Questions about putting boat on trailer

Pouryakamkar

Cadet
Joined
Jul 10, 2013
Messages
14
When putting a boat on a trailer, when do you bring the engine up? Once it's fully on the trailer or before? Also, how deep does the trailer need to be? Half half so the boat stays in place?
 

colbyt

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Messages
824
Re: Questions about putting boat on trailer

I always tilt the motor before I trailer my boat.

The depth of the trailer varies depending on how shallow the ramp is and only experience will determine that. Since I float off and on I generally do not need to be as deep on the loading as I do the unloading as the winch does the last few feet.
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,234
Re: Questions about putting boat on trailer

The motor (or outdrive) should always be up for launching and retreiving. Back the trailer in until the last roller (under the transom) just touches the water. Line the stem up on that roller and then winch the boat right on straight. That works for me regardless how steep or shallow the ramp is.

If you have an all bunk trailer, back in so that when the boat is fully retreived its not still floating. Otherwise it'll never line up straight.
 

spdracr39

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,238
Re: Questions about putting boat on trailer

when launching I have to float the back of the boat or the drive will hit the ground when I tilt down to start the engine.. When retrieving I always put the drive up before winching onto the trailer.
 

joe_nj

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2009
Messages
88
Re: Questions about putting boat on trailer

I always protect the prop and outdrive by having it up when launching and recovering. The other day, I watched a guy slowly pilot his inboard Correct Craft Ski Nautique onto the trailer under power at low tide with no problem. He can't raise his prop and it's looked lower than mine when mine is down.
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Questions about putting boat on trailer

when launching I have to float the back of the boat or the drive will hit the ground when I tilt down to start the engine.. When retrieving I always put the drive up before winching onto the trailer.

that's only if you drive off the trailer. when I launch, engine up, the boat is not near the trailer before I get in and lower and start the motor
 
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