Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

[sherm2718]

I have a 2000 18' Nitro Fish and Ski with 115 hp motor and Nitro trailer. It doesn't matter how steep the ramp angle or how deep or shallow I put the trailer in. As soon as I unhook the eyelet from the wench, push the boat back, as soon as the nose clears the front roller bracket it drops two feet. So fast and so hard it broke my mounted trolling motor off. Problem in reverse when loading, the nose is so low its all I can do to lift it up high enough to clear the nose over the front roller. Its not that the back end is too far in the water, I have tried water levels from less than up to axel of trailer to over the fender. Plus this Nitro trailer has 6 carpet covered boards that are almost impossible to push the boat off without sever stain. Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[Ezrider_92356]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

i think pics are worth 1000 words on this one. im only guessing its an improperly set up trailer or the bow of your boat is full of watter logged foam

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

you might try as i do, i tie my bow line to the winch stand, release the bow hook, then back in until the boat happily floats off. pay attention that is where the trailer need to be. all involved will be happier.

 

[jevery]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

Some bass boats, my Ranger included, require a deep launch and a shallow retrieve or same thing happens ? bow under roller. To launch I back to where rear tires are touching water, then I can push boat off by hand though front does drop when it clears the roller. To retrieve I set trailer to where front of bunks are just breaking the water surface then either have to power load or winch up last 6 ft or so. Even then I can just barely get the bow over the roller without having to get under it and lift. I don?t know why their set up like this. Apparently a lot of Ranger owners have dealt with this for years and don?t think anything about it. It?s not a big deal now, but took me about a dozen launch/retrieves to figure it out.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

if you put the trailer into the drink more, eventually the bow will be at the exact level as the bow stop. Of course the transom might drift off without guides and you might get the tow tires wet but they are not made of sugar.

 

[109jb]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

I have a 2000 18' Nitro Fish and Ski with 115 hp motor and Nitro trailer. It doesn't matter how steep the ramp angle or how deep or shallow I put the trailer in. As soon as I unhook the eyelet from the wench, push the boat back, as soon as the nose clears the front roller bracket it drops two feet. So fast and so hard it broke my mounted trolling motor off. Problem in reverse when loading, the nose is so low its all I can do to lift it up high enough to clear the nose over the front roller. Its not that the back end is too far in the water, I have tried water levels from less than up to axel of trailer to over the fender. Plus this Nitro trailer has 6 carpet covered boards that are almost impossible to push the boat off without sever stain. Any suggestions would be helpful.

What do you mean by front roller? The bow stop roller by the eye (assuming it is a roller and not just a stop block), or the keel roller back farther. If talking about the bow stop roller, then look to see if its height can be adjusted. If talking about the keel roller, then it sounds like the bunks may not be set right. When resting on the bunks, the bow should not be exerting much weight if any on the bow stop roller with the trailer level. If it is, then either the bunks need to be raised or the bow stop roller needs to be lowered. If that is OK, then look to see if mounting a keel roller farther back to help start picking the bow up earlier during loading can be done. Are you by chance launching on a steep ramp? Again, pictures would help.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

I discarded the carpeted bunks, got new PT 2x4 and installed the nylon/teflon skid pads, much lower resistence compared to rug.

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

How far back are you putting into the water? For my pontoon I have to have my back wheels a few inches in for it to float at most ramps.

 

[sherm2718]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

Thanks for all the advise. Someone at the boat shop gave me the solution and it worked. I tow with a Silverado 4x4 that is pretty high off the ground. Even though the receiver hitch did not make the boat look that high of pitch from front to back, it was. I used a 4" drop down receiver and it launched and loaded perfect.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

And here all of us good souls were going to teach you how to build a clock when all you needed to know was the correct time!!!

 

[cribber]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

And here all of us good souls were going to teach you how to build a clock when all you needed to know was the correct time!!!

We certainly do!!!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Launch and Load Problems - Please Help

Thanks for all the advise. Someone at the boat shop gave me the solution and it worked. I tow with a Silverado 4x4 that is pretty high off the ground. Even though the receiver hitch did not make the boat look that high of pitch from front to back, it was. I used a 4" drop down receiver and it launched and loaded perfect.

Glad all is now well.
Enjoy your boat.