Loading-Unloading

[bassinbama]

I really feel stupid about this...ok...

I've owned different boats all my life and just can't seem to get my boat launched and loaded without some issue...At first i thought it was just ramps as I've been using two on guntersville that i normally don't use. I've tried different depths with the trailer with no success. if i'm to deep the bow will not clear the roller, if i'm shallow i can only get within a foot of the eye...for those with 719's what is your mark for loading...as far as launching i feel like i'm about to tear the plastic front off the trolling motor when i back the boat off...any help would be appreciated...jimmy

[charliecfh]

When I got my Phoenix, I had similar problems with loading. I finally figured out I needed the wheel wells to be about 3" above the water on most ramps, and it loads like a dream. That's for my single axle, so I'm not sure where it would need to be on a tandem axle trailer. I think it's better to be too shallow than too deep with the trailer.

I found a ramp a few weeks ago where it was IMPOSSIBLE to take the boat out, because it was so steep. If the trailer was too shallow, the bow wouldn't clear the roller. Too deep, the boat wouldn't clear the roller and blow over the wheel wells. After battling the boat swinging parallel the bank a few times, I eventually gave up and had my friend drive the truck and trailer to a better ramp...I'll never go there again.

I had used that steep ramp with my old Astro, and as easy as that boat was to load under normal conditions, it was quite difficult at this particular ramp to say the least. The only thing that kept the Astro from blowing over the wheel wells was the side bunks on the outside edge of the trailer that kept the boat straight. They would be handy to have on the Phoenix trailers for bad ramps.

[ogbass]

When loading we have the front 2 trailer bunks about 6 inches out the water. I wouldnt go by the wheel wells because sometimes they will be completely underwater but its still not far enough in ( thats how it is where I live). If I happen to be short, some one will back down just a little and I motor it up all the way, but that depends if someone is with you....

When launching someone backs in and I put it in reverse right before it comes off on its own and I have yet to hit the trolling motor. I dont know if I do it right but it works.

[Ray Co. Hank]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by charliecfh &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> I think it's better to be too shallow than too deep with the trailer. </td></tr></table>

+1!

I put the water line right about 1inch from the top of tire on most ramps. Let the bunks center it and drive her on up to the roller.

[Rodney P]

I have not had a problem like this. I put my first tire so the water just covers it when launching. When loading I have the first tire about inch above water

[1blubyu]

I haven't put much thought into a specific loading mark on my trailer. Only problem I've had thus far was loading at Fleet Harbor on Wilson Lake. That took 3 trips from the helm to the truck and back!

[SHOboat719]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Cowoty &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

+1!

I put the water line right about 1inch from the top of tire on most ramps. Let the bunks center it and drive her on up to the roller.
</td></tr></table>

+2
I do the exact same thing. The front of the fender is about an inch above the water. I coast onto the bunks, let it settle and then drive it up and on. If I had to guess most of my ramps are at 15-20degs(thats a guess!) so not too steep.
i think letting it settle and then gassing it up helps as it lifts the front slightly.

[MI17Explorer]

Steep ramps create a pretty significant angle measuring from the water surface to the trailer bunks. One thing that helps is to be sure you have the "right" drop on your ball mount. If the ball mount is above "horizontal" (front of trailer is higher than rear), it increases the water-to-trailer angle and makes loading harder.

You may have yours just right but thought I would mention it just in case........

[bassinbama]

hum...5 in to high...that might just be the issue...thanks man