Using Wood Slides to Launch Drift Boat

[Wet_Willy]

I've read some great stories about some launches gone awry, but would rather not have a story of my own when it comes to these wood slide put-ins. Do you just tie off the drift boat and wrap a rope a couple of times around the slide for resistence and let it down the ramp? I have avoided putting in higher on the Wilson than Mills Bridge because I just wasn't sure about dumping all of my gear down that thing. Believe it or not they look intimidating to somebody that hasn't used one before.

Thanks,
Wet Willy

[White Willie]

I have luanched on the upper wilson I use the part of my trailer that the winch is attached to and wrap the rope around it. It allows me to run the rope out over the roller at the back of the trailer. bring lots of rope I have seen people use there winch ropes to let the boats down, most of the time your winch rope is to short and yes the boats do pick up speed by the time they hit the botom of the ramp fully loaded after someone has screwed up and let go of the rope or it has been broken.

[Big Willie]

It just so happens that my first experience with a wooden slide was this past winter, happened to be with a big goofball named RT. We had just gotten done with Donaldsons (McDonalds?) to Sollie with a couple fish and a lost anchor (Ask Steve about that one), and he suggests doing the Vanderzanden to Mills drift. So, needless to say I was a bit hesitant. The fishing and the scenery were great, couldn't have had more fun. It is little scary looking down that near verticle ramp (I've got pictures I should post). I happen to have a winch on my Bronco, which makes it easier. Bring lots of rope, be sure of your knots, and as said above, take your time. It could be very slick, if not use a little water. Also, secure all the stuff in the boat. Steve, we'll have to get together and post those pics! - Gary

[Deleted User]

Hi Gary. I wish I'd gotten a picture of the look on your face as we nudged your favorite Willie over the edge at Vandy! Like a mother dropping off her 1st grader at the bus stop for the first time. Now I know you're ready for more when they're up there after the fall/winter rains! I also wish I had a pic of my driftboat that broke the rope near the top of the icy Sisky slide as it hit the water! And a pic of my dropmouthed face. Be careful out there. Tight lines (launching & fishing). - Steve

[Gone Fishin]

And remember, DON'T EVER let ANYONE get behind the boat. I've had anxious people want to go down the hill first to "help", make sure everybody is well back, if the boat goes....it'll kill someone! Like posted above, TAKE YOUR TIME!

[Gone Fishin]

And remember, DON'T EVER let ANYONE get behind the boat. I've had anxious people want to go down the hill first to "help", make sure everybody is well back, if the boat goes....it'll kill someone! Like posted above, TAKE YOUR TIME!

[Gizmo Man]

Last winter, while launching my boat at the Lewisville Bridge on the E. Fork Lewis river, the rope broke. The boat was at about a 45 degree angle in the air on the back roller when the rope broke and the boat went crashing and sliding down the hillside. I had the rope wrapped around the winch stand a couple of times and was feeding out line slowly.

After the launch, I went to REI and talked to the MT. Climbers. They have a simple device for feeding rope out and locking it with a simple move out from the center. It cost $20. I would suggest if you use a rope to lower your boat over an incline you look into this devise. It reduces friction on the line, It may save you from loosing or damaging your boat.

And by the way, I was with a guide friend who stood back in total amazement when the rope broke and the boat fell from the trailer, slidding about 125 feet, missing several big boulders and a tree on the way down, stopping
at the water line.

It was the first time he saw a boat launched at this site and in this manner.

I calmly said, see how easy that was. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Giz...

[Nuttinbutnet]

I think you have the right idea. Be careful during the winter as these ramps tend to ice up and become very slick. I tend to keep my boat tethered to the trailer until I get the lowering rope in place. Fisherpersons seem to get more excited the closer they get to the river. That, along with other people waiting to use the ramp, can cause some people to rush. DON'T RUSH!! An accident here can reeeaaaallllyyy ruin a day. TIGHT LINES and GOOD FISHING!!