problem loading boat on trailer

[dptran11]

Just got a '99 ZX210C and am having problem loading the boat onto the trailer by myself. Can't find the "sweet" spot so that the bow goes above the roller when driving onto the trailer. Does anyone customized anything to aid this problem?

Thanks

[Tritonbmc]

You have the trailer in too far. Pull it out a little bit and keep trying. If the bow is going under the stop, it means the stern is floating, so the trailer is too deep. It may take a few tries, and every ramp is different, but you'll get it.

[EL Skeeter]

Try leaving the "short" bunk boards exposed just a little out of the water.You are triming the engine up correct? By trimming up your bow goes up.Be sure to dip it in so all your boards get wet for easier sliding.You'l have to adjust the amount of board exposed depending on the steepness of the ramp.By contrast on a level ramp you'll have to go in deeper.In case it's not all the way up to the roller stop. Just winch it up and back vehicle in further,do it again till it's against the Roller.Good Luck

[dptran11]

Thanks! I didn't think about trimming up the motor more. I like the ideas of wetting the bunks too. Now I might not have to buy those EZ-Loaders to help get it on the trailer.

[genemelow]

All good info thanks

[skinny]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tritonbmc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You have the trailer in too far. Pull it out a little bit and keep trying. If the bow is going under the stop, it means the stern is floating, so the trailer is too deep. It may take a few tries, and every ramp is different, but you'll get it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

[Ron S]

I have the same boat and it was a bit frustrating at first. I backed in the trailer like I have done all my other boats and the bow would be to low for the roller. Once i started leaving more of the trailer out of water it loads easy now except for really steep ramps.

[dptran11]

Can you load it all the way to the roller without having a second person winch it up as you're giving it gas?

[BuzzChamp]

Yes, you will be able to load the boat all the up to the roll once you find the the right depth you need to have your trailer in the water. It happen once you get more practice. There is nothing wrong with wenching it up the last foot or so either!!

[dptran11]

Thanks everyone. There has to be a more "fool proof" method. I'm toying with the idea of welding another cross brace across the trailer, closer towards the front. Then putting a roller on the new cross brace. That roller would essentially "lift" the bow up and keep it up when loading the boat onto the trailer. If I do and it works out, I'll take a pic and post it.

[CatFan]

If you try to lift the boat on a roller, it's going to fall to the side, then float back off the trailer because it's not sitting on the bunks. By the time the boat gets that far forward it should be sitting on the bunks and no longer floating. You'll feel it settle in on the bunks, then you goose it a little and and you're loaded.

[MisterE]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dptran &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can you load it all the way to the roller without having a second person winch it up as you're giving it gas?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Depending on the ramp and solo loading, i get it up to the roller and leave the motor in gear applying enough thrust to hold the boat in position, then i climb up and hook it on and winch it tight. I put it in neutral after this.

[Chiefsfan]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MisterE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Depending on the ramp and solo loading, i get it up to the roller and leave the motor in gear applying enough thrust to hold the boat in position, then i climb up and hook it on and winch it tight. I put it in neutral after this.</TD></TR></TABLE>

#1

[breadslinger23]

good info +1

[SoonerFan]

Just remember, float off... power on. In other words, I have to have my fenders submerged to get the boat off the trailer but if I try to load it with the fenders submerged, there's no telling where it will land in relation to the bow roller. I always load my boat with the fender peeking out of the water about 3 or 4 inches. Then I let the boat coast in neutral onto the trailer until it settles into the bunks then I make sure the motor is straight and then power up to the bow roller. Clip on the strap and crank it best I can while leaning over the bow. I then raise the motor and jump over to the bed of my pickup and climb down. My goal is always dry feet for the drive home. Before I pull all the way off the ramp, I'll jump out and double check the strap and tighten the winch and hook the safety strap and then drive up into the parking lot and finish up.