Is this a new way to tow???

[studlymandingo]

Observed this at the ramp today. I assume it is a new way to haul the boat; I can't figure out the benefit, maybe it helps with economy?

This guy had apparently just purchased the boat; his significant other was asking if she could help and he was just yelling.
He had already pulled up and out of the way of the ramp (2nd pic was taken from my truck while I was unloading). After I had launched and was still tied to the dock, the guy almost rammed me as he backed his boat WAY down the ramp nearly jacknifing. His rear truck wheels were completely submerged in SALT WATER; there will most likely be a lesson for him in the future with his vehicle brakes.

At first I started to go over and offer to help but once I saw his purple face and heard him screaming at the wife, I decided he had everything under control!
​

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

So did he get it sorted out ????
People that scream and yell like that usually get the help and assistance that they deserve...........NONE !!!!
I feel sorry for his wife !!! Nice life she must have !!!!

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

Not too sure how it played out; after I saw the back of his boat within 6" of my bow as he was jacknifing down the ramp I felt it was a good time to vamoose before I became a part of the fiasco. Hopefully he calmed down and paid attention to what was going on; at that point it was all a series of actions resulting from frustration and I would imagine embarassment as this ramp is at a park where I'm sure the patrons get a great show with their picnic!​

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

Free cabaret with every park admission !!!!
I have actually learned a lot by watching others at the ramps. Some "how to" and some "how definitely not to"

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

Yea, this ramp is 2 blocks from my house, so it is super convenient!

It lets out into Tampa Bay, so you have a number of guys who are local fisherman and crabbers by trade; but it is also in a residential area, so especially this time of year, you get all of the new boaters who just know way too much to ask someone more experienced for help.

The ramp this guy launched from (also the one I was launching from as I took the photo) has eroded at the bottom in an irregular fashion. If you don't back your trailer straight, and down the middle, you will have one side of the trailer slightly higher than the other. It's not a problem if you know what to do, but if you are a newbie and frustrated AND a little short-tempered.... Well you see the photo​

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

looks like he could have gone some considerable damage.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

Oops! I guess this guy should have brought someone with him who knew how to launch and retrieve a boat. Some guys just can't stand the idea of asking of help when they need it. Sadly, their families and boats suffer the consequences.

 

[redfury]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

I'll never forget the first time my buddy launched his boat for the first time. On a nice double wide ramp, 2 docks and we were the only ones there. He pulled around and got lined up to back into the ramp ( about 25ft away ) and the trailer starts to veer to the left towards the opposite ramp. He stops, pulls forward to straighten it out, then starts backing up again. The boat veers to the left again. He stops, gets ready to pull forward again, and I run up to him and inform him that he'll need to make corrections with the steering wheel...the boat doesn't always go straight back :lol:

Well, a few minutes pass, and he's managed to back the boat into the opposite side of the launch he intended to launch from ( now I'm thanking god that we are the only ones there! ) We manage to get the boat off the trailer...I had already made sure the plug was in and the gunnel strap removed and went fishing.

We came back and I sat with the boat while he tried to back the trailer down the ramp. There were a couple of other guys with "their new boat" and were having just as much trouble as my buddy did getting it into the water. They rememberd the plug, but not the gunnel strap and were plenty crooked in the water.

I find it amazing how many people will buy a boat and have no clue as to what they need to do to get it off and on the trailer at the launch. Every new boat purchase should come with a lesson on using a public launch. At the very least, go to a big ol parking lot with a couple of cones and practice backing that boat up!

And remember, it's Shallow to retrieve! How many times have I seen fully submersed trailers and people swimming around the back side of the boat trying to line it up as someone else slowly pulls the trailer out of the water.

Not only is it dangerous to be in the water around a busy launch, but completely unnecessary.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

I have a loving wife of 45+ years. She has endured a lot of my frustrations over the years. It helps (me) to blow off steam when things are going every way but the right way. Some keep it inside and just blow up one day; I keep the pressure low and don't blow up. Then there are those who are meek and never get excited. Well we (she and I both) were served up with a helping of renegade and we do have emotional variances from time to time.

Launching and loading boats, at busy ramps, with limited facilities, seflish people, and those who just don't know better, can bring out the beast in you. She understood that and also understood that she was allowing me to let off steam and we got through it. When it really got bad (when I was really ashamed of myself) she usually got a dozen red roses which she dearly loves.

In spite of some times that were less than stellar, over the years, we have had super times on the water, and our children were raised to love it.

Mark

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

I hope the guy was smart enough to ease it back into the water and float it so it set back on the bunks..You can see the hull on the starboard side setting on the frame rail of the trailer
Imagine what damage that would do going down the road. I could imagine what damage is already done!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

he probably doesn't realize how much damage he's done. will wonder where the water is coming from.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

"That (*^*^&%** salesman told me this thing had a 5 year hull waranty. What do you mean it not #$^&*& covered!!!!"

 

[beezee28]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

He has a very nice truck too bad the boat is scuff up. Gonna to cost some $$$ for repair on the fiberglass. Hopefully he learn for this incident.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

You guys just don't get it! It was intentional. He has to make all right turns to get home and is just biasing the weight so he can take the turns faster.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

studlymandingo, thanks for taking these photos of my boat.
Can I use them when I run the ad to sell it?

And yes, I did this intentionally, so I could wax the area that is normally in contact with the trailer bunks. I want it to look good when I put it on the market.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Is this a new way to tow???

Ive seen way too many people do stupid things at the launch ramp. These guys were so drunk one time it took them 6-8 tries to get the trailer backed down then another 6-8 tires to get the boat on the trailer. The best thing was the driver punched it as soon as he heard ok go up he peeled out and got no traction. Finally smokin tires all the way he got 1/2 way up the ramp then a BANG the trailer coupler came off the ball and the boat and trailer rushed down the ramp and hit the sidewall. This happend at Havasu at one of the launch ramps. It didnt help that those guys were drunk.
One other time I saw a guy backing his boat in. he was yelling at his wife all the way. You stupif this and you stupid that. The poor woman started to cry whle he was standing there yelling at her. the jack *** left the truck in reverse and jsut put his e brake on which let go and backed his truck ina dtrailer down the ramp. This was a dirt ramp at blythe on the arizona side.
i ended up winching the jack *** out because nobody woudl come and tow him out. I ended up pulling his truck and trailer out, backed the trailer in to retreive his boat then used a tow strap to tow his truck back out to the Pilot station right off I 10 on the arizona side. The dude gave me 500$ but I could still hear him yelling at his wife and they were in their truck abotu 30 feet back.
Rob