Launching / Loading

[Rbaum23419]

We just bought a great used bass boat; and are getting back in the sport after 20+ years! I've got a REALLY STUPID NOVICE question.... Our boat trailer has rails - not the rollers of the 70's. Are you supposed to drive/motor on/off of it vs. push it off or crank it up? Isn't that risky with the motor down; possible shallow water? We decided we needed to camp out at a launch and watch some more experienced boaters to learn today's techniques. Yikes! Feel pretty stupid! Any suggestions???

[billius]

By rails...do you mean carpet covered bunk boards? And yes you can drive it off and drive it back on the trailer, I assume your engine has power trim? Raise the engine up some while loading and unloading. You'll have to experiment with how far to back the trailer in.

[LIMITS4ALL]

In general a well matched trailer to your boat will load pretty easy but each boat/trailer brand has their own little quirks. The hardest thing to get right at first is how far to back the empty trailer into the water, and that just comes loading your boat a few times. My goal is that when putting the boat on the trailer is to have the trailer in the water far enough that the boat will self center on the trailer with the bow "I" bolt about 6-8 inches from the winch roller. Then all you have to do is raise the motor high enough to still get water pick up in the lower unit. Then ease into the throttle till the bow "I" bolt is stopped by the winch roller. Connect the winch strap and winch up tight. A boat buddy makes the boat to trailer connection even easier. Launching is easier. If your motor can be hard to start, back the boat into the water far enough to get the lower unit in the water and start the motor. Once the motor is running reliably back the boat in till it floats off the trailer.

[Rbaum23419]

SWEET! That's what I thought! Awesome instructions! Thank YOU!!

[Rbaum23419]

Yup ....carpeted bunk boards; and the engine has power trim (and I know what that is, too!!??! -- HA!)