Nice technique

[airdvr1227]

We were tooling around South Bass on our golfcart when we wound up at the State Park ramp. I pulled in to watch an older couple preparing to launch a +-21 ft center console. He got in the truck, she walked up next to the rig. I thought she would get in but he immediately backed down the ramp. Just when I thought he was going to submerge his rear axle he hit the brakes and that CC just glided off the bunks. His wife walked along the dock waiting for the boat to slow down and he was off to park. Very impressive to watch.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Nice technique

Its amazing how easy it can be if the trailer is set up properly.

 

[Titanium48]

Re: Nice technique

...and there is no wind, no current and there is a well-placed courtesy dock.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Nice technique

There is a lot to be said for staying with the same woman for a long time. Provided she is the right woman and you are the right man. Communication becomes much easier because you both know what is needed. Life in general becomes easier. You become as a couple a well oiled machine--team. I know! mixed metaphor!

 

[*mtrbtr*]

Re: Nice technique

That alway made me nervous if you had to stop quickly before you got boat to the water. I have heard many horror stories of concrete on boat ramps. Sometimes I will do it, but I always wait to unhook the saftey chain until the boat is partially in the water so if it does slide off by accident, there is no accident.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Nice technique

roller trailers (or bunk slicks) are the key to happiness. And you don't get your axle/brakes in the salt water that way.

Around here most public ramps have courtesy docks; until I got on this forum I never heard of one without.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: Nice technique

That alway made me nervous if you had to stop quickly before you got boat to the water. I have heard many horror stories of concrete on boat ramps. Sometimes I will do it, but I always wait to unhook the saftey chain until the boat is partially in the water so if it does slide off by accident, there is no accident.

I used to do exactly like the first post described until this one time where my boat came off the trailer while I was still backing down and before I had applied any brakes. It was just sheer luck that the trailer was already in far enough that the boat just slid off the bunks and into the water with a huge splash. Now, I never disconnect the winch strap until the trailer is most of the way in the water.

-E

 

[jrampey]

Re: Nice technique

My daughter is the boat captain for me... Been helping since she was 14 (24 now) When launching we stop in the prep area and remove the tiedowns, place everything in the boat, etc. She climbs in and turns on the blower. I pull to the ramp and back in until the water is close to the front of the trailer. I unhook the winch and safety chain while she is trimming down the engine and starting. I back in until the boat floats off. She reverses and circles the area until I get the truck parked. I come to the dock and step into the boat as she approaches the dock. Away we go!

When we return to the dock she creeps up to the dock and I step off. While I retrieve the truck and trailer she circles the area again. Once I've backed in she approaches at idle speed. I guide her on the final approach with hand signals... idles right onto the bunks - and I winch the last 6 inches. Shuts off the engine and trims it up. She sits while I pull out to the prep area and we prep the boat for the road.

In and out faster that most people can blink...

We've had numerous people ask us to retrieve their boats... maybe we should charge. My wife's in training now... my daughter is the instructor.