see what works the best for you. On my roller setup, I back the trailer in until the stern floats when launching. Usually never have to get the tires on the truck wet. Have pretty good ramps.

When retrieving I would start by having the top of the fenders slightly above the water line, not submerged. I don't even go that deep, I just submerge that last set of rollers. Again, you'll need to mess around to see what works best for you....

 

[smokeonthewater]

I should have said .... last crossmember AT LEAST 6" under..... Experiment from there

 

[MTboatguy]

Heck, you could do like I did the very first time I launched, forget to put the plug in and get half way across a mile wide river before you figure out that you are sinking!

 

[smokeonthewater]

[No message]

 

[jayhanig]

Every boat and trailer is different but a good starting point is to leave about an adult footprint's worth of fender showing above water. Even if that doesn't work for you, it gives you an idea of how to gauge your depth. Once you've got your boat dialed in, pay attention to how much or how little fender is showing and just use that mental image every time.

 

[inthedirtagain]

also on a roller trailer and steep ramp, do not unhook the winch or bow safety until after you have backed down into the water. at least once a year we hear of someones boat rolling off the trailer because they unhooked at top of ramp

This is how I recently picked up a boat for only $100. Fixed a crack in the stern drive with JB Weld and fab'd up some new motor mounts with my welder and $20 worth of scrap steel. The guy sold it to me with a full tank of gas, so I think I made out pretty even in that deal!

As for backing into the water, my current boat trailer doesn't have side rails to help guide it onto the correct position. So I back shallow and choose to winch it on straight. That's gonna be my next mod.....

 

[series9]

Many people would say I back in too deep, but I find it makes things much easier. I have a 24' Proline and I don't want to fight with it. I back in until it floats and so I can release it and have it leave with a light push. I recover the same way. I never have to crank the winch more than a foot or so before the bow eye is on the front roller.

I have never understood all the effort some people go through using power to load and unload. Those back tires on the truck will be fine if they get a little wet.

 

[bonz_d]

I am a creature of habit and do it the same way no matter the ramp. Though I guess I'm lucky in that I'm using small boats compared to most. 14' to16'. Also use tilt or roller trailers depending on which boat I have.

I back in until the stern is in the water, unhook the boat, slight push and away it goes. Recovering the boat again I back in until the rear roller in under water and then winch it up straight and true every time. Unless there is a strong cross wind or current of course. In and out in a couple minutes.

 

[bruceb58]

I back mine is so that I crank in the boat the last 3-4 feet. This make sure the boat gets centered. I have a bunk trailer.

Problem is that every boat/trailer combo is different and even ramps are different so it's more a trial and error thing with your own boat.

Most people have problems by backing in to deep.