new to boating unloading and loading boat at the dock

[brianis]

so unloaded my 58 starcraft first time unloading it luckily at a private lake with noone there so my trouble is the old 50 hp merc is cold blooded so by the time it was warmed up enough to get going current pushed me sideways across the trailer looked like a dumb---. what to do in that case next there are two drain holes on the upper part of the transom right next to the motor the ramp was pretty steep when i back in before the boat could float itself up because of the angle the holes were taking in water my plugs i have dont fit the hole im thinkin maybe more of a drop hitch. As for loading i think i can manage that

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: new to boating unloading and loading boat at the dock

For one, you don't need the motor running, just put a rope on the front of the boat and slide it off holding on to the rope. Then walk it around where you can tie it up to a dock or beach it. Get plugs that fit your drain holes. It also sounds like you may have the trailer to far in the water, if the current is drifting you off of it.

 

[5150abf]

Re: new to boating unloading and loading boat at the dock

Ya, I never start the engine on the trailer,I put the launch rope in the back of the bed with enough rope to get the boat off the trailer, take the rest to the front of the bed and back the boat in, just before it floats I stop and get the rope then float it the walk it to the dock.

This way takes alot less time on the launch.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: new to boating unloading and loading boat at the dock

A lot of people put the muffs on the motor and start it and let it warm up before they leave the house.

 

[Me1stBoat]

Re: new to boating unloading and loading boat at the dock

Both great ideas but if the ramp is deserted why not.

If the ramp is deserted as it was last weekend when i was trying to teach the wife how to launch our 18 foot open bow. I backed the trailer in after i had put the plug in and removed the transom straps. Loosened the bow winch but did not unhook it. Backed in to where the trailer fenders were just barely underwater.

Had the wife and son already in the boat and all gear loaded, had her flip the blower on for a couple minutes. Then start the motor and let it warm up. The boat was still sitting on the bunks so no chance of it floating anywhere. This way if she won't start, winch the strap back tight and pull it back out of the water, no harm no foul.Once it was good and warm, i released the bow winch strap and had her power it off the trailer while i parked the truck.

Guess if your launching by yourself could do the same thing and just motor to an empty spot and tie up so you could park the truck. Just my .02 worth.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: new to boating unloading and loading boat at the dock

Sounds like you are getting some good advice. Being "new" to boating, one thing that would really be appreciated by your fellow boaters (launch/loaders) is to ensure that you only use the launch for launching, keeping your launch time minimized, and if a double ramp, use only one side. Do your IN/OUT prep elsewhere. If you are launching in light traffic, it's not so important, but for Sunday outings, when the launch is busy, others may not thank you personally, but they appreciate it none the less.

On the launching angle you mentioned, would be nice if all boats interfaced the water the same and all launches were at the same angle in protected water. But things aren't that simple and you have to adapt. Having a pier or other place to tie off, without having to get in the mud or get wet, is really a plus.

On transverse waves that mess up your launching and loading trailer guides, either hand made out of pvc and a flag mount bolted to the trailer work well, or purchase aftermarket if the trailer doesn't come with them. Also I back my trailer just far enough in to get the transom to float, or when launching, as others mentioned, just have enough slack in your winch strap/cable to allow your boat to float off and pull up till you can get in without getting wet.

Having a pickup works very well for me when boating alone which I usually do. On reloading, I drive on and again, just back in far enough to ensure that I can drive the boat 90 % of the way on the trailer then turn off the engine and tilt it up then sit on the tailgate and finish off the last 10% with the winch.

Have fun.

Mark