Boat launch& retrieve ?

Blind Bobber · 01-31-2009, 08:20 PM

Although I do operate my own boat on the water (12 years no worries) I am visually impaired and so do not drive the tow vehicle. I have maybe 5 different people who I fish with and who pull my boat to the ramp and fish with me. My friends have varying abilities in backing up and boat launching. These abilities range from amazingly talented to a bit scary. So I try to make it as simple as I can. I have awsome lighted vertical loading guides and also guides for the bow sides. One friend in particular has a wan that really sits low and he has to back it in until the tail pipe blows bubbles. My question is this. And this is probley a stupid question. Is it alright to winch my boat all the way off the water and onto the trailer? My boat weight all considered is probley around 750-800 pounds. Is the factory eyelet on the bow designed to winch that kind of weight? Is my poly pro rope strong enogh? My boat is a 15 foot Smokercraft alaskan with 25 horse merc 2 stroke, electric trolling motor and group 27 battery and usual other stuff. The trailer is an easy Loader with tilting rear bunks and rollers. What say you?

HntnFsh · 02-01-2009, 07:06 AM

Seems like an awful lot of weight on those rear rollers.I would be worried about damaging the bottom of the boat.

It wont hurt his truck to have the exhaust in the water if he doesnt kill it or shut it off.Probably wouldnt even then if hes not real deep.

shorthair · 02-01-2009, 08:01 AM

If the 800# is even close I wouldn't worry about it just enjoy.

Flatfish · 02-01-2009, 10:47 AM

In many parts of the country, power loading is illegal. these folks all winch their boats onto trailers.

I would think boat & trailer makers take this into consideration.

JuneHog · 02-01-2009, 11:17 AM

get a 2" or 4" riser hitch shank for your friend's van to lift the nose of the boat up.
also have a boat shop raise the front rollers up to help the launch and have them inspect the rear rollers for any damage or wear.

no problem winching in a light alum on rollers. lube the roller shafts with a silicone spray several times a season and make sure the winch and strap/cable are inspected for safety.

launching> have driver stop with rear of boat at water on ramp. disconnect winch line hook from bow eyelet.
continue the launch, holding the bow rope to the side clear of the trailer and side guide posts. have the driver tap the breaks lightly as he nears the optimum launch positioning backing up. starts the boat rolling off gently
have another line tied to a cleat on the back of the boat to pull off and help guide if needed.

tight lines and full hooks.

Cliff

KChookem · 02-01-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blind Bobber

Is my poly pro rope strong enogh?

If poly pro is what I think it is, I would prefer something with no stretch, and less subject to fraying and UV damage. Winch straps are not very expensive, if your winch will take a flat strap.

Pelagic Captain · 02-01-2009, 07:04 PM

Do what Kchookum suggests and change the winch rope to a strap...most winches take a strap....the issue is your safety especially your eyes...poly rope does in fact stretch and if it breaks under tension and you are winding the winch you could get hurt,,about the only rope that doesn't stretch is manila and it rots ...get a strap

Blind Bobber · 02-01-2009, 07:39 PM

Thanks folks. I will buy a winch strap. As far as a hitch ball riser my boat motor is really close to the ground as I have the boat sittin low on the trailer for easier launching. I may have not described my trailer fully. The boat sits on carpeted bunks that tilt. There are two rollers. One back center and one front center. Is winching onto carpeted bunks with a strap alright? Thanks.
BLIND BOBBER & company

KChookem · 02-01-2009, 10:04 PM

I like a roller and bunk combination. The rollers make it load and unload well when the stern floats up, and the carpet tends to hold the boat steady when out of the water.

Sounds like you've loaded this before, so if it came on and off well, you should be good to go. If you had to really, really crank hard with the sense something is going to break, then maybe there is too much friction. If there is too much friction when loading, the carpet can be replaced with other material, and good transom tie-downs should hold it in place. BTW, carpet holds the moisture longer, so in saltwater use, I like to rinse the bunks well. Of course with a hard bunk material, and a relatively thin aluminum hull, you need to take care for sharp edges, etc.

If not already done, the hull behind Bow Eye can be reinforced with a backing plate (on the inside of boat), if that's even a concern.

fop · 02-02-2009, 05:33 PM

Replace the carpet runners with UHMW.

Boat will slide on and off much easier.

fop

Blind Bobber · 02-02-2009, 08:43 PM

What is UHMW?
BLIND BOBBER

sgmaiers · 02-03-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blind Bobber

What is UHMW?
BLIND BOBBER

Ultra-High Molecular Weigh plastics. The bottom of skis. Very low friction. Some people make cutting boards and fish boxes out of them, easy to mill with wood working equipment.

good luck.