Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

[snooktarpon]

I'm thinking about fishing some lakes/ponds that only allow electric motors. I have a 18' bass boat with a bow mounted trolling motor and 90HP outboard.

When I load the boat on the trailer, I typically "drive" the boat on the trailer and power it up on the bunks until the boat is less than a foot from its final position. Then I winch it up.

If I cannot use my outboard, I'm trying to figure out the best way to load the boat on the trailer. I've come up with two options:

1) If there is a loading dock next to the ramp, I would have the trailer next to the dock. Then I could tie a rope to the bow "eye" and pull/guide the boat into the trailer. If there is a cross wind, this could get tricky. Then I'll winch it up.

2) Use my trolling motor to guide the boat into the trailer and then pull the trolling motor out just before the boat engages with the trailer. Then winch it up.

Thought? Suggestions? Has anyone done this?

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

you can lift the trolling motor (piece of wood helps to hold it up) then drive on the trailer. Its better to have to trailer in deeper than you would using the normal motor or get someone to reverse after you engage the trailer so you can get up the bunks before you have to winch it. In a cross wind you have to be committed and trolling in at full speed until you touch the trailer.

 

[bouch1]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

I use your 1st option, my wife wont back truck/trailer up or drive boat on so rope to boweye, usually out of water (and anyone's way) in less than 5 minutes, just need to get a routine down...

 

[JimS123]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

I don't get the "rope to bow eye" idea. (Even if you call it a line) Why double handle? Just put the winch hook on in the first place. I never saw or heard about driving a boat onto the trailer. Around these parts that's what the winch is for.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

When I lived in Virginia we had a few lakes like that that I fished my 16' bass boat on that were electric only as well. I would put my trailer down normal in the water and I would get as much speed as I could from the trolling motor and then pull it up before I got to the trailer. If I came up short which I almost always would, I would just winch it in the remaining 12" - 18". That being said, I also ran with the trolling motor un-latched in the mount just in case I ran into an issue and so I could yank it up quick. If you normally don't have trailer issues, this will be a piece of cake.

 

[snooktarpon]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Thanks guys! I think the trolling motor method is what I'll try. I've used the trolling motor in the un-latched position when fishing really shallow weedy areas so this shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Back the trailer in so just the front 2 inches of the bunk is exposed above water.

Attach a 25-30' line to the bow.

Stand by the truck and pull the boat on, attach winch, turn handle......

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

I don't get the "rope to bow eye" idea. (Even if you call it a line) Why double handle? Just put the winch hook on in the first place. I never saw or heard about driving a boat onto the trailer. Around these parts that's what the winch is for.

Amen. You got 20' of cable; use it. Not strong enough? Power winch. That's also why they make roller trailers.

roll the cable out to the end of the trailer. back the trailer down so the far end is just in the water. Hook to the bow hook and crank. Nothing to it if you are next to a pier.

Keep your feet dry.

 

[ajax5240]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

I just use the gas to get it on the trailer. It may be bending the rules a bit, but I don't think you will get thrown in jail for it.

Much easier than screwing around or smashing your bow mount into the trailer.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

I just use the gas to get it on the trailer. It may be bending the rules a bit, but I don't think you will get thrown in jail for it.

Much easier than screwing around or smashing your bow mount into the trailer.

Yeah,, firing up a 90 hp and power loading on an electric only lake won't draw any attention. :facepalm:

I don't think I would take that chance.
Electric only lakes are usually under the watchful eye of the eco police.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Yeah,, firing up a 90 hp and power loading on an electric only lake won't draw any attention. :facepalm:

I don't think I would take that chance.
Electric only lakes are usually under the watchful eye of the eco police.

I'm surprised that they even allow an outboard to be mounted on the boat. Locally, that's a no-no

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

In Virginia, There were a couple of small lakes they would allow it, however all fuel and oil lines had to be disconnected before it could be put in. Other small lakes like the one I used to go to frequently didn't care, You just couldn't start it, and usually the park ranger shack was by the launch ramp, so there was no chance of firing up the motor to trailer it, unless you wanted a ticket.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

On mine you have to take off the prop.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Hi,

I don't usually drive the boat into my trailer. I usually back the trailer into the lake until the bunks are about half submerged, then float the boat onto the trailer as far as it will go. I adjust it so it is centered on the bunks, then hook up the winch to the boat eye. I then winch the boat up.

 

[ajax5240]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Hmmm. Sounds like you guys have a lot stricter laws on that kind of stuff, and more enforcement presence.

Most of the electric only lakes in Colorado are remote lakes with little to no crowd. If you fire up to load the boat, most likely only a squirrel and the fish would know.

We see more wakeless lakes than electric only.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Hmmm. Sounds like you guys have a lot stricter laws on that kind of stuff, and more enforcement presence.

Our electric only "lakes" are drinking water supplies. Hydrocarbon pollution, or even the chance of, is not an option. No motor or fuel tanks on board = no chance of leaks, drips or spills.

 

[ajax5240]

Re: Loading Bass Boat on Trailer without using Outboard - Any Tips?

Our electric only "lakes" are drinking water supplies. Hydrocarbon pollution, or even the chance of, is not an option. No motor or fuel tanks on board = no chance of leaks, drips or spills.

That makes good sense. If that were the case, I wouldn't fire up either.

Guiding a boat onto a trailer with a rope isn't that hard. I just stick the trade a little deeper so I don't have to winch as far.