Launching and loading by yourself?

[ricohman]

I may have to go out by myself if I want to get some fishing in this weekend.
I have never launched or loaded a 22.5 ft boat by myself before and I am well aware of how busy a launch can be. I was kind of planning on being there early and leaving early.
Besides not being able to start the boat while its still on the trailer (in the water of course) is there anything else I need to be aware of?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

Pre run the boat at home to warm it up or at least to make sure it will start.
Have all docking lines cleated off as long as your trip to the ramp won't have them blowing out of the boat and into traffic lanes!
Have the garboard plug in prior to getting to the ramp, along with fishing gear, coolers, etc. Basically, be prepared in advance to launch the boat.
Back onto the ramp, making sure the safety chain and transom straps have been removed in the staging areas
Holding one of the dock lines, release the winch strap, allowing the boat to float free. Make sure you're deep enough. A littl shove on the bow is fine. Grunting and pushing is the sign of a newbie. It's no issue if you have to get back in the vehicle and back in a bit more.
When the boat floats free, walk it over to the OUTSIDE of the dock, if available. This leavesroom for the next boat on the ramp.
Go park your rig and come back. Having the boat pre-run or warmed up allows you to start quickly. Only leave the ramp once the engine has sufficiently warmed up so you're sure it won't stall.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

Why not start it on the trailer? Back it in, start it up then hop out and take the strap off. Pretty normal for the fishing guys at the launch who tend to be alone.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

If someone else is at the launch ask that person to watch the boat for you once it is off of the trailer. We do it all the time here.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

At 4:00 a.m., don't forget to bring along the right pair of shoes, boots, sandals or flaps to allow you to get on and off the boat safely (and comfortably) while it is still on the trailer, but in the water.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

I get the boat prepped in the staging lane, back her in, get out and hop in the boat, fire it up and back it off. I have fenders already out and motor to the dock and tie off. Get back in the truck and park it. Then back to the boat. BUT, i only do this on the ramp that has two courtesy docks... as i dont want to jamb everyone up. I have noticed that i am still faster launching and retrieving by myself than a lot of other people... so i dont feel too bad.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

I can't warm up at home as the ramp is an hour away. But I like the idea of starting up up and backing it off the trailer. I am going to a marina that's not so crowded and I can rent a slip for $7 for the day.
the slip is optional and I'm pretty sure there is no courtesy dock. I think if people have a bit of patience I should be ok.
Two of us unloaded and loaded this boat in a few minutes, but by myself, I've never done it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

Besides all the normal prep and launch procedures, I like to back the boat in the water, Then remove the safety chain, attach a bow line and wrap it around the winch post with a simple knot of your choosing, one that can be released easily.

Now you can release and unhook the winch strap without any pressure on the strap.

Then tug the rope loose and the boat is free.

The trick is to use a knot that does not tighten with the weight of the boat pulling on it.

Sorry, I can't explain or name the knot I use. But it goes something like wrap it around the winch post 4 times, then make a loop and pass it under the line from the boat.


When loading up, I do the same thing to hold the boat while I attach the winch strap.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

I typically launch and retrieve at very busy ramps, I think you are thinking to much about it, I have a 248 Bowrider or just under 25' I put a bow line and an aft line, couple of fenders and put the boat in the water, drop the chain and strap and walk the boat to the dock, back the boat to the furthest back cleats on the dock and go park the truck. when I get back I jump in and start the boat then release and stow my lines and fenders and head to the lake.

If you do not have confidence in your boat starting then you need to address that issue before going to the lake, I don't I start mine once a week on the trailer just to hear her run so I know she will fire every single time I ask her to on the water.

As for impatience on the ramp tell anyone who gives you grief to suck wind, I would help you in any way I could because you are alone, I also help anyone who asks for it, Idiots at the ramp are only idiots and who cares they will most likely not be boating for long anyway. You are not being an idiot by boating alone, if you drop your boat into the water and then decide to load your supplies then your an idiot unless your a fair bit older then I am in which case by god you deserve it and I will be there to lend a hand! My point is that the way people dump there boat in the water most times is dependent on their situation, I have many times had wives ask me to back their truck down because they are not comfortable at this ramp or in these conditions or maybe load the boat for similar reasons, I'm happy to help, your situation is not unique, lots of fishermen do it, don't sweat it I understand, your not being inconsiderate in the least.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

Maybe I don't understand the OP's situation completely, but I don't get all of the fuss about having to pull your boat with a line to the dock? Why not drive the boat off trailer, go to dock, tie off, then get in truck and go park it? And one hour is certainly close enough from the last time the engine was warmed up to help it start easier. As others mentioned, you should fire up the engine at home to make sure all is well before getting to destination, and preferably, do it once a week throughout the season. It won't hurt it a bit to be warmed up once a week.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

Back onto the ramp, making sure the safety chain and transom straps have been removed in the staging areas

I wouldn't remove my safety chain until the boat is over water. I've seen boats slide/roll off trailers onto the hard ramp as they're backing down.

If you do not have confidence in your boat starting then you need to address that issue before going to the lake.

^^^^^^ This! If you aren't sure your boat will start at the ramp, what are you going to do if it doesn't start out on the water? I make sure my 20-year-old, all-original (even the risers) engine will start every time.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

I agree with leaving the chain on until it is in the water.... I watched a 24' boat slide right off of its trailer and ladn HARD on the ramp last Sunday...

I wouldn't remove my safety chain until the boat is over water. I've seen boats slide/roll off trailers onto the hard ramp as they're backing down.


^^^^^^ This! If you aren't sure your boat will start at the ramp, what are you going to do if it doesn't start out on the water? I make sure my 20-year-old, all-original (even the risers) engine will start every time.

 

[twebb]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

launching your boat alone is easy, what sucks is when the guy before you puts his boat right at the front of the dock. i always launch solo, and pull my boat all the way to the end of the dock so the next guy can launch without waiting for me to move.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

I wouldn't remove my safety chain until the boat is over water. I've seen boats slide/roll off trailers onto the hard ramp as they're backing down.

I think they are saying remove the safety chain and leave the winch strap on - which is what we do as well.

 

[Philster]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

My boat goes down the ramp with the chain and winch strap connected.

If you are going to leave one connected, there is no rationale for not leaving both connected. You have to put yourself in position to deal with one; might as well just release both.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

I was a nervous wreck the first time I launched the boat by myself. Now I almost prefer doing it alone. When I have one of my kids and Grandkids with me I tell them to just wait and I will pick them up at the courtesy dock. I will never take my safety chain and/or winch strap off until the boat is in the water. I don't mind getting my feet wet. I have shoes that are made for going in the water that I put on to launch my boat. I always tie my boat to the winch stand with the bow line before back down the ramp.

Once I back down, I try to get on the boat and throw the stern line on the dock and take hold of the bow line. I back the boat in far enough to get it off the trailer easily. Then I make a decision based on how crowded the ramp is and are the others waiting for me. If it's not crowded I pull the boat back using the docking lines to the point farthest back on the dock next to the ramp. If it's crowded and others need to use the ramp quickly I drive over to the courtesy dock and dock it there. I know that leave the ramp tied up with my truck and trailer, but people understand and it they don't tough. I'm moving as quickly as I can, but I don't move as quick as I used to.

Coming in I always go to the courtesy dock and dock it there and then go get the truck and trailer and back down the ramp, quickly go get the boat and pull it right up on the trailer. If I have the trailer in right it drifts up to about a foot from the bow stop. The I go lean over the front and hook the strap on and crank it snug from inside the boat. Then I go turn the boat off and put the outdrive in the trailer position. Then I climb out of the boat onto the trailer and winch the boat all the way in and attach the safety chain. Get in the truck and dirve to the staging area to clean it up and get it ready for the road.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

My boat goes down the ramp with the chain and winch strap connected.

If you are going to leave one connected, there is no rationale for not leaving both connected. You have to put yourself in position to deal with one; might as well just release both.

There actually is a rational and maybe it doesn't happen on your boat. When the boat floats up the winch hook will sometimes jam up the safety hook and make it near impossible to remove from the bow eye.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

There actually is a rational and maybe it doesn't happen on your boat. When the boat floats up the winch hook will sometimes jam up the safety hook and make it near impossible to remove from the bow eye.

Thank you...that's was what I was trying to point out. Besides, if your winch strap isn't strong enough to hold your boat, it's time to replace it. The safety chain is there for towing.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

the guy who dropped his boat on the ramp had his winch strap on.....it failed and no chain to stop it from rolling right off....

I think they are saying remove the safety chain and leave the winch strap on - which is what we do as well.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Launching and loading by yourself?

i've had my winch strap break. at where the hook was sewed on. the stitching gave way. fortunately for me, i was loading.

myself. i leave both safety chain and the winch strap connected till i'm over the water. when retrieving, after she's up on the trailer, both chain and winch strap are connected prior to pulling it out of the water.

fwiw. i've got a roller trailer and i'm quite sure at ramp angles she'd roll right off were it not for the winch strap. the safety chain is the second line of defense and i'm gonna use it since i've had the winch strap break before. better safe than sorry..

as for the solo launch. everything's been pretty much said...
i'll add. even if ya start her up an hour or more prior to launch. it lets ya know it's likely to start at the ramp.
have your plan as to what yer gonna do down pat in your mind. where the boats gonna go after it's off the trailer, lines prepped, fenders out, blower on. all your ducks in a row. don't let anyone distract you.
don't forget to put your drive down prior to your start up at the lake. driveway too for that matter.