Question on launching/loading....

[fishguy]

I'm just wanting to make sure that I'm not one of those people that everyone here fumes about <br /><br />My better half isn't interested in backing the tow vehicle down the ramp, nor is she interested in driving the boat onto the trailer. This suits both of us, as the boat's a 14' and easy to load and unload myself. While I'm doing that, she packs or unpacks the gear, keeps the kids out of trouble..etc... Also, if she's not involved, she knows that I can't blame her for anything that doesn't go right I WILL NOT be a "screaming boat launch husband".<br /><br />Launching's fine...I back in, shove it off the trailer and she takes the lead rope and ties it up out of the way while I park.<br /><br />Reloading....I back in, and load the boat opposite to the way I launch. I lead the empty boat with the lead rope, pulling onto the trailer with a big heave, then winching the last 3-4 feet and then securing a safety strap from the bow eye to the winch tower.(I watched a poor guy with a winch that came unlocked halfway down the ramp once..the end result wasn't pretty...I always use a safety strap when the winch cable is the only thing holding the boat on the trailer)<br />Whole process takes 3-4 minutes, tops.<br />Once I'm back into the parking area I'll secure the rear tie-downs, move gear from the boat to the van, etc..<br /><br />Everyone else I see has someone back down the ramp, then powers the boat onto the trailer.<br /><br />I've read about this digging holes at the end of the ramp...having a rear wheel drive van as a tow vehicle, I'd like the ramp to be in the best condition possible. Plus, this looks like a great way to cause un-necessary damage to boat/trailer/tow vehicle. (For someone of limited boating experience)<br /><br />Is 4-5 minutes too long to back down, load, and clear the ramp? <br /><br />Should I try and convince better half to either back down the ramp, or drive the boat onto the trailer? She's really not interested in either one..<br />Or should I just launch and load the way I feel comfortable, and not worry about taking too much time?<br /><br />Being a newbie sucks..nothing like getting butterflies when you arrive at the boat launch.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Hey.<br /><br />I think you are doing just perfect.<br /><br />It is important that you do this in a way that is safe and you feel comfortable with. Alone the fact that you care about it, shows that you are a good ramp-user.<br /><br />We should all consider the time we spend at the ramp, but a few minutes is very good indeed and all can accept that.<br /><br />And all, ALL, knows that keeping the wife happy is crucial to happy boating!

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

AC,<br />As it was my post that started this whole thing, I find nothing incorrect with the way you're doing it. 4 to 5 minutes is not too long to tie up the ramp. Us more experienced boaters realize that and don't have a problem with it. The major objection in my post was that there are two perfectly good courtesy docks there to tie up to, and for some reason, people don't want to use. All that does is make a congestion problem worse.<br />Thanks for asking, though. That in itself shows you WANT to be a good boater, and I for one appreciate it!<br />Happy Boating,<br />Brian

 

[MrBill]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

It sounds like you're under control...most importantly you have a sense of awareness and concern about holding up others and what others will think. It's all attitude and preparation. Most people well understand the need to launch alone or with limited help, and are usually very patient and helpful. Irritation sets in when the bow lines, life preservers and other gear are left behind in the parking lot, or when men, women and children are running around ranting and raving because they are unprepared. The folks I run into at the ramp understand the dynamics and are always willing to help out the novice...all he has to do is ask.

 

[mikecjn]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Hi AC,<br /><br />I pretty much have the same routine as you and it seems to work out great for my wife and I. No fighting or yelling leads to a great day on the water. <br />I back down, push the boat off the trailer and park the truck. Like your wife, mine grabs the lines and has everything in the boat all set up including triming the sterndrive down and running the bilge blower fan. By the time I am back from parking the truck we are ready to go.<br /><br />When we pull in at the end of the day, I just jump off the boat and get the truck. My wife shuts everything down and we are set to go.She guides the stern while I winch it on the trailer and were are gone.<br /><br />I'd say 5 minutes to launch and 5 minutes to retrieve is about what it takes us.

 

[magster65]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Sounds good to me. I think the important thing is that you are considerate, you proved that by posting your question. I wish all people were that way at the ramp. <br />Happy Yachting.

 

[L Christopher]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

I use the same routine. Better to have the wife happy than somebody that thinks you could be moving faster. And she does play a big part, in keeping the kids safe in a environment that is very dangerous. Kids unsupervised around water, cars and trucks moving trailers is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Sounds good to me.<br />If you speed up by a minute, <br />you might forget something, like the plug. <br /><br />Butterflies are ok, just don't let them, or the boats waiting in line get the best of you. Stick with your routine.<br /><br />One question though? You said:<br />

Reloading....I back in, and load the boat opposite to the way I launch.

Why do you load the boat onto the trailer, transom first? Isn't it hard to get it loaded that way? And then you have to dump it in the frontyard, and reload it bow first, before you can use it again. <br /><br />Keep smiling.

 

[Coach]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

AC,(My humble view)<br />to me the most important thing is SAFETY! Do what is right for you, the family, and everyone else around the ramp. I would rather you take 10 minutes and do it right than to take 5 and mess up -- which will cost us all more than a little time at the ramp. Boating should be fun! If you rush and forget something, its not fun. <br /><br />My wife and I do similar, except she is comfortable with driving the tailer and parking as well as pulling me and boat off the ramp -- as long as she doesn't have to back the trailer, we're OK and happy and Safe. If you show you are conscience of others and the time, people will appreciate you and the efforts. But, never rush...for anyone or any reason. Happy boating

 

[Terry H]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Getting your boat in the water is all part of the adventure...loosen up, give a hand where needed and don't be in such a hurry...boating is sposed to put a smile on ur face...just a Thought

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

You are doing just fine, ignore those "power loaders". They will learn their own lesson when they damage something trying to save a coule of minutes or trying to be cool. Personally, I feel that boats shouldn't be power loaded anyway, too many opportunities for damage. If a person is that lazy that they can't turn a crank handle, then they should get an electric winch. <br /><br />Just stick with your routine. Most people don't mind if it takes a you a few minutes longer if they see that you are not doing inconsiderate things. Besides, if anyone tries to rush you, just tell them to pay for your boat, then you'll be glad to hurry up and damage something. That will shut their food-holes quick enough.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Your routine sounds great...I don't think any reasonable person would have problem being in line after you. Couple of comments...<br />

• <br />
• Don't let the launch/retrieval butterflies get the best of you. You're boating to enjoy the experience.<br /> <br />
• Congrats on not being a yelling, bossy boat husband. Not only is it more pleasant for you and your's, but for others at the ramp.<br /> <br />
• While not pushing your wife, encourage her to do more at HER own pace of learning. Eventually, you may move up to a larger boat and then the "heaving" it on may not work. I don't persay "power load" but do drive onto trailer under minimum power and then wench boat up last foot or so. My wife didn't do any part of launching 2 yrs ago and didn't want to. Now she gets big head when guys at the ramp compliment her on backing down trailer for retrieval.<br /> <br />
• Does your wife know how to "drive" the boat out on the water? As a safety precaution, it is good to have a backup driver in case something happens to you. Nothing worse than her trying to learn to drive the boat back to the marina with you unconscious. Stuff happens, be prepared. <br />

 

[fishguy]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Okay, survey says......<br />That's what I needed to know, I guess.<br /><br />I just felt like I was taking too long; wading around in the water on the ramp, leading the boat around. <br /><br />I'll keep doing things the way I have been.<br /><br />**roscoe** Yes, I load transom first. It used to be a pain, dumping the boat on the lawn and turning it around when I got home...that's why I had another tongue added to the rear of my trailer. I just have to unhook the boat/trailer and spin it 180 in the driveway.<br />The hard part was finding the bi-directional wheel bearings for the trailer. Luckily, they came with enough bi-directional grease to pack them...wouldn't want to have to special order THAT stuff $$$ ;-)<br />Actually...a double-ended trailer would be pretty neat. And think of the fun, launching bow first. Just hop in the boat and ride it off the trailer...weeee! <br /><br />Thanks for the input everyone!!<br /><br />And HotByte...do you really think showing my wife how to drive the boat if something happens to me is a good idea? Maybe she shouldn't know how to get home after I accidentally got hit over the head with an oar and fell overboard with 2 anchors tied to my feet and my hands tied behind my back.....<br />Okay, okay...yes, she can drive the boat. And she's developing quite a right arm. She sits in the back, and the Rude doesn't have electric start. "Pull, honey...Pull!" <br /><br />**hoping for nice weather this weekend. If not I'll be able to go boating on the front lawn.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

You did install trailer lights with the swivel base, didn't you? So you can just spin them around when using the other tongue?

 

[Kayne]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

My admiral only drives the trailer out of the ramp when I am launching the boat. That works well for us, as she looks after our little daughter too, which is the most important job.<br /><br />I don't power load. I like to get my boat into the bunks or slightly onto them if the water is rough enough that the boat is bouncing around, then shut the boat down and run the drive all the way up to trailer position. This way I do not damage any mechanical parts on our shallow ramps. I then winch the boat. Be sure to stay clear of that winch strap when winching, in case it breaks. Also, inspect that winch strap regularly to make sure it isn't frayed -- if it is, a replacement is only about CDN$15 and well worth the money. <br /><br />If you have bunks, try backing them underwater completely then pulling the trailer out to expose the part of the bunks that you like, because if you wet the entire length of them the boat will be a little easier to winch.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Power loading sure keeps the ramp clear of debris and overburden at our ramp. Every spring they have to bring in the dragline to remove the sandbar covering the ramp, that was 4 miles upriver the previous summer. <br />The water level can fluctuate 3 foot one week to the next in the summer. It can fluctuate 20 foot or more in the winter.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

OK AC_NB, if you're in that condition, perhaps teach her to drive boat to another country <br /><br />Seen several posts on mom's watching kids while boat is being launched. On this, I always have kids put on the PFD's around the ramp. Also, never back down ramp with kids in the car in case you end up with vehicle in the water.

 

[JHOLE]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Dang, I guess I am going to have to rethink the way I launch/retrieve. I would hate to waste my time loading all the "stuff" on the boat if there was going to be a problem, so, the first thing I do is back in, get on the boat, star it up and let it warm up a good 10 min. or so. If everything seems fine then I know I can continue with the rest of the charade. Usually I shut the boat off and go round up all the "stuff", pack a cooler, ask the wife if she and the kids want to go, help get them ready, go to "head" one last time. Then I head back down to the boat, back it off the trailer, take it for a little ride, as I am coming back into the courtesy dock I check to make sure all is clear ( the kids are getting really good at this, they stop swimming and go up on shore as soon as they see me coming now). Once at the dock and tied up I load the "stuff" and tell everyone to go find their life jackets. When all this is done we head out. After all the fun is done we pull back into the courtesy dock, unload all the stuff, the kids go to play, and I start the retrieval. I pull from the courtesy dock, pull back onto the trailer, (sometimes I just get in and walk it over to the ramp instead of getting in and starting it), winch it up, get in the van and clear the ramp. It's all pretty painless now that I have it down to a science.<br /><br />P.s. I leave the keys in the van so that if anyone else wants to use the ramp they can pull it out of the way, do what they need to, and put it back where they found it.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

I think I have been behind you 1,000 times or so.<br /> <br />I know (or hope like hell) that your post was in jest, but I fear the Einstiens out there will read it and say <br />"Hell Ya! that's the way I do it too Bud! I knowed I was doin it right!"

 

[JHOLE]

Re: Question on launching/loading....

Bomar, I swear to G*d that is my system. I launch that way every time. I promise you will never get caught behind me unless for some reason you are in my back yard. I put in a ramp a few years ago to not have to deal w/ some of the things you see on this board. I worked at a inland service marina when I was younger ( we had to retrieve each boat to service and launch when done). We had it down to about 1 minute in and 1 minute out w/ a two man crew. But in that time, we wasted hours and hours waiting for our minutes so I know where you are coming from.