Power loading

[tyofwa]

OK... explain this power-loading thing to me.<br /><br />When I load, I usually center-up, motor toward my trailer at idle-but-in-gear speed, about 20' from the ramp I will drop into neutral, and trim up the OB, just leaving low enough to offer me some last-minute steering corrections. From there, I will attach the strap, and winch up until the chain can get on the eyelet. <br /><br />Sometimes, the angle of the trailer requires me to come in a bit faster, or re-engage the engine ( in the higher trim position ) for a second to get high enough on the bunks to reach the strap. <br /><br />So.. Am I one of the folks dredging the ramp? This approach seems better suited than hopping in the water with a line and trying to guide a boat drifting in the slough current where the launch is at.

 

[heyttown]

Re: Power loading

That isnt to bad, it still may wash out some of the ramp, Ive seen idiots drive it on the bunks, then when forward motion stops , nail it....... trying to get the boat all the way to the bowstop, now that will do alot a damage, I have actually watch a guy drive his boat crooked on the bunks and go past his bow stop by almost 1 ft, as he almost fell out of the boat................I normally idle till forward progress has stopped, by then I am usually 2 or 3 ft away and can hook the boat, and crank it up.

 

[wikelam]

Re: Power loading

I get lined up and just idle on. then use the winch to get it the rest of the way.<br /><br />I do not use motor to get it on the trailer, but i am grateful that others do. this will create a wash at the end of the ramp after time. this is an excellent hole for a big cat to hold up in. have pulled a few big cats from under ramps before.<br /><br />I would not advise it though. have seen one idiot dent his tailgate of his truck from getting the boat angled on the trailer and throttling it.

 

[DJ]

Re: Power loading

I Guess I'm an idiot. I've never used more than two feet of my winch straps.<br /><br />If your trailer is set up correctly and you are in deep enough, the great blasts of propeller thrust aren't needed.<br /><br />In and out in less than one minute.

 

[JB]

Re: Power loading

I think this belongs in Boats.

 

[miloman]

Re: Power loading

in 14 years of boating ( yup Im a spring chicken) I have always driven my boat on and off the trailer. I drive my boat on the trailer I trim up the engine and give a gentle push and Im usually within 1 foot from my winch

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Power loading

Thanks Miloman, I was begining to worry, that I was a nut for "Loading under power" I'd rather say it that way, cause I don't power-slam onto the trailer. I have a 25' tripontoon boat, and it's just too big and heavy to wench up on the trailer. I line up get enough idle speed to get onto the trailer and gently bump my two big bumper stops and hook the wench strap and tighten it to hold till out, and transport. I also dip and wet my carpeted boards so it will slide on them easy. <br /><br /> I guess they will argue about the way to load till the end of time. If I had a smaller boat, I'd still load just like you said, glide on the trailer and wench the last Foot or so! <br /><br />Just one of GodsBeast's

 

[KCook]

Re: Power loading

^

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Power loading

At some ramps you will be ticketed for power loading. However, I too do a gentle power load when allowed.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: Power loading

I have to agree with DJ on this one. Over the years I have only had to use 2-4 feet of winch strap. The right set-up on a good trailer is a blessing...And yes you can receive a ticket here if you are caught power-loading.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: Power loading

I was at Boat Club Park down here in South Florida watching people loading. Out of perhaps 50 boats, only 1 winched on, everyone else power loaded. Some of the larger boats applied so much throttle to get that last two feet that I swore their boat would shoot up the bow stop and launch into the parking lot. I don't know what is wrong with some of the trailer setups on some of these new boats, but at least a few of the people +could not+ winch their boats on.

 

[QC]

Re: Power loading

I idle on and get her to "stick" onto the trailer which is still slightly higher than I need it. I just use the momentum, no more power. This helps line the bunks up between the strakes and keeps me from ever overshooting. I shut her off and trim the rest of the way up. I then get the winch strap attached and I have the driver of the tow vehicle (if I am not alone) slooooowly back down as I winch up, I usually simply ask for just a little bit down at a time. Really helps if you have the back window of the tow vehicle open or some other way to communicate with the driver. This backing slowly down as you crank the winch saves on wear and tear of the bunks, winch, winch strap and me . . . Once in a while, if she doesn't stick quite well enough, me simply climbing out makes her light enough to start sliding back down, that kinda sucks.<br /><br />IMHO, the biggest scare power loading is a little wake or tidal surge that makes the boat more buoyant at just the wrong time, that's how they end up kissing the tow vehicle's arse.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Power loading

I usually am alone or with my kids...so I get to solo unload\load. I have never power loaded...just would be more work. <br /><br />I pull boat up to dock...tie off..go get truck...once backed down ramp...grab bowline and pull it to trailer...usually get 1/2-3/4 of boat on trailer...clip wench strap and start cranking...this takes me about 3-5 min max and I usually get it lined up right the first try. I also (almost) never get wet...have perfected the "walk on trailer" to get to bow eye. <br /><br />-JMW

 

[QC]

Re: Power loading

JMW,<br /><br />That's how I retrieve alone as well. I usually put my trailer lower than I would if doing it with a partner; helps with the winching up.