Getting out of the boat

[Rinker85]

I have a 25 foot Glastron GS249. My question is , if I'm by myself or with someone who does not know how to winch a boat up, how do I get out of the boat onto the trailer after I've driven the boat onto the trailer? This would be in a situation where I was not able to park right next to a dock. I've seen trailer ladders at the winch of the trailer. Anyone have one? I had a bowrider for 30 years so this 25 foot cabin cruiser is a whole new learning thing for me.

Thank s

 

[Scott Danforth]

Use the dock

 

[Chris1956]

No boarding ladder? There are temporary boarding ladders that you could use when trailering. Not sure how to avoid getting wet though.

 

[alldodge]

Guess I would need to see your setup, but I climb over the bow and down on to the trailer winch with my 27 ft Formula. Do the same why getting on it

 

[roffey]

I climb down over the bow to the trailer as well. I have loaded and unloaded my boat by my self numerus time. The boat before this one was a 26 foot cruiser... That was a two man job.

 

[briangcc]

Train the passenger to help you and use the dock instead of power loading...which may not be legal at your ramp.

It doesn't take much. "Here, hold rope".

It's not rocket science.

 

[ahicks]

I'm generally within reach of the dock. It's something I consider when backing the trailer in....

 

[Scott Danforth]

my process because power loading is not only illegal, it can get you shot in certain areas

launching my 26' boat by my self:

• in the staging area, arrange fenders, lines, install plug, pull transom straps
• swing around to back down ramp, disconnect lights
• back up until boat is just starting to float, tie off to dock, disconnect safety chain and unhook boat and give slight push
• re-tie aft line to another cleat on dock, turn on blower and head to park
• park truck, head back to boat, hop in, fire it up, untie and go boating

total time, about 5 minutes (more if I have to park in the remote lot)

retrieving my 26' boat by myself:

• coming to dock, arrange bumpers and lines on port or starboard side
• pull up to end of dock and tie off. Kill motor and raise drive
• go get truck
• back truck in until top of fenders are 2-3" above the water
• untie boat and walk boat to trailer
• winch boat up on trailer (usually only a few turns of the crank), connect safety chain
• pull boat out of water and off to side
• plug in lights, pull boat plug, secure transom tie downs and any loose items on boat

total time, about 5 minutes (unless I have to run to the remote lot)

 

[BWR1953]

my process because power loading is not only illegal, it can get you shot in certain areas...

Really? I live in Florida too and as far as I know, there is no law against "power loading" a boat onto a trailer. Can you cite a Florida statute?

And getting SHOT for loading a boat onto a trailer? Gotta be a really high crime area with some truly crummy people to get that kind of response.

I'd use a different ramp... or move!

 

[alldodge]

Really? I live in Florida too and as far as I know, there is no law against "power loading" a boat onto a trailer. Can you cite a Florida statute?

And getting SHOT for loading a boat onto a trailer? Gotta be a really high crime area with some truly crummy people to get that kind of response.

I'd use a different ramp... or move!

Agree, and Hate talking about power loading (I understand the issues and sorry) but, there is no way I'm cranking my 11,000 pound boat up on the trailer, and its not illegal where I boat

 

[Scott Danforth]

Really? I live in Florida too and as far as I know, there is no law against "power loading" a boat onto a trailer. Can you cite a Florida statute?

And getting SHOT for loading a boat onto a trailer? Gotta be a really high crime area with some truly crummy people to get that kind of response.

I'd use a different ramp... or move!

So youre one of those damaging the ramps. The spoil piles fom power loaders has damaged most of the ramps in Manatee county.

Local ramps have signs stating no power loading.

 

[BWR1953]

So youre one of those damaging the ramps...

Nope, I was just having a conversation, but I figured that you'd jump to that conclusion.

 

[jhande]

Well I've never seen signs here regarding power loading.

Where I've always been fishing none of the boat ramps even have docks. Most have just dirt ramps a couple do have a cement slab reaching out into the water.

Guess I'll be getting wet, oh well, and holding my boat with the anchor while I park my rig.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Some of the lakes here in Minnesota (White Bear Lake) with the worst power loading damage have signs asking boaters not to do it.

To the OP - shimmy down as others said. I bought grip tape and put it down the lengths of my trailer frame so that when it gets wet I won't slip into the water as easily.