Boat won't launch !

[Plasma George]

So I recently bought a 20' Maxum with a very nice 2007 Shorelander trailer with rollers (not bunks like my older Chap).

When I'm on the ramp, I undo the winch and push the boat off the bunks and into the water.
Well the rollers brought a newchallenge to this. When I started backing down the winch the boat started rolling down and the strap stayed taught (the weight of the boat) and I couldn't unhook it!

After some struggling, and my brother watch me "McGyver think" I was able to wrap a dock line attached to a bow cleat around the winch, and hold the weight of the boat while I unhooked the winch strap. The water was 45 degrees so I didn't want to undwind the winch strap until the boat was floating.

What do you guys do here ?

 

[boat1010]

Re: Boat won't launch !

That is one of the reasons I like bunks better. Just sounds like you needed to back in a little farther. When the boat is starting to float then loosen the winch strap and unhook it.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Boat won't launch !

My problem is a little different but the solution should work for you as well. I can't get the hook unhooked with the boat tight against the stop. Before backing down I unwind the strap one or two cranks so there is some slack. Before the bumper of the truck gets over the water (so my feet don't get wet) I hit the brakes to let the boat slide down a bit. I can then crank it back a little and still leave room to unhook. From there, I have the lines ready and have the wife just back down a few more feet and hit the brakes. Boat slides right off or is floating enough that I can pull it off the trailer. Depending on the ramp and if there is a dock, sometimes just pull the trailer forward to get it out of the way.

Just be carefull about the amount of slack so you don't give the bow eye too much of a shock.

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Boat won't launch !

I have the exact same problem. The only real solution I have found is to back down a little more so the boat floats instead of rolling down as you let the winch out. Even a couple of feet more makes a world of difference.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boat won't launch !

I loosen the strap and then start the engine and put it in forward gear at low idle.... Next I unhook and back the boat off the trailer

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Boat won't launch !

I loosen the strap and then start the engine and put it in forward gear at low idle.... Next I unhook and back the boat off the trailer

Definitely going to try this one...

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Boat won't launch !

Can you not just let out the winch line some more

 

[Plasma George]

Re: Boat won't launch !

Can you not just let out the winch line some more

Then who's going into the water to unhook the winch strap...about waist high in 45 degrees ?

This ramp was steep, and at the end of the ramp is a drop off in the Bay, about 15 feet. So I needed to be careful how far to back the trailer so the wheels don't go off the edge.

Shouldn't be a problem in shallow water. I haven't mastered starting the engine, I like doing it with manpower, 100% under control, then starting when I'm attached to the dock, and loading gear/people.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boat won't launch !

I do exactly what you did, and it's my standard operating procedure.

Rope from the bow of the boat to the trailer. Back it down the ramp, unhook the winch cable and safety chain, then slack the rope.

When hauling out, I use the rope to pull it a bit onto the trailer, tie it off, then walk the winch cable down to the bow eye. Slack the rope and start winching.

It's what I did with my 21' Pro-line, and what I do with the C-C. Works fine.

 

[geeco1]

Re: Boat won't launch !

I don't know if this will solve your problem, but.... try tying a rope to the bow eye and run it up through the roller and secure it to a cleat or rail on the topside of the boat. Un-hook the strap an back into the water. Get in the boat and release the rope. You should be able to slowly let the boat slide down the trailer.???

 

[JimS123]

Re: Boat won't launch !

First off, make sure the trailer is properly adjusted. Attached to the tow vehicle on level dry land, the keel should be level. If the bottom of the stem is above the keel, fix the trailer and it'll probably launch just fine.

I'm blesed in that I have a dozen or so beautiful ramps in my area. All of them comply with the Corp Of Engineers design specs for boat launch ramps....thus, not too steep or too shallow.

If your ramp is too steep, then mount a cleat on your winch stand. Tie your bow line to the cleat with a single turn (and hold on to it) before you loosen and undo the winch cable. Then, very simply, let the line slip and pop it off. Now the boat is sliding in the water and you have the bow line right in your hand. The people on the launch ramps next to you will be in awe how easy you launched your boat!

PS - be sure to do all that AFTER you have backed the trailer in the water. Don't tie any lines or remove the winch if you are not ready to let the boat launch!