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Do you drive on or winch on the trailer?

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Do you drive on or winch on the trailer?

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Old 08-25-2008 | 08:29 AM
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Default Do you drive on or winch on the trailer?

What do you guys do? My last boat had a roller trailer and it was easy to winch the boat on perfect every time. My current trailer in a bunk style and I've been winching the boat on (because thats what I'm used to), but never seem to get it centered the first time. I'm wondering if I shouldn't go so deep with the trailer and try driving on.
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Old 08-25-2008 | 08:33 AM
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I work best when I put the trailer in just far enough that the boat sits right, and I can force it up the last foot or two. Keeps it from floating around - especially on a steeper ramp.
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Old 08-25-2008 | 08:36 AM
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I put my trailer in until just about a foot and a half of the front bunks are showing and drive it on. Lines up perfect every time unless it is a really really steep ramp.
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Old 08-25-2008 | 08:43 AM
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Power on with a bunk trailer. You'll want some of the front of the bunks above water. How much depends on your setup and the steepness of the ramp.
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Old 08-25-2008 | 09:47 AM
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Power loading is prohibited at many ramps in Michigan because of the wash out that occurs where the ramp pavement meets the lake bottom.
ed
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Old 08-25-2008 | 10:18 AM
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Power loading destroys boat ramps, we have a difficult time keeping the two in our neighbourhood serviceable. Having said that I prefer to power on the last foot or so.
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Old 08-25-2008 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Wobble
Power loading destroys boat ramps, we have a difficult time keeping the two in our neighbourhood serviceable. Having said that I prefer to power on the last foot or so.
What he said!
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Old 08-25-2008 | 10:36 AM
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yep, we have people in our neighborhood that drives them on and washes the ramp out, i keep telling them about it now that the lake is down 4 foot nobody can use the ramp
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Old 08-25-2008 | 10:56 AM
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I heard somebody had a guest with a 38 footer cig earlier this year that powered on the last 20 feet or so and was blowing water onto the bank on the opposite side of the canal, WTF
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Old 08-25-2008 | 10:59 AM
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I partially drive on to get it started straight. I have wondered about the long term effect of the trailer and tow vehicle if you power on like I have seen alot of people do. I just get it started and to a point that it is wedged into place then winch it the remainder of the way.
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