Wet Feet

kcfromohio

Seaman
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
56
Do you need to step in the water when you launch your boat? I cannot unhook the winch strap form my boat without getting my feet wet. I was thinking about a three or four foot strap extension, but that would remain attached to the ring on the hull while boat is underway. Any ideas?
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,071
Re: Wet Feet

People mount small plank walkways on the trailer tongue to walk on.

I always lauch with a rope attached and disconnect the winch strap before I am in the water..... I have a bunk trailer.
 

kcfromohio

Seaman
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
56
Re: Wet Feet

I have an EZ Loader. I Can not unhook it before I am in the water. Boat will roll off.

Thanks Marcoalza! Those would be perfect!:p
 

oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Re: Wet Feet

Don't think I'd leave anything swinging from the bow hook while underway. What is the concern about getting your feet wet? Best bet is to get some footwear desgned to walk in and out of the water in and just live with it. The tounge platforms look fine too, but that is going to depend on your coordination.
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Wet Feet

bass fisherman by chance? For whatever reason I've noticed that fisherman in general have issues with getting wet, but bass fishermen are by far the worst about it.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,071
Re: Wet Feet

Yup..... once your feet get wet....... you could melt! :eek: The "other" option is to have a person with the boat when you launch and let them get their feet wet!!
 

TJDave

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
184
Re: Wet Feet

Sandals, without socks. If you are still worried about air pollution, you can keep shoes and socks aboard.
 

AZBoatDreamer

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 5, 2009
Messages
1,100
Re: Wet Feet

Wear Sandles, Water shoes Ect. Getting your feet wet is part of the fun.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,383
Re: Wet Feet

I boat all winter so getting wet isn't an option.

Tie a rope to the front cleat of the boat and wrap it around the winch post 3-4 times. Back off the winch enough to transfer the load to the rope so you can unhook the strap. Slowly unwrap the rope and let the boat slid off the trailer.

#5500 boat. Launch and retrieve by myself. Have not gotten wet in years.
 

wifisher

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 9, 2011
Messages
578
Re: Wet Feet

Getting your feet wet in 35 degree water is no fun. And if the air temp is below freezing, sandals are not too comfy either.

I climb in the truck bed, and walk the tongue if i have to launch alone. If I'm in warm water, sometimes I will wade in. Usually not, just depends on how I feel.
 

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: Wet Feet

I have an EZ Loader. I Can not unhook it before I am in the water. Boat will roll off.

Sure you can. Attach a line to your bow cleat and tie it to the winch post. Let out your winch cable and let the line take the strain. Unhook the winch cable from the bow eye and rewind the cable. Loosen the line and use it to ease the boat into the water.

When I had my 21'er I mounted a galvanized cleat to the winch post just to make it even easier.

My .02
 

jopes

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Messages
288
Re: Wet Feet

bass fisherman by chance? For whatever reason I've noticed that fisherman in general have issues with getting wet, but bass fishermen are by far the worst about it.

in warm weather and water there is nothing wrong with it. When the water is in the mid 30's and temps in the 20-30 range for fishing, it sucks to have wet feet.

For me, I launch many times by myself. I park close enough to the dock to climb into the boat, then climb over the bow and onto the trailer, disconnect the winch strap then back into the boat to back it off the trailer. I do start the engine up before disconnecting the strap.
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Wet Feet

dingbat has it right.

Lots of pople don't mind getting wet, but to be correct, you do not need to get your feet wet to launch
 
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