Stuck at boat dock

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,739
Re: Stuck at boat dock

Roscoe, my next question is: are you going to test it, on purpose, at the ramp? I suppose you could, against a tall curb, storm drain, etc.


If it's a frequent problem that can't be avoided by other means, it's a viable device.

Absolutely will test is at the ramp.

I have just the ramp for it. Co-worker got stuck there last fall, and ended up destroying a tire getting out.
Its a short ramp with a muddy bottom surrounding it, and I've seen many bass boats power loading there.

Incidentally, he and his bother want me to make a set for their trailers after mine is tested.
 

flycaster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Messages
186
Re: Stuck at boat dock

This sounds like a very good method--but don't you have to have the boat tied off, stern anchored or in reverse, so you won't just pull the boat forward onto the trailer? Or is this like mine of using the bow eye and lever action?
Anyway, all of these will vary by conditions, and will require some McGuyvering.

All you are wanting is to get the wheels back onto the ramp. If it is windy or the wave action is moving the boat around, have a driver hold the boat in reverse, to keep the boat under control, slowly pull the tow vehicle forward, enough to get the wheels on solid ground, then release the lines to the cleats or bow eye. Retrieve the strap pull you boat forward and load up. If you have to "power load" be sure to trim your motor up, so you are not creating a washout at the end of the ramp. [I know there is already one there]. You should be able to get the boat upon the trailer far enough to hook up the strap to the bow eye and use the wench to pull the boat up to the stop.
 

DavenLC

Seaman
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
50
Re: Stuck at boat dock

Any word on that "wedge" build? Did it work? Are you still working on it?
 

burp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
363
Re: Stuck at boat dock

Whenever I use a new to me launch ramp, I look to see what length of boats have been using the ramp. If most of the boats and trailers seem to be shorter than the boat I'm launching/recovering or the boat ramp itself seems short, I'll use my boat hook and walk down the ramp/dock, pushing the tip of the boat hook along the ramp in front of me. Once I "feel" the end of the ramp, I'll have someone hold the boat hook vertically in place from the dock. When I back into the water, I won't put the trailer tires past boat hook which is marking the end of the boat ramp.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,739
Re: Stuck at boat dock

Any word on that "wedge" build? Did it work? Are you still working on it?



Just got started yesterday, ready to cut.


Have a big project going at work for the next two weeks so will be working many hours of OT.

Aiming for the end of the month.
 

pooh_b_21632

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
31
Re: Stuck at boat dock

I had it happen to me not that long ago, had a bad day anyway I always watch the tide because I know our local ramp is a bit short but our engine died and 4 hours later when we were towed in the tide was low. While I went to get the trailer Hubby walked the boat down the pier pulling the ropes. Our boat is 22' and I knew exactly what happened when I started going off the edge so I put the truck in 1 and pulled it out quick. Then I walked into the water and got my husband to back it to just before the edge of the drop off. Wouldnt be like that if people didnt drive their boats onto the trailer and cause ruts at the end of the ramp there would be mud there.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,739
Re: Stuck at boat dock

Looks like someone has beaten me to it.

Mine will extend lower, and be closer to the tire.

Even in his video, it looks like it needs to be bigger.

Can get my hands on some stainless, may use it if it is large enough.
 
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