Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

[fullerton]

Ok..this isn't about dumping the boat at the ramp or anything.<br /><br />I have a roller trailer, fits my boat perfectly, and lines up straight most of the time. The only question I have is when launching the boat.<br /><br />After backing the trailer into the water and unsnapping the safety chain, I need to let out some line from the winch. My wife then needs to put the boat in gear to take the pressure off the winch line. Once released, the boat slides off the trailer effortlessly. I just find it odd, that no mater the ramp, I can't unsnap the saftey line, and the winch, and push the boat into the water....I always have to put it in gear to take the pressure off the clasp.<br /><br />Is this something to be concerned about, or is there anything I can to to prevent having to put the boat in gear when launching?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[gspig]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

Your rollers are working, that's why there is tension on the winch clasp. Release the safety line, then winch out the winch line until there is slack. Then remove the winch clasp. You should then be able to shove the boat off the trailer.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

Originally posted by fullerton:<br /> I need to let out some line from the winch. My wife then needs to put the boat in gear to take the pressure off<br />

You need to simply let the boat out into the water more.......

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

An addition to above. I mean with/on the trailer

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

Robby's right. At least that's the easiest way. I know that with my roller trailer, I have to back it down further when launching than when retrieving. About a foot or so more. The water picks the stern up and makes it easier to get the clip off.

 

[fullerton]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

Thanks for the replies!

 

[MrBill]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

It's simply a matter of how far to back in the trailer.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

fullerton, What you describe is the whole purpose of having a roller trailer. If you like to back in until the whole trailer is under water, get a bunk. If you're doing it right, then you WILL need to put the motor in gear while you unhook the winch.<br /><br />Here's how I do it, how I was taught to do it and how I teach others to do it:<br /><br />Back in until the bottom of the transom just touches the water (leaving winch hook and safety chain attached). Get in boat, fire up and warm up motor if necessary (2 stroke). Shift motor in forward gear, leave at idle or slightly above. Unhook safety chain and winch hook. Get back in boat, put in reverse and apply whatever power is necessary for boat to roll easily off.<br /><br />You CAN float off a roller trailer if that's what turns you on. Just be sure to unhook the safety chain first or there's a good chance that when the rear of the boat floats it'll bind up the safety and you'll have to pull the boat back out to unhook it. If you unhook both the Safety and the winch hook like it was a bunk, you'll be looking for help to get it up off the ramp.<br /><br />Roller trailer problems start with backing in TOO FAR.

 

[fullerton]

Re: Boat Rolling off Roller Trailer

Thanks for the replies, I used to fish out a tracker and with that we just has to unhook the chain & Strap and push it off. I guess I just have better rollers than with that setup.