SHT averted by back-up!

[Home Cookin']

I was pulling my boat out in anticipation of the hurricane. Been planning to replace the rusty winch cable (I don't use it but a few times a year) and didn't like the looks of it, especially at a kink. So I motored slowly part way up the trailer, hooked up, had my wife tighten the cable then I went down to crank. Told her first to tie the bow line off to the winch post with a clove hitch. This is a roller trailer, 21' boat.
Started winching and sure enough the cable broke. Boat rolled back and stopped on the tied off bow line as if it were planned. I gently motored up to the winch post and hooked on the safety chain, tied it off again and pulled out, no problem.
I don't know who was more pleased that I thought of the back-up, me or the boat idling behind me waiting his turn! If I don't have a line cleated, or held by someone strong enough to hold back the boat, I tie off the bow line.

Hope I remember the plug and don't have to report back with a confession!

 

[jayhanig]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

Good technique on your part. I can't count the number of guys I see who depend on a winch strap alone to secure their boats to their trailers.... even if they have a safety chain there ready to be used. I've been bitten on the butt too many times not to always be considering what Plan B should be.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

Just power load it already!!!

I'm the next guy in line behind you and I don't have time for you to winch your boat up onto the trailer!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

When i had a trailerable boat, I replaced the winch strap every spring. $15 is cheap insurance against a loading issue!

Just power load it already!!!

I'm the next guy in line behind you and I don't have time for you to winch your boat up onto the trailer!

Oh, Lord...I hope you're joking...

 

[backyardhockey2]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

Just power load it already!!!

I'm the next guy in line behind you and I don't have time for you to winch your boat up onto the trailer!

Do that in Michigan and you will spend your spare time talking to the man with the badge.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

I don't want to start the tired old power load debate, but since I'm already in the confession booth...this was a long long concrete ramp at high tide, and I initially drove on slowly to about 4' from the winch--so my winching would not take more than a minute.

When the cable broke, I power loaded the rest of the way, but again at the lowest speed I could, and way up on a long concrete ramp--and one (private marina) where people don't power load, so my "just this once" couldn't matter. besides a hurricane was coming--a great excuse to do anything you want!

 

[Eddie Ray]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

I try to get out of the way as soon as possible. But if your in that big a hurry come in sooner! The more you fuss the longer I'm gonna take,and it can take a while!

 

[cribber]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

If your trailer is in the water do what you gotta do to launch or retrieve, I'll wait. Just give me the same courtesy.

 

[the vision]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

I agree with cribber, and add if you need a hand let me know I'll help.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

If your trailer is in the water do what you gotta do to launch or retrieve, I'll wait. Just give me the same courtesy.

Right on!

 

[seaboo]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

Started winching and sure enough the cable broke.

The exact reason I carry a (spare) ratchet strap when I retrieve (not quick or pretty but it will get you on the trailer).

 

[tater76]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

If your trailer is in the water do what you gotta do to launch or retrieve, I'll wait. Just give me the same courtesy.

You know... this is the kind of mentality I expect at the ramp, and if you need a hand it will be there. Keep up the good fight fellas.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: SHT averted by back-up!

Do that in Michigan and you will spend your spare time talking to the man with the badge.

And I will be cheering for him all the while. You see this is MY ramp too, and it really gets me POed when I get stuck in a hole that some clown created.

TerryMSU