Geting the boat on the trailer

[insanity]

I have a shorelander trailer with rollers on it, the double roller for the front bracket for the bow, and the stop pads as well (they really don't stop all that well I have bumped over them and most they do is keep the hull from getting scratched). I am new to all the boating world and have gained a wealth of knowledge from people who have owned boats for longer than I have been alive. But when it comes to it any one can tell me how to dock a boat and this that and the other thing. All it boils down to is just trial and error.

So to my question what is the easiest way to drive on the trailer and whats the easy way to solo load the boat, so it all goes smooth?

I have tried having the trailer in several depths but most of the time it seems to take a lot more effort than it should to trailer her.

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

In Michigan its illegal to power load.....

As to the loading with a roller trailer, I back in just till the rear rollers are about 1/2 in the water, then grab the strap and walk down the frame rail, hook it on and wind her up...

Less than 5 mins from putting truck in park til im gone off the ramp.

 

[Sinko]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

Easier to drive up a bunk.
Same thing for me, back rollers partially in the water and walk in the water or down the trailer until I can hook up.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

I used to pull the winch cable out about half way down the trailer, back the trailer down then idle the boat onto the trailer until I could get it with the winch cable then haul it the rest of the way in. Last time out, my engine died and I had to be towed in. I tired a line to the bow cleat, and pulled the boat on to the trailer and hooked up the winch. I found it just as easy with my reasonably heavy 19' bow rider. I never did learn the "correct" amount to submerge the trailer. I just sort of guess each time. If there's a magic sweet spot, I'd love to know.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

It has taken some time for my wife and I to get it down but I back the trailer in with the back rollers barley in the water and she brings the boat in until it hits the bunks and then nails it up the trailer. It works fine when the boat is in strait but if it is off a bit it will sit off the back rollers and ride weird on the way home.

 

[powderhombre]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

yeah same problem for me.. new to boating and have roller trailer. Everyone here in Colrado power loads. my first time I backed in shallow rear rollers just under water, walked in and got wet and felt foolish. winched her on and thought the bow eye was going to explode out of the boat. backed the truck in a few more feet and got the boat 2" to the stop and the cable broke. nightmare! second time, experianced friend is with and coaches me.. back in about the same as the first time, raise outdrive up some and give hell, well I tried to ease on the thottle as I know my stringer drive ain't supposed to be raised and run... 1000rpm wouldn't get it up, buddy says give it some juice... 2000 rmp and the boat rose up to about 1 foot to stop,, new strap winch pulled her in... I did not like the idea of this but it seemed smoother than a dead winch. I don't want a damaged drive or prop, so I guess I'm just empathizing with you. I think maybe a spit the difference next time.. see how it goes..

 

[bowman316]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

I read somewhere that the correct deapth for loading is when the trailer wheels are submerged completly. But that will change depending on the steepness of the ramp. On a steep ramp, don't go as deep. But on shallow ramps, i need to almost half way submerge my rear truck tires! I hate shallow ramps.

I just watch how deep the trailer wheels are when backing down. I go up the the wheel fender

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

yeah same problem for me.. new to boating and have roller trailer. Everyone here in Colrado power loads. my first time I backed in shallow rear rollers just under water, walked in and got wet and felt foolish. winched her on and thought the bow eye was going to explode out of the boat. backed the truck in a few more feet and got the boat 2" to the stop and the cable broke. nightmare! second time, experianced friend is with and coaches me.. back in about the same as the first time, raise outdrive up some and give hell, well I tried to ease on the thottle as I know my stringer drive ain't supposed to be raised and run... 1000rpm wouldn't get it up, buddy says give it some juice... 2000 rmp and the boat rose up to about 1 foot to stop,, new strap winch pulled her in... I did not like the idea of this but it seemed smoother than a dead winch. I don't want a damaged drive or prop, so I guess I'm just empathizing with you. I think maybe a spit the difference next time.. see how it goes..

Yeah, on a stringer, you don't want to power load. It's hard on the ball gears.You don't want to run any more than just above idle speed with the drive up. The way I do it is get it on and start cranking. When it gets hard, have the truck driver back up a few feet. Then crank the rest of the way. If you're in too far, the stern can remain afloat, and shift as you start to pull it out. Not in deep enough and you can strain the winch too much. Like I said, I haven't found the magic depth. I guess it depends on the boat, and the trailer and the ramp. So far, the best method for me is to idle it onto the trailer, then winch it up. Backing the truck down as needed to take the strain off the winch.

 

[powderhombre]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

thanks nitsuj, I suppose guides would help keep boat from shifting off to the sides if backed in too deep. I've been contemplating installing them. I did install the heavy duty 2000 # winch with the strap. that should help some also.

 

[insanity]

Re: Geting the boat on the trailer

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[bj2455]

Re: Getting the boat on the trailer

Re: Getting the boat on the trailer

I've got a Shorelander trailer with rollers also. I found a product on the market that will catch and release the boat from the trailer with a remote control device. It was a bit expensive but I never get in the water anymore and I don't have to powerload to get the boat on the trailer. I've got guide rails on the trailer and all I have to do is idle into the trailer at a slightly quicker speed than normal til the nose hits the 'snapper' and latches. It took a little while to get aclimated to using it but I wouldn't give it up for anything now. My wife hates having to help load or unload and this has made it simple to do alone. BTW..I have a 23' SeaRay cuddy I'm loading alone.

Bill