love hate relationship with new boat.

[yourkiddin]

for years i have wanted to step up to a bigger and better boat. i finally bought a sylvan 1860 side console with a 75 2 stroke merc. man this thing is huge compaired to my 15 foot runabout glastron. its taking some getting used to the aluminun ride in the choppy water. the banging and noise, like a tank i guess. but now this is on a very windy day. so i think i will be ok on the nice,calm days. but one thing i am having so much trouble with is trailoring this thing. glastron was simple, when i put boat back onto the trailor,the boat is below the black rubber mount. sorry i dont know the name of it. and this thing is heavier than i thought. first time i had problems i tried to just lift it up and place it on the rubber mount. this turns into a 20 min job and im frustrated and worn out. with the other boat my trailer boards were curved up to match bottom of v hull. these boards are flat to match bottom of aluminun boat. i have tried to adjust the hardware. ive also tried putting trailer less or more into lake. no luck yet. someone please help.

 

[yourkiddin]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

i got to looking at my other boat trailer and its got a different type of bow stop. its shaped like an hour glass. all the research ive done says im putting the trailer in to deep. but ive tried all depths.

 

[Philster]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

Your info is a little confusing.

Basically, you need the trailer wheels just about dunked, or somewhat dunked. Maybe 90% dunked. You come up to the trailer with the boat and, often adding what seems like a lot of power, throttle the boat onto the trailer. This push from the engine can feel a little intimidating, especially if you were used to a by-hand operation prior to this.

There are many variables, such as ramp type, slope and the draft of your boat (how much water she needs to float).

I don't know many ramps where you float the boat up to the bow stop (the front-most, highest roller guide), and maneuver it by hand. When you get the boat navigated onto the trailer and she seems to have centered or is centering herself, get on her using engine power. If the engine has clearance, use it! If that is not an option because the ramp won't let you do it, then you need a good/strong and well set-up power winch (or arms ready for cranking), so you can haul the boat up a good portion of the trailer onto the bow stop.

Google this: launching and retrieving boat

Then when the results come back, click the 'videos' link and you will see many demonstrations with all sorts of boats and ramps. Or just go to youtube and google the same terms.

Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WmV0_yUb3U

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

Sounds like trailer guides might help.

Iboats has the "low rider guide" on sale.
Do a search in the marine store, there are a few types.

They are a "must have", as I found out.

 

[dave11]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

Your info is a little confusing.

Basically, you need the trailer wheels just about dunked, or somewhat dunked. Maybe 90% dunked. You come up to the trailer with the boat and, often adding what seems like a lot of power, throttle the boat onto the trailer. This push from the engine can feel a little intimidating, especially if you were used to a by-hand operation prior to this.

There are many variables, such as ramp type, slope and the draft of your boat (how much water she needs to float).

I don't know many ramps where you float the boat up to the bow stop (the front-most, highest roller guide), and maneuver it by hand. When you get the boat navigated onto the trailer and she seems to have centered or is centering herself, get on her using engine power. If the engine has clearance, use it! If that is not an option because the ramp won't let you do it, then you need a good/strong and well set-up power winch (or arms ready for cranking), so you can haul the boat up a good portion of the trailer onto the bow stop.

Google this: launching and retrieving boat

Then when the results come back, click the 'videos' link and you will see many demonstrations with all sorts of boats and ramps. Or just go to youtube and google the same terms.

Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WmV0_yUb3U

There are some good suggestions there. I have a heavy welded aluminum boat just a little smaller than yours. I get my wheels in completely. Easy to push the boat off and just a bit of throttle to get it back on.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

The power loader police are gonna get you Phil

(I do it too. - Heck everyone does it here)

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

I've seen them power load never tried it. afraid i'll hit the truck and make a mess of things keep practicing. get the gides, they do help I had them on my other boat trailer. you will be fine in no time. although have often wondered about the noise factor with aluminium..

 

[Philster]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

I did pepper in an "if" about power loading. You might not be able to do it.

Been boating all my life, and still get nervous when I load the boat onto the trailer.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

Been boating all my life, and still get nervous when I load the boat onto the trailer.

Lols, don't we all! I don't 'power' load, but just idle till I hit the trailer then shut her down...but till it lines up ON the trailer my heart does a little double beat every time.

Ian

 

[Philster]

Re: love hate relationship with new boat.

Now that I think about it, I get that way even when I am about to turn the key!