Total failure at lauuching a boat

[elrod]

I started this project almost two years ago. I bought 14 ft aluminum boat with 1958 evinrude 7.5 and trailer. My wife and I decided that we needed to use it or loose it. To the lake yesterday. Several problems developed. I am 64 and in relatively good health, wife has never backed a trailer, I discovered my emergency brake didn't work and my 4 wheel drive was not engaging. As we sat at the top of the boat ramp I could not for the life of figure out how to get the boat in and/or get it out even if we were lucky and got it launched. Well, in my wisdom I decided it would be better to be laughed at for turning around and coming home as opposed to launching my boat, trailer and pickup truck. I thought I would be able to just figure it all out when I got there but no. I really want to boat around and be able to do it on my own but I don't know now. Anyone want to offer advice? Comments?:facepalm:

 

[dgarner]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Go to empty parking lot with truck and boat and have your wife practice backing up the boat (slow and in control). Go to youtube.com and try to find some videos on someone teaching proper boat launching. That's my two and a half cents.

 

[cwcollins06]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

The most important thing we'd need to know is what your tow vehicle is. You'll definitely want to get your emergency brake fixed, but I can't imagine anything that has 4WD wouldn't be able to pull that boat out of the lake when the time comes, even if your 4WD won't engage. Lots of people with 2WD Trucks and SUVs launch and retrieve their boats all the time. Of course that's assuming you're launching at a paved ramp in good condition.

As far as general apprehension goes, my advice would be to take an experienced boater with you, and go sometime when the ramp won't be busy (early on a weekday morning would be best) and just practice launching/retrieving your boat a few times until you feel comfortable. Also, you can either develop your own or use one of the many launch/retrieval checklists you can find in these forums to give yourself some confidence that you've thought of everything! Do this and you'll be one of the "less than 5 minutes on the ramp" pros around here in no time! Happy boating!

 

[flamingo1227]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Contact your nearest United States Power Squadron and contact them. They offer assistance and one of the members will gladly take the time to show you how to do this. Our squadron just finished seminars at a local marina on trailering. I don't know what area you are in, but I am sure that there is a squadron near you.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Which part of the process has you the most flummoxed?

No location listed but maybe you could find someone close that has done it before and could help.

Youtube is a good way to kill hours of watching videos on any subject and there are lots of boat launching threads here and how to back a trailer threads in the trailer section.

I know nerves get in the way sometimes but you can't let them hold you back. I've always launched/retrieved by myself. Now that I've made the switch to a speed boat from the tinnys I've always owned I have a bit of apprehension about doing both, but its just nerves and I know I'll be able to do it. Even if not perfect I know a few tries at it and I'll have a system down.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Practice backing in a parking lot until you're OK and confident at it.
You really don't need 4wd or a parking brake to launch a 14 foot aluminum boat w/ a 7.5 on it. Put a piece of wood under the tire if it makes you feel safer. But get the brake fixed.
The wife does not need to help much to launch the boat. Here's some tips:
When you get to the ramp, stop at the prep area and unhook the transom tie downs, put the plug in, tilt the motor up and put all of your stuff in the boat.
Get in line at the launch point, and slowly back down the launch, staying in your lane.
Now, not knowing what kind of trailer you have, I'll assume it is not a full bunk, drive on trailer, but a trailer with rollers in the middle and short bunks at the back.
Back the trailer in until the rear trailer crossmember is just submerged. You should not have to dunk the trailer wheel bearings in the water.
Put the truck in park, throw yer wood under the front tire and go to the trailer.
Grab the bow rope and give it to your wife standing on the dock, unhook the winch strap or cable, and push the boat off of the trailer.
Have her walk it down the dock and tie it off while you go back to the truck and drive it out. Don't forget the wood!
A full bunk, drive on trailer is a bit different. They get dunked in the water and the boat floats off. Lots of people have someone in the boat and they drive the boat off.

To load the non-drive on trailer, reverse the steps, except pull the winch strap/cable out and hook it to the end of the trailer before backing it down. The back trailer roller should be barely submerged. If you dunk this type of trailer (non-drive on) too far in, the boat will get on it crooked.

Here's where it gets fun:
Have the wife on the dock (you did take her fishing, didn't you?) get the boat moving toward the trailer, and she throws you the bow rope. She will miss you of course, but don't yell at her or she won't go again. Grab the boat, and hook up the winch hook to the boat. Meanwhile the wife has gotten down from the dock and can start to winch the boat up. One it is going up the trailer straight you can go up and finish winching.
Me and my 9-year old can get the boat on the trailer in about 2 minutes, so it sounds more complicated than it really is. The important part in getting the boat onto a non-drive on trailer is to not lose the boat between the dock and the trailer. I can do all of this by myself, but that is a bit more involved.

A drive on trailer is just that: you submerge the trailer and drive the boat on it. They have full sets of bunk to (hopefully) get the boat centered on it properly. Much less involved.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

You get an "attaboy" for giving it a shot, but I think you've answered your own "use it or or lose it" ultimatum. Trailer boating can be stressful for many reasons and it is not for everyone. A 1958 Evinrude outboard motor must be a "collectible." Justify your purchase on that basis alone and move on.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

As for backing up put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel.

What ever way your hand goes thats the way the trailer is going.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Go to a boat ramp (alone and without the boat) and watch the process. Take notes if you need to. It will become immediately apparent who is adept at this process and who is not. Once you determine that, then do what they do. As for backing a trailer, it only comes with practice and your wife does not have to get involved but can be a help in other ways.

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

If you were to get the boat in the water, do you know how to start it? Has it ran since 1966?

Seems like some of your equipment is sub-par and by that I mean, no parking brake, drive train is not functional, sounds like a scenario for a vehicle recovery from ten feet of water.

JR

 

[elrod]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Well, the reason I was concerned about the 4 WD was that, two weeks ago, we were camping with our grandson in our motorhome. My soninlaw brought up his bigger, much fancier boat, a NITRO, I believe. At one point, they had to put it in 4 WD because the back tires were spinning on a bunch of moss growing on the ramp either when pulling up empty or with the boat or both. Well you folks have given me some good places to study, a bunch of helpful hints and some things to ponder. Yes, I only paid $350 bucks for all of it. I found out about a year ago that the man who had it just previous the the guy I bought it from and has passed away now, spent years putting a floor, carpeting, steering wheel, put some cushioned seats that swivel with a backrest and never, ever put it in the water. Well, here I go to youtube.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

As for backing up put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel.

What ever way your hand goes thats the way the trailer is going.

Not if you're looking in a mirror

 

[produceguy]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Practice backing in a parking lot until you're OK and confident at it.
You really don't need 4wd or a parking brake to launch a 14 foot aluminum boat w/ a 7.5 on it. Put a piece of wood under the tire if it makes you feel safer. But get the brake fixed.
The wife does not need to help much to launch the boat. Here's some tips:
When you get to the ramp, stop at the prep area and unhook the transom tie downs, put the plug in, tilt the motor up and put all of your stuff in the boat.
Get in line at the launch point, and slowly back down the launch, staying in your lane.
Now, not knowing what kind of trailer you have, I'll assume it is not a full bunk, drive on trailer, but a trailer with rollers in the middle and short bunks at the back.
Back the trailer in until the rear trailer crossmember is just submerged. You should not have to dunk the trailer wheel bearings in the water.
Put the truck in park, throw yer wood under the front tire and go to the trailer.
Grab the bow rope and give it to your wife standing on the dock, unhook the winch strap or cable, and push the boat off of the trailer.
Have her walk it down the dock and tie it off while you go back to the truck and drive it out. Don't forget the wood!
A full bunk, drive on trailer is a bit different. They get dunked in the water and the boat floats off. Lots of people have someone in the boat and they drive the boat off.

To load the non-drive on trailer, reverse the steps, except pull the winch strap/cable out and hook it to the end of the trailer before backing it down. The back trailer roller should be barely submerged. If you dunk this type of trailer (non-drive on) too far in, the boat will get on it crooked.

Here's where it gets fun:
Have the wife on the dock (you did take her fishing, didn't you?) get the boat moving toward the trailer, and she throws you the bow rope. She will miss you of course, but don't yell at her or she won't go again. Grab the boat, and hook up the winch hook to the boat. Meanwhile the wife has gotten down from the dock and can start to winch the boat up. One it is going up the trailer straight you can go up and finish winching.
Me and my 9-year old can get the boat on the trailer in about 2 minutes, so it sounds more complicated than it really is. The important part in getting the boat onto a non-drive on trailer is to not lose the boat between the dock and the trailer. I can do all of this by myself, but that is a bit more involved.

A drive on trailer is just that: you submerge the trailer and drive the boat on it. They have full sets of bunk to (hopefully) get the boat centered on it properly. Much less involved.

Well said. That is how I started out and still do it.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

I think the other posters have made some really good points, but as the owner of a 14 foot tinny like yours I'll throw in my 2 cents:
1. You shouldn't need a massive 4WD to launch and retrieve that size of boat unless your boat ramp is really horrible shape (slimy/muddy/slippery). I 've used a 2wd pickup and our FWD mini-van to tow our tinny, and they all work fine, I just make sure to look at the condition of the ramp before backing down. As a child my dad launched our 17 cabin cruiser with a '63 Dodge Lancer RWD with a slant-six.

I've heard (but not tried) cat litter or similiar can be used in a pinch on a slimy ramp.

2. Be courteous to the other users and make sure you are ready to launch before pulling into the lane - drain plug installed, motor tilted up, transom straps removed, ropes/bumpers out and in the ready position.

3. Steering is best practiced at home or in a parking lot. Less sweat factor that way, and you probably need to know how to back the boat into your driveway anyway!
-With the tinny, I need to make sure to drop the tailgate on the Tacoma before backing down the ramp, otherwise the boat disappears from view just as we go down the ramp.
-There are lots of different techniques you can use, part of it depends on whether you prefer looking over the shoulder as I do, or do it all with the mirrors. My basic rule of thumb is keep all corrections small, most folks over-control while backing. To straighten the trailer out, remember that the rear of the vehicle must follow the trailer. And when in doubt, stop and pull forward. Going 20 feet forward will always straighten everything out. Remember, if you are straight in the lane when you start backing, all you have to do is keep it straight as you back. That's a whole lot easier that starting crooked and then trying to straighten up in reverse!

If folks are as friendly there as they are here, just ask nicely and you will get all kinds of help at the ramp. Even more so if you can pass as a 20-something blonde!

-dm

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

I just bought my first boat right at Labor Day last year so I'm a newbie myself. One thing which helped me tremendously was just going to a busy ramp on the weekend by myself and sitting and watching others load and unload. You quickly learn what works and what doesn't. It's not rocket science; you can do this.

I paid particular attention to where and how people pulled forward to the fence and then pivoted while backing into the ramp (ours is a double ramp). I'd see truck after truck pull to basically the same spot. Well, I can take a hint. I did the same thing when I finally brought my boat with me and it worked!

As for backing skills, you need to find an empty parking lot with nothing you can damage in your way, then practice until you're comfortable. Last fall I was a disaster backing anything up; now I do pretty well. You can too. The secret is practice when you don't think anybody will be around. That way you can make your mistakes without your ego getting injured. Think about what you're doing andf what happens when you do it. I prefer to twist my head around when pivoting the trailer but I have to shift to using the side mirrors when the boat disappears down the ramp behind me as I transition from the flat part to the sloped part. By the time I'm going down the slope, the boat should already be straight. I do all my pivoting on flat land.

Good luck. I know you can do this.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Not if you're looking in a mirror

I don't know what kind of mirrors you use ??. But mine works that way.

Retired truck driver 33 yrs with over 1 1/2 million miles under my belt.

I would say you're wrong on that one. :facepalm:

 

[elrod]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

I just got back in the house from trying to work on my pickup. I connected some broken vacuum hoses and electrical connector that had fallen off of the front axle, still no 4WD, dang. I gave the emergency brake a brief inspection but that looks frustrating also. I must say backing up a trailer is not my problem. I am no expert like my son-in-law, but I can get it done. I wil go back out for a bit and see if I can tighten up the emergency brake but it doesn't appear to have enough threads to take up much slack. I think if I get a good sold emergency brake I will feel much more comfortable about this thing. I watched some videos and got some good ideas that way also. You have all been helpful.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

Empty parking lot is definitely a good idea. I do the hand on the bottom of the steering wheel all the time now & it works wonderfully. Practice.

Also, make sure your boat is running properly on muffs in your driveway before you head to the ramps. You'll be less stressed & those waiting for you at the ramp will appreciate it.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

I don't know what kind of mirrors you use ??. But mine works that way.

Retired truck driver 33 yrs with over 1 1/2 million miles under my belt.

I would say you're wrong on that one. :facepalm:

I stand corrected. I misread what you were trying to say.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Total failure at lauuching a boat

with a 14 foot boat that wieghs relitively nothing i wouldnt worry about parking brake never use mine for a 5000 boat 6200 on trailer. i doubt your 500 or so lbs boat will drag it in the drink even if you tried. if its truely the brake unit last i knew 2 years ago it was approx. $1500 to fix that and you cant do it yourself it requires special tools.

as for your 4 wheel drive what type of vehical? my uncle has a blazer he put it in 4 wheel and it doesnt come out[untill he puts it on a lift then you here a clunk and it goes back into 2 wheel] i wouldnt worry about it unless your backing into a mudd hole, on cement you wont spin as long as you respect the ramp and drive slow.

backing up, this can be some what a PITA with single axles. best thing to remember is dont go to far out of your way, just means the trailer has a few extra feet to sway. also helps if you have some sort of a boat guide-on, on the back of the trailer because with the average vehical small trailers tottaly dissapear untill its to late to correct then you must go forward and try again. it does help to have trailer in correct position and straight with the truck before backing into the slanted area otherwise you block your dock and have truck jackknifed.


for these truck drivers talking on here saying backing up is easy once you learn, maybe true for a double axle tandom semi but on a single axle short trailer, it has a mind of its own.