Well the first time I tried to launch solo it didn't go so well. I tried to leave the winch strap hooked up but gave it some slack. Backed the boat up till it floated.....and kept floating farther and farther away. I was watching in my rear view mirror for it to catch with the strap but it never did! So I go park the truck and being that the water was cold and not having an extra change of clothes I didn't want to take a dip! So finally after being laughed at by some kids playing by the launch I ask one of them if their dad had a boat. Thank goodness! He did. He comes out with a smirk on his face and we get into his boat to retrieve mine. I messed up the hull with the hook some how when it rolled out. Not real sure how that happened but I will show a pic at the end of this post. Now I just tie a long bow rope to my trailer and to boat cleat. Back up until it floats and then untie the rope from trailer and walk it to the dock. Only thing about launching using rope on a cleat is that if you tie it to one side and the current is moving against that side and turns your boat it is a pain in the butt getting it to the dock. Check the current if you will use the cleat. Or use a snap hook on rope and hook it to the bow of your boat where the winch hooks up. If anyone has any other suggestions.....I'm listening.