Unloading & Loading the boat...

[pvisser]

Kinda a dumb question...<br /><br />I have a 1966 18foot crestliner, and a 1977 shoreland trailer. How far do I need to back the boat into the water? I am concernd because today I witnessed a guy get his van stuck in the sand at the bottom of the loading ramp while pulling out his EMPTY trailer. Keeping in mind I have a front wheel drive Venture.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

I have always found under normal conditions, water just over the wheel well fenders works well for floating the boat off. Roller trailers can be kept out a lttle farther then bunk trailers for a succesful luanch and retrieval. Never remove the bow strap before the boat touches the water, I have seen to many boats on the ramp over the years. Alway go prepared, a couple 30 degree cut railroad ties work well as wheel stops or aids in getting out if needed.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

Wave Hopper is on the mark with the wheel stops. As to how far to go - that depends on the ramp, the configuration of your trailer and whether you have rollers or bunks so you are going to have to experamint to determine what is best for you. I had a trailer with rollers and I would stop at the waters edge just before the water got to the rims. The boat I have now has bunks and is heavy. I sink it and stop the back tires of my truck about 3' from the waters edge.<br /><br />I always have someone standing by to jump on the rear bumper to provide extra weight for traction is my wheels start slippin. With front wheel drive you would have someone get on the front.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

I find it Much Easier to Float my boat, Both off,+ on the trailer....<br />Water depth permiting...

 

[magster65]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

I'd back in until I could see the stern start to float. That'd be trailer wheels submerged and my back bumper of my truck even with the water's edge. I tried other depths but that worked best for me.<br />1984 22.5 SeaRay weekender (tandem trailer) w/ 1995 Ford XLT F-150 4x4.

 

[blipship]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

I have a question a long this topic. Is it better to power the boat up on a trailer with the motor or use the winch? I usually use the motor to get the boat as far up as I can, then winch in from there. I was thinking this may put more stress on the hull and transom though. I am probably just being too concerned.

 

[mellocj]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

When you're using your boats motor to "drive" it up the boat trailer, you are going to be disturbing a lot of the sand in the water, and it also makes you look like an idiot (just my opinion )

 

[blifsey]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

On my previous 17.5' & current 20' boat, I will drive onto trailer at an idle and maybe goose the engine just a little. Not like I've seen some folks cranking down 1/2 throttle or more. Sometimes, I end up right up to the bow stop and sometimes I'm 1' or less. I'll winch whatever is left.

 

[blipship]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

Thats what I do as well...I dont slam the throttle and bang the trailer like a lot of folks I've seen. Sometimes you would think they are going to push the car up the ramp with the boat.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Unloading & Loading the boat...

why does anyone powerload? i think guiding the boat to the trailer with ropes and winching it up makes the most sense. powerloading makes a huge hole at the end of a ramp for people to get their trailer stuck in when the water is low, not to mention sucking all of that grit into your water pump then shutting it down...