Loading back on the trailer.??

[chapstokes]

I'm new to the boating world, and so far so good, except loading my boat back up on my trailer when leaving. I have managed to put some nice scratches on the hull that I'm not to happy about. I have a 20' Chaparral ski/cruiser w/an I/O mercruiser in it.
When I'm pulling back onto the trailer typically it's windy around the lake here, so that is no help. But it seems like I can't get the boat to go slow enough that I'm comfortable hitting the trailer at idling speed. The engine idle is roughly 550-700 rpm. Will lifting the trim much higher from a further distance from the trailer slow me down more? The steering at idle just seems to constantly sway from right to left and I find myself over correcting and on the trailer wheel arch's real quick. The man I bought the boat from loaded this boat up with no issue's but I haven't really heard a good method to correctly load this up. It makes me really nervous every time I have to load it, and it's almost taking the fun out of it. Some pointers would be awesome. Thank you in advance!
Joseph

 

[zach103]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

well i only went out once this year due to repairs but this is how we did it. i was on the boat threw my dad a rope next to the trailer he sorta pulled me in after i got close enough than cut the engine. than he hooked up the winch and we slowly cranked the boat on the trailer. i have the rollers so its easier than bunks

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

Sounds like you need load guides. Is this a bunk or roller trailer and is it set up to match the hull ?

Been there myself, my boat has a lot of windage.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

well i only went out once this year due to repairs but this is how we did it. i was on the boat threw my dad a rope next to the trailer he sorta pulled me in after i got close enough than cut the engine. than he hooked up the winch and we slowly cranked the boat on the trailer. i have the rollers so its easier than bunks

My boat stays in the water all season, however if I have to pull it to perform any maintenance, then ^ is the easiest way to go. Even if you have a bunk trailer it is still quite easy.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

I agree, I am a newbie myself, but launched and retrieved my 21 ft Sea Ray multiple times this summer. I have seen people just power it right up to the trailer to the winch but I am not that brave. I get it close and put it into neutral and hook the winch's cable to "pull" the boat in. If I have someone who can assist, the I throw a rope to the person to aide in stabilizing the boat and correct the angle or limiting the winds effect.

I also installed loading guides toward the end of the season, to be able to see the trailer and they helped a lot. The angle of ramp makes it difficult to see the trailer when it is submerged, so the loading guides give you something to aim for and they help the boat line up on the trailer.

As you launch and retrieve more and more you will get better at it getting it closer every time but I still think letting the winch do most of the work is a smart thing. Less scratches!!! Ike

 

[ziggy]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

i walk my boat onto the trailer too. usually i'm tied up to the dock. go get my trailer and back it in. then just untie the boat and walk it on and winch it up. i too have a roller trailer..

 

[Nick on the Bad Habit]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

Most "Newbie's" make the mistake of backing the trailer into the water too far. Take note how far you back in to launch the boat. Look at how far the fenders are into the water. When retrieving the boat, dont place the trailer in as far. My rule of thumb is to keep the top of the fenders just slightly above the water. Once the bow is on the first part of the bunks, line up the rear of the boat. Use slight throttle to ease the boat onto the bunks all the way. Pull the throttle back, but leave in forward gear at idle. Attach winch to boat eye bolt an secure boat with winch. Take engine out of gear shut down motor and raise outdrive. Pull boat out of water slowly watching for pedestrians that are not paying attention.
Hope that helps!
Nick

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

I agree that new boaters tend to back the trailer too far in the water. Backing in until the back edges of the fenders just touch the water is typically far enough. Drive on until the boat stops, then winch it the rest of the way.

 

[chapstokes]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

I just installed loading guides on my trailer but I haven't been able to go out with them yet. The way the docks are where i typically load and unload it is impossible to walk the boat to my trailer. I have done the rope thing and it worked out ok. My trailer has bunks and they are formed to the boat. I guess I'll just keep trying the rope method. Thanks for all the help guys.
Joseph

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Loading back on the trailer.??

guides and self centering roller 1 or 2 really help the center process.

http://www.iboats.com/Self_Centerin...24587388--**********.142505674--view_id.56624