I was ‘That’ guy at the ramp coming in yesterday.

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,439
Took my big boat out yesterday ( Sylvan Offshore 22 ). Launched, nobody there. No stress. Nice day on the water. Went to go back in and it was busy. Multiple people tried stealing the dock. Finally got to the launch. Got truck, backed in and I could not keep the winch strap from pulling the bow stop under itself. Pulled the truck out, pulled it in. Nothing was working Finally got it to just make it. I held the line up for probably 5-10 minutes. I think my winch stand is adjusted a smidge too high
 

airshot

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
6,620
Sounds love me your backing in to deep/ shallow depending on the ramp angle. We all have had those days, things just don't go right ! Occasional days are completely acceptable because we are humans and not perfect. But when your the same guy day after day....then you have a problem !
If that is a regular issue, consider changing your trailer setup. On my setup, there is no way the boat can go on incorrectly unless I missed the whole trailer !
 

cwella

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2026
Messages
54
Sounds love me your backing in to deep/ shallow depending on the ramp angle. We all have had those days, things just don't go right ! Occasional days are completely acceptable because we are humans and not perfect. But when your the same guy day after day....then you have a problem !
If that is a regular issue, consider changing your trailer setup. On my setup, there is no way the boat can go on incorrectly unless I missed the whole trailer !
We’ve all had days where the ramp angle or water level catches us out. Occasional mistakes happen, but if it’s a regular issue, it may be worth looking at the trailer setup. A good setup should make loading almost foolproof.
 

Pmt133

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 6, 2022
Messages
1,689
When I went out last week a guy pissed me kff. Got the boat tied on the bulk head (off the ramp incase someone came in hot and needed to get out ASAP, which has happened) got the truck pulled around, the strap out on the winch and then backed in after leaving the staging area. Hopped on the boat and as I'm backing off the dock and rolling into the ramp I just hear a loud "of f*****g course" as a guy on a boat is looking at me and tapping his watch behind me... I'm kind of ready to just point a flare revolver at him and pull the trigger but once the initial blood in my eyes cleared I just clipped the bow eye and pulled out. This was maybe a minute total from backing the trailer in to pulling out so I still don't know what his problem was.

As I'm winching the boat on he's nosed in behind me on the single lane ramp then ties diagonally across it inside the ramp area, not on the bulk head. (blocking anything else from launching or retrieving) I pulled out and secured all my safety straps, tie downs and unloaded the boat in the staging area taking my time (there's like 20 spots along the fence and I'm not blocking anything from using the ramp or staging) so maybe like ten minutes total after the 1 minute pull. I think he managed to get his trailer backed in in that time. But I'm the arse. By the end I walked back to the ramp, guy was all flustered, had a chuckle and left. Normally I always offer help but to be that much of a prick for no reason just turned me off that day.
 

cwella

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2026
Messages
54
When I went out last week a guy pissed me kff. Got the boat tied on the bulk head (off the ramp incase someone came in hot and needed to get out ASAP, which has happened) got the truck pulled around, the strap out on the winch and then backed in after leaving the staging area. Hopped on the boat and as I'm backing off the dock and rolling into the ramp I just hear a loud "of f*****g course" as a guy on a boat is looking at me and tapping his watch behind me... I'm kind of ready to just point a flare revolver at him and pull the trigger but once the initial blood in my eyes cleared I just clipped the bow eye and pulled out. This was maybe a minute total from backing the trailer in to pulling out so I still don't know what his problem was.

As I'm winching the boat on he's nosed in behind me on the single lane ramp then ties diagonally across it inside the ramp area, not on the bulk head. (blocking anything else from launching or retrieving) I pulled out and secured all my safety straps, tie downs and unloaded the boat in the staging area taking my time (there's like 20 spots along the fence and I'm not blocking anything from using the ramp or staging) so maybe like ten minutes total after the 1 minute pull. I think he managed to get his trailer backed in in that time. But I'm the arse. By the end I walked back to the ramp, guy was all flustered, had a chuckle and left. Normally I always offer help but to be that much of a prick for no reason just turned me off that day.
Sounds like you handled it better than most would have. Some people forget that ramps are shared spaces and a little patience goes a long way. Taking a minute to do things safely shouldn’t be an issue, especially when you’re not blocking anyone. Glad you didn’t let his attitude ruin your day.
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,439
I may have had it just not quite deep enough. I have launched and retrieved the boat from the same launch multiple times. I replaced the winch on it as the old one really was worn out and it may sit a little taller. But this is first issue. The trailer is custom built for sure but I think it was built for a different boat. It fits okay though.
 

cwella

Seaman
Joined
Jul 10, 2026
Messages
54
It sounds like the new winch may have changed the loading position slightly, especially if it sits higher and isn’t pulling the boat fully into the correct spot. Since the trailer is custom-built for another boat, small differences in fit can make a big difference.

Check that the bow is fully seated against the bow stop and that the winch strap is pulling at the right angle. Also verify the trailer is deep enough in the water and that the rear supports aren’t preventing the boat from sliding forward.
 

Pmt133

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 6, 2022
Messages
1,689
Sounds like you handled it better than most would have. Some people forget that ramps are shared spaces and a little patience goes a long way. Taking a minute to do things safely shouldn’t be an issue, especially when you’re not blocking anyone. Glad you didn’t let his attitude ruin your day.
I'm very calm, but me knee jerk reaction was to say something. Instead I just took care of business and got out of the way ASAP, no word.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,493
If the Strap goes under the Bow Stop on the Winch Stand, how would it get pulled above it?SX195#10a.JPG
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,439
If the Strap goes under the Bow Stop on the Winch Stand, how would it get pulled above it?View attachment 417905
It doesn’t go under on mine, it goes over. I don’t have a roller stop, it’s one of those V butt things. The bow stop sits below the eye on mine. I should probably drop the height of the winch stand a little and re adjust everything. Either drop it or raise it anyway
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,439
Kinda what I was thinking.. boat/ trailer is still pretty new to me even though I’ve now ran it 5 times or so, this being the first real issue. I guess I never realized it was backwards. It was definitely custom built for a different boat, but it is extremely nice.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,493
If it were built for a different Hull, I hope that it properly supports your Boat
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,493
It’s got rollers and bunks and everything is adjusted correctly
Custom Built Trailers, for a specific Boat/Hull, are usually non-adjustable
Could you post a few Pictures of your Boat on the Trailer?
 
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