one person unloading of boat

[jdz boat]

This may be a stupid question,but loosing my best fishing buddy,my dad to cancer. It leaves me with a wanting to get back to fishing, mostly by myself. I`ve got a 16` smoker craft and would appreciate any suggestions on how to unload it by myself on usually busy boat ramps. I know i could back the boat into the water and lead it off the trailer with a rope and then over to shore. But I don`t want to tie up the ramp for 10- 15 min.Any ideas?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I am sorry for your loss......I have been through that when my Dad past away......

That's about it.....what you wrote for launching.

or

You are going to have to find a fishing partner.

 

[arks]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I used to launch a 23 footer solo quite often. It really depends on how your ramp is set up.

Can you launch the boat then tie it to the opposite side of the launching dock? That will allow another boat to launch while you're parking. Or, if the dock is wide enough, maybe tie up at the end.

Other options:
- Tie only the bow of the boat to the end of the dock and anchor the stern so it's clear of the ramp. step off the boat to the dock.
- Launch the boat, find a beach or access point nearby and beach the boat. Tie it to something solid so it doesn't drift away while you're parking the rig.
- Launch the boat, go 50' L or R from the ramp, then set an anchor and swim back. Wear a PFD- even if it's relatively shallow.
- Launch the boat, go 50' L or R from the ramp, then set an anchor and use an inflatable boat or small kayak to get back to the ramp, then again to get out to the boat. Problem with this scenario is that you've got to stash your 'dinghy' on the boat after the rig is parked....

 

[oldjeep]

Re: one person unloading of boat

That is how I do it, and I've usually got my wife and kids with me.

Back in the trailer, float the boat off and walk it around the dock so that the launch is clear. Takes just a minute.

 

[JimKW]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I do it all the time. I back down, get the boat off the trailer, if it's busy I drive the boat to the courtesy dock, if not I tie up at the loading dock, get back to the truck and park it. It takes a while, but what choice do you have and nobody can really get upset with you if you are not lingering. I almost alway go to the courtesy dock. That way I'm in no hurry whatsoever no matter what after getting the truck off the ramp.

Also sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad passed about 9 years ago and my Mom about 12. Still really miss them, but death is part of life and you just have to move on.

 

[ahoy49]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I've found most boaters are a patient group and even offer to help.
Very sorry for your loss.

I do it just like the others said.

Ahoy

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I launch my 20 foot solo almost 99% of the time. It gets to be real smooth,yet my first few times where alittle tense. First of all I sat by the launching ramp I was going to use ahead of the day....just watched how the locals did it. Then I picked a time when I hoped it wasn't going to be too busy. Got everything ready, backed the trailer into the water, did not release the boat from the trailer, tied my two long dock lines to the dock cleats and then launched the boat. Moved the boat to the very end of the launch dock (this ramp does not have a courtesy ramp nor a place to beach the boat) and then hustled the trailer into a spot and hustled back. No problems. Enjoy.

 

[samagy16]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I have to assume that if it's a busy boat ramp like you claim, there should be plenty of very friendly boaters that would be willing to help.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: one person unloading of boat

Sorry for your loss our prayers are with you and your family..............

 

[wcsd106]

Re: one person unloading of boat

Sorry for your loss. A Cheater rope and tying off to the bank is about the only way I can think of. You'll get faster with it as you do it more often. And yes, most boaters I've run across are always patient or willing to lend a hand.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: one person unloading of boat

Sorry to hear that.
When we are at the ramp and someone is launching alone either I or one of our children (all grown up now) always offer their assistance if needed. Most of the time it is gladly accepted. If not then there is no hurry. An extra few minutes does not hurt. Most of us are really friendly folk.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I launch my 20 foot solo almost 99% of the time. It gets to be real smooth,yet my first few times where alittle tense. First of all I sat by the launching ramp I was going to use ahead of the day....just watched how the locals did it. Then I picked a time when I hoped it wasn't going to be too busy. Got everything ready, backed the trailer into the water, did not release the boat from the trailer, tied my two long dock lines to the dock cleats and then launched the boat. Moved the boat to the very end of the launch dock (this ramp does not have a courtesy ramp nor a place to beach the boat) and then hustled the trailer into a spot and hustled back. No problems. Enjoy.

+1 how he does it. My sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. My dad passed last year and it is still tough - especially come this Sunday. But since I am a dad I still have to celebrate the day for the sake of my sons. Take care.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I used to launch a 23 footer solo quite often. It really depends on how your ramp is set up.

Can you launch the boat then tie it to the opposite side of the launching dock? That will allow another boat to launch while you're parking. Or, if the dock is wide enough, maybe tie up at the end.

Other options:
- Tie only the bow of the boat to the end of the dock and anchor the stern so it's clear of the ramp. step off the boat to the dock.
- Launch the boat, find a beach or access point nearby and beach the boat. Tie it to something solid so it doesn't drift away while you're parking the rig.
- Launch the boat, go 50' L or R from the ramp, then set an anchor and swim back. Wear a PFD- even if it's relatively shallow.
- Launch the boat, go 50' L or R from the ramp, then set an anchor and use an inflatable boat or small kayak to get back to the ramp, then again to get out to the boat. Problem with this scenario is that you've got to stash your 'dinghy' on the boat after the rig is parked....

WOW, some of these things would take longer than just tieing off and parking the trailer. I can unload by myself and park quicker than I could set an anchor. Definately quicker than anchoring off and taking a dinghy back in, or swimming back. Seems like a lot of work for no time savings and I am sure a lot of laughter at the dock, especially when you are only putting a 16ft boat in.

I usually tie up to the end of the dock, and park and jog back to the boat. Then get in and move off and out of the way. Most people are more than willing to wait a minute or 2 while you do this safely. I doubt it will take you 15 minutes to do all this, and as others mentioned, you will get quicker with practice, unless your boat is not prepped before you enter the ramp. I can usually launch by myself in about 4 to 5 minutes. I prep before I enter the ramp.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I will add that I and most boaters I know do not mind waiting when the person launching is actually in the process of launching. The problem most people have is when people prep their boat for the launch and the day on the water on the ramp. Just get the boat ready, tie a 20' line to the bow, back in the water and jump out and push the boat off. Line it to the dock and get back to the truck. Usually takes me about 5 minutes.

 

[86 century]

Re: one person unloading of boat

Get a routine and stick to it. Don't let anyone rush you take you time to do it right but don't drag your feet. If some one hassles you let them know you are new to this if they don't understand then #@$#'em. You will get good at it and be faster than most in no time.

I always launch and retrieve by myself even when people are with me. It is my setup my routine not that I don't appreciate help just not at the ramp. Good Luck

 

[geeco1]

Re: one person unloading of boat

If you pull into a gas station that is full and you are waiting for the person ahead of you to finish, do you get angry if it takes a while to fill their car. Probably not... unless they are dilly-dallying around. I find the same to be true at boat ramps. Almost every boater has had to launch solo at one time or another. They realize that it takes 5 mins or so to go down the ramp, un-hook the bow strap, float off, tie-up, get back to vehicle, park, etc, etc. I don't think that most would give it a second thought ...UNLESS.. you did your prep-work on the ramp as previously said. What you CAN do to help is ... 1.) Do your prep work in the parking lot. 2.) Practice backing your trailer so you can hit the ramp. 3.) Practice loading/unloading your boat. 4.) If possible, tie off your boat at the far end of the dock so that others can get around you if possible. Also, if you see 3 or 4 people waiting, you may let them get out of your way so that you can load with fewer people waiting on you.

 

[jdz boat]

Re: one person unloading of boat

Thanks for all of ideas,and also the kind words. I think I`ll try it this weekend and see how it goes. If all goes well and I get out on the lake I`ll smile and think of my dad and just ride around thinking of past fishing outings we`ve had. We always didn`t catch as many as we wanted,but as dad would say"They wouldn`t call it fishing if you caught fish every time." Thanks agin. jd

 

[KStoon]

Re: one person unloading of boat

That's right! It would be called catching! Good luck!

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I would add that if you plan on blocking the ramp while you go park and jog back to crank the boat before you leave the house, then again at least for a few seconds when you tie it up in the ramp. I can't imagine what would be said if you did that and the boat wouldn't start. You'd laugh about it someday, but not that day.

Tha main thing to remember is to not get impatient and rush yourself. When you rush you forget stuff and make mistakes. Just be calm and take your time and just smile at the people waiting and you'll be fine.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: one person unloading of boat

I would add that if you plan on blocking the ramp while you go park and jog back to crank the boat before you leave the house, then again at least for a few seconds when you tie it up in the ramp. I can't imagine what would be said if you did that and the boat wouldn't start. You'd laugh about it someday, but not that day.

Tha main thing to remember is to not get impatient and rush yourself. When you rush you forget stuff and make mistakes. Just be calm and take your time and just smile at the people waiting and you'll be fine.

Or have a paddle ready to get yourself to a safe place away from the ramp. If it wont start get out of the way. And like he said, take your time. You can take your time, and not rush, and still be done in 5 minutes.