last question for awhile......

[rbigg]

When doing a drive-on trailer loading, with outboards, what is the rule of thumb as how much to tilt the engine up? I see different amounts of tilt used. <br /><br />I know we lose thrust the higher up the engine is tilted. Maybe there's enough to work with, even with the engine all the way up, though. Is this the case? If so, guess it makes sense to run it tilted all the way up for loading. <br /><br />Is the only reason to bring the engine up at all just so your lower unit might not hit the ramp in the process of getting the boat on the trailer?

 

[cuzner]

Re: last question for awhile......

Depends on the ramp... rule of thumb your water intake must be in the water at all times when engine is running. That being said I,ve never had to raise the engine to drive the boat on trailer, But its a bass boat, hit the bottom yet.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[blackz3]

Re: last question for awhile......

i agree i drive both i/o and out boards on my trailers it depends on the ramp and depth of the water..depth finder tells me all i need to know

 

[magster65]

Re: last question for awhile......

The easy answer is; it depends on how steep the ramp is. I personally think powering onto the trailer isn't worth the risk. Maybe until you're 'just'on it but... why? Your outboard or stern drive when tilted is pushing the boat down as well as forward. That just puts a bunch of pressure on your hull. You run the risk of hitting your skeg or prop as the bow rises up onto the trailer. You could overpower and end up damaging something. It could also roll or slide back off before you have it secured. It seems like a lot of risk to save cranking the handle a few extra turns.

 

[blackz3]

Re: last question for awhile......

well i just wat to add a few things to clear what i do up...if iv never been to that ramp before im real causious about driveing it on an will crank it if im not sure. also i dont drive on if im alone ill drive on till the boat stays still then crank. roller trailers r difficault to say the least. but bunk trailers are pretty easy. so when in dout CRANK! and nothing pisses me off more then the guys and gals trying NOT to get there feet wet at the ramp. i cant stand waiting while there doing there balanceing act on the trailer trying to stay dry.

 

[Straightup]

Re: last question for awhile......

Yeah, if you're in doubt just put your engine up a little bit - doesn't have to be far up. <br /><br />My folks had a mid 80's 17 1/2 foot Glastron W/ Johnson 135 on a Caulkins trailer. Best drive on combo I've ever used. We live in a tourist heavy area and we would back the boat up in well under a minute, just above the ramp. Unhook front and take strap off back and bud would jump in the boat. Under 2 minutes, boat launched. I'd hop out of the boat at the dock and back trailer in. Bud would drive on perfect everytime. Go to front of trailer and hook on winch and safety. Under a minute, boat out of everyones way getting straps... pull plug ect. Fun times. Some people were quite amazed at how smooth an operation it was. I got a 17 foot Larson IO with a bunk trailer and that was not drive on friendly at all. Now I have a Rinker OB and Shore Land'r trailer, so should be drive on time again! Woohooo.

 

[blackz3]

Re: last question for awhile......

ops sorry the wife just reminded me that i lowered the bunks and rollers on all the trailers i own...i hate it when she reads over my shoulder LOL

 

[JB]

Re: last question for awhile......

Check ramp rules before you power your boat onto or off the trailer. Some places it is illegal to protect lake/river bottom from erosion and the water from excess silt.<br /><br />Otherwise, I agree with Magster.

 

[cuzner]

Re: last question for awhile......

Just to clear up my earlier post, I don't have an opinion either way as to wether its a good idea.I fish in local bass tournys, shot gun start, and finish. one ramp at the hosting marina. The rules are you either drive on to trailer or wait until everyone is done. 80 to 100 boats.Yes you have to be careful.I,ve never seen a boat not drive to a trailer in a tourny, but I,m usualy enjoying a beer an hour after finish. In 36 tournoments I,ve never seen damage cuased doing this.<br /><br /> Jim