Can I ask a dumb Question?
07-19-2011 | 07:35 PM
#61
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From: Seaford, VA
All good info except using the throttles to load. I see this all the time and in some areas ITS ILLEGAL!
It washes out the end of the ramp so larger boat trailers will fall off the shelf and not be able to get back out. If you get the trailer in properly you wont need to do this, also Ive seen guys run right up and over thier trucks doing this manuever.
It washes out the end of the ramp so larger boat trailers will fall off the shelf and not be able to get back out. If you get the trailer in properly you wont need to do this, also Ive seen guys run right up and over thier trucks doing this manuever.
Yes, it might blow out the end of the ramp, but there are HUGE signs that show the end of the ramp, and I have never seen anyone anywhere close to as long as me at the ramp so I doubt it is a concern for any others.
I do it responsibly.
07-19-2011 | 10:58 PM
#62
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2 thoughts on docking with a side wind (Kansas boater here, so plenty of experience, unfortunately, with that).
First, there is no substitute for practice. Go to the lake during off hours (weekday morning is great) and just practice. Come in, dock, back out, pull around, and repeat. No pressure from the crowds or a crew with you who wants to get on the water. Just go get a feel for it.
Second, I don't like having friends or family "catch" my boat. One slip or wrong move an they could get injured easily. Maybe just a bruise, maybe a broken arm, maybe a fall and a bashed head. Too much risk for me. The boat can always be fixed, friends and family not so much. Put out bumpers and ask people to not get involved unless they are trusted and have some experience. I have seen people get pinched between a boat and the dock before (not my rig) and it's not pretty. This gets much worse if the wind is bad or really worse if there is a big storm blowing in and everying is rushing around.
First, there is no substitute for practice. Go to the lake during off hours (weekday morning is great) and just practice. Come in, dock, back out, pull around, and repeat. No pressure from the crowds or a crew with you who wants to get on the water. Just go get a feel for it.
Second, I don't like having friends or family "catch" my boat. One slip or wrong move an they could get injured easily. Maybe just a bruise, maybe a broken arm, maybe a fall and a bashed head. Too much risk for me. The boat can always be fixed, friends and family not so much. Put out bumpers and ask people to not get involved unless they are trusted and have some experience. I have seen people get pinched between a boat and the dock before (not my rig) and it's not pretty. This gets much worse if the wind is bad or really worse if there is a big storm blowing in and everying is rushing around.
07-20-2011 | 07:10 AM
#63
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From: Thousand Islands area
Im not going to say to much but any sort of power washing/loading is rediculous. You either ruining the ramp or giving me as a potential spectator a fun show of you crashing your boat into the trailer/truck/or dock. I kno I know you know a guy who knows a guy who knows how to do it perfectly or you yourself are careful with it. I just dont think its the most wisest of things.
07-20-2011 | 08:11 AM
#64
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From: Seaford, VA
Im not going to say to much but any sort of power washing/loading is rediculous. You either ruining the ramp or giving me as a potential spectator a fun show of you crashing your boat into the trailer/truck/or dock. I kno I know you know a guy who knows a guy who knows how to do it perfectly or you yourself are careful with it. I just dont think its the most wisest of things.
With a certain combination of variables (boat, trailer, ramp angle) it might be necessary to power it on a little bit. I think this is definitely more applicable to longer boats. I drag the boat on the trailer and then jump on and power up the last 2 feet or so. The little bit of resistance is necessary to keep the boat straight in my circumstance.
Remember that not EVERYONE's launching/loading situation is the same, and in some scenarios a different approach is needed.
07-20-2011 | 09:15 AM
#65
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Im not going to say to much but any sort of power washing/loading is rediculous. You either ruining the ramp or giving me as a potential spectator a fun show of you crashing your boat into the trailer/truck/or dock. I kno I know you know a guy who knows a guy who knows how to do it perfectly or you yourself are careful with it. I just dont think its the most wisest of things.
07-20-2011 | 01:21 PM
#66
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From: Plano, TX
I am totally on the same page as this. I have heard of people comming into the docks and loading there boats hot and all there doing is show boatin literily. If you come in hot or use to much power powering up onto the trailer and crash into the dock or like one member said go over the trailer into your truck one thing you can count on is the dock loaded with people and having a crowd. No bodys going to agree on this but I am totally 100% agree with this. Its just not worth it.
Like Seaford, I have to power on at my ramp. The dock isn't anywhere near the ramp, so there's no way to walk it on, you have to load under power. I get the boat within 6-8 inches of the stop usually, and then power it up the rest of the way.
Our ramp is stupidly long, I've never seen the end of it, even when the lake was over 15 feet down.
They use it to launch some nice size cruisers with no problems, I've seen them back a 50' SeaRay in with no concerns about the end of the ramp.
07-20-2011 | 02:20 PM
#67
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From: Thousand Islands area
I am totally on the same page as this. I have heard of people comming into the docks and loading there boats hot and all there doing is show boatin literily. If you come in hot or use to much power powering up onto the trailer and crash into the dock or like one member said go over the trailer into your truck one thing you can count on is the dock loaded with people and having a crowd. No bodys going to agree on this but I am totally 100% agree with this. Its just not worth it.
07-21-2011 | 06:13 AM
#68
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From: MA
I back my trl in until the fenders are half submurged. ( back underwater, front above ) then idle onto the trailer until the boat stops on the bunks which is about 5' back from the winch. Leave the boat idling in gear, this will keep it straight and from floating back off. I then walk across the bow hop down and hook my winch strap. Once hooked I go back in the boat shut her off and trim up. Then winch in.
Powerloading can be done safely if your experienced and its legal in your area but ill stick to my method!
Powerloading can be done safely if your experienced and its legal in your area but ill stick to my method!
07-21-2011 | 08:52 AM
#69
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Well I have brought a fire storm of responses from the members with my first initial question of Can I ask a dumb question. 99.9% is good quality answers. Some of it I don't agree with but I still have a lot to learn also. Some very good reponses out there guys:}
07-21-2011 | 01:50 PM
#70
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From: Thousand Islands area
I back my trl in until the fenders are half submurged. ( back underwater, front above ) then idle onto the trailer until the boat stops on the bunks which is about 5' back from the winch. Leave the boat idling in gear, this will keep it straight and from floating back off. I then walk across the bow hop down and hook my winch strap. Once hooked I go back in the boat shut her off and trim up. Then winch in.
Powerloading can be done safely if your experienced and its legal in your area but ill stick to my method!
Powerloading can be done safely if your experienced and its legal in your area but ill stick to my method!
