One Person launching and loading boat?

[ktmrider]

What's the best way to launch a boat and load it back onto the trailer if you're the only person doing it?

 

[z rated]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

Im pretty new to boating and have only launched my 21 footer 5 or 6 times now but i find the way i do it pretty easy and can get it done within 3 or 4 minutes. Usually park off to the side to take off transom straps put in drain plug etc. Then back down the ramp with a bow line hanging off a bit. Once the boats in enough i jump out disconnect the winch straps and push my boat off gently, quickly jump onto the dock and follow the boat back a little bit and tie it off far enough that another person can launch while im parking the trailer. I just have to make sure ive got some bumpers on the side that might hit the dock while im tying it up.

Edit: loading it up is same way, tie boat to dock (can be tricky all alone but easier with bumpers hanging over. run get the trailer and use the bow line to pull the boat onto the trailer. Its easier when loading the boat back on to back in a bit deeper so the boat doesnt need to drag on the bunks or rollers, makes it easier to pull with just a bow line.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

be prepared before leaving home. plug in, gas line connected. etc. i launch alone all the time. parter not allowed to back trailer (was a disaster). when i get to the launch. i remove stern strap, bow line on bow with a hook that snaps to the winch stand. i back down, jump out release winch hook, then back down, to where the stern starts to float, and tap the brakes this give the boat momentum to float off the trailer, bow line long enough, that i can pull up enough to retrieve the snap on the winch stand, and swing the boat to the dock. then move vehicle.

i have guide ons on my trailers, and 2 self centering rollers, before going to the ramp i loosen 2-3 feet of winch line, then back down the ramp. go to the boat and motor over to the trailer. i drive on never above idle, reach over the bow connect the winch line, climb over the bow on to the trailer, and winch the rest of the way, then pull up out of the way.

it takes practice. go to the ramp during the week, when it is not busy, and practice. also, when approching the dock, another boat, or the trailer, go no faster than you are willing to hit it. you cannot count on reverse to be a brake. engines stall right at the wrong time.

 

[larky]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

I launch alone as well, very easy to do. at the begining of this year i put on a pair of guide-ons and what a difference. before i had them i could not get the boat on the trailer the same way each time. worth every penny
good luck, take your time, it will get real easy

 

[burroak]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

In addition to all the other advice in the thread, a bowline tied with a half-hitch to the winch post with adequate slack to allow the boat to float free will keep the boat going adrift. Obviously, all straps and tie-downs should have been removed. After starting the motor, yank the loose end of the half hitch and the boat should be under your control.

The depth of the trailer is crucial for easy launch and retrieval. If you have boat guides, mark the water level on them that allows for the easiest launch and retrieval. If the levels are different, just use different colors for marking.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

In addition to all the other advice in the thread, a bowline tied with a half-hitch to the winch post with adequate slack to allow the boat to float free will keep the boat going adrift. Obviously, all straps and tie-downs should have been removed. After starting the motor, yank the loose end of the half hitch and the boat should be under your control.

The depth of the trailer is crucial for easy launch and retrieval. If you have boat guides, mark the water level on them that allows for the easiest launch and retrieval. If the levels are different, just use different colors for marking.

That is the smartest bit of advice I have heard on this subject yet. Esp. the part about the half hitch. I launch and retreive a 28' by myself on all kinds of differnt ramps and the one thing I know is what works at one place will not always work at another, but burroaks advice is very universal.
--
Stan

 

[ktmrider]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

"a bowline tied with a half-hitch to the winch post" ????

I don't understand this statement. What's a half hitch?

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try it this afternoon at Miller Park in Sacramento if anyone wants to watch. lol

 

[burroak]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

"a bowline tied with a half-hitch to the winch post" ????

I don't understand this statement. What's a half hitch?

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try it this afternoon at Miller Park in Sacramento if anyone wants to watch. lol

I have to edit my post. Bowline as on a line connected to a bow cleat and probably should have been written as bow line.The half hitch is probably a misnomer. I was referring to taking a line making one wrap and doubling the bitter end(loose end) and slipping it under the wrap and tightening. When the bitter end is pulled the line is loose and the boat will be free of the trailer.

It seemed clear to me the first time.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

You could also just wrap the line double around the winch post and secure both ends to the boat, then just untie one end and pull the line from around the post.
--
Stan

 

[scrobo]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

I launch and load my 14' runabout by myself. Sometimes it can be a pain getting it even on the trailer. And I've fallen once or twice.

But most of the time my wife is there so.....

But would guides help? And if so is there a formula for deciding how they should be placed on the trailer?

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

In addition to all the other advice in the thread, a bowline tied with a half-hitch to the winch post with adequate slack to allow the boat to float free will keep the boat going adrift. Obviously, all straps and tie-downs should have been removed. After starting the motor, yank the loose end of the half hitch and the boat should be under your control.

The depth of the trailer is crucial for easy launch and retrieval. If you have boat guides, mark the water level on them that allows for the easiest launch and retrieval. If the levels are different, just use different colors for marking.[/QUO
good stuff. this is the same way i un load.
when i load i dont back up quite as far and try to judge to float to with a foot or so of winch post then power last foot or two and this centers boat so i can jump off hook bow chain and pull out.( i know some on the forum dont like power loading but it works and 4 lakes i go to this is used by almost every one.

 

[Mark42]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

Take your time. Don't let anyone waiting pressure you, and don't let folks who try to help rush or distract you. Just go about your business and it will work fine.

 

[Ravman]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

wow, this is a good thread. i now have a 24' cuddy and i am nervous at the thought of unloading or loading by myself. after reading the tips that have been given i think that it will be easier than i have been thinking it would be.

thanks to the original poster for making the thread

 

[sbulla]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

i drive on never above idle, reach over the bow connect the winch line, climb over the bow on to the trailer, and winch the rest of the way, then pull up out of the way.

Exactly the way I perform the job but, if I'm close enough to the dock, I climb back on the boat and jump on the dock, otherwise, I have to get a foot wet 'cause I have to back in so far the winch post is over water and the back of my Jeep blocks any way to get to dry land from the tongue of the trailer.

Guess I need a pickup...nah!

Sonny

 

[Boatist]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

Miller park one of the hardest ramps to retrieve on in the area so dont blame your self too much if ti takes several trys.

The Ramp is very steep and they put the ramp in too low. They payed some contractor to fix it and he made it worse.

At the water level the ramp is below the level of the river bed so the mud and sand covers the bottom of the ramp. With all the lauching the ramp area becomes very uneven so one side of your trailer will be higher than the other making it hard to center the boat on the bunks.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

A half hitch is half a square knot essentially. Take the loose end of a piece of line (rope) you are trying to secure. Bring it around a deadman (something to secure it to). Hold that end in your left hand and with your right hand on the loose end of the line go around the line (you are trying to secure) and come up thru the hole between the original line and the loop in your left hand. Pull it up taught and you have a half hitch.
--------------------

I launch from a p/u truck. I drop the tailgate. I loosen the winch line about 2' when preparing the boat for launching (my boat won't slide off the trailer on it's own so I don't have to worry about it falling off the trailer).

I back into the water till my rear tire gets wet and hit the brakes. The boat slides off and is stopped by the winch rope. I step on the tire and get into the bed of the truck and walk down the trailer tongue and get into the boat, removing the bow line as I do so.

I crank the engine and drive off the trailer to tie up. Then park the trailer.

On retrieval, I drive onto the trailer and reverse the process. The tailgate of the truck makes a nice place to sit while winching the boat the rest of the way on the trailer.

I usually go to the same place and launch on the same launch. If I were going elsewhere I'd have to adapt. Also, I fish during the week while everyone else is at work.........I'm retired and this is a fringe benefit well earned.

Mark

 

[sbulla]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

The tailgate of the truck makes a nice place to sit while winching the boat the rest of the way on the trailer.

Ah yes, the advantages of a pick-up...but, I really like my Wrangler so, I'll adapt.

Also, I fish during the week while everyone else is at work.........I'm retired and this is a fringe benefit well earned.

Same here except, still a few years away from retirement but I work nights so, weekday mornings for me.

Sonny

 

[f1sh]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

I realize this thread has been around for a couple years, but THANKS for the great advice. I've been using waders or getting wet, but tried out the techniques listed and was able to launch and recover without getting in the water tonight, and was on and off the ramp in much less time. Thanks!!

 

[DaNinja]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

I realize this thread has been around for a couple years, but THANKS for the great advice. I've been using waders or getting wet, but tried out the techniques listed and was able to launch and recover without getting in the water tonight, and was on and off the ramp in much less time. Thanks!!

Yeah, it's a couple of couple years old.

Welcome!

 

[pvmtsux]

Re: One Person launching and loading boat?

Practice.