Quick ramp launch

[sjujnovich]

Ever seen those guys who are too lazy to push their boats of a trailer when launching?? You know the ones that unhook the winch and the saftey chain before reversing at speed down the ramp and slamming on the brakes to get the boat to slide off the trailer?? Maybe to save their cars tyres from getting wet in deeper water, who knows why?? Well I was witness to one of the good reasons not to do this.<br /><br />Picture a family who look pretty green to boating with a brand new looking 20ft fiberglass and 150hp outboard at the ramp towed by a new ford sedan. Obviously not a poor family, but wealth doesn't always equate to intelligence. Dad unhooks the winch and safety chain while son holds a long rope to the side. Dad reverses qickly for about 20 foot and sharply applies the brakes. <br /><br />Only to realize<br />1/He hasn't reached the water and the boat is on the ramp without its trailer<br />2/The outboard has a bent prop and skeg<br />3/The boat hull has gouges along its pristine fiberglass from the rough concrete boat ramp<br />4/His face is red<br />5/Mum looks angry<br />6/The crowd is bursting into laughter<br />7/This is the last time he will try this technique, and boy its going to be hard to get this boat back on its trailer. <br /><br />Hope I haven't offended people who sucessfully use this technique.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Quick ramp launch

I back in till it's floating. Warm up engine, and then idle in reverse right off the trailer.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Quick ramp launch

Hmm, sounds like that ramp must have a slope to it......................

 

[K Hultgre]

Re: Quick ramp launch

My father and I have used this technique for many years (Bunk style trailers only). Just one difference, slowly back boat down ramp until the tires are almost coverd by water, let off brake (momentairily) then do a quick stop. This usually allows the bunks to get wet, float the back half of the boat, and supplies enough momentum to get the boat clear of the trailer. We do this as a 2 man operation only, but on a busy day we can be launched in less than 2 min. much to the suprise of others waiting in line. Removal is very similar, trailer backs in to position and boat is in motion and almost to first set of rollers, add a little throttle,. Driver gets out hooks strap to boat, winches last foot, climbs in car and were clear of the ramp. Quick and painless.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Quick ramp launch

While on vacation I launched my 11foot whaler that way this sumer alown with a full sized Ford in my friends back yard.<br /><br />I was alown, and didn't want to wait any longer. I left the winch on and uncranked it all the way and put it up on the bow, but made sure it wasn't going to be caught on anything. I backed down the ramp (sandy one) and stomped on the breaks. The boat slid off the trailer and into the water, then I slowley drove forward and pulled the trailer out of the water and the boat to the beach. Then got out of the car took the winch off and I was on my way. Anyone watching would have thought I had been doing it for years It makes for a pretty launching, but it wouldn't work with a larger boat.<br /><br />I stole the idea from someone. I saw a older guy (maybe 55) launching a 14-16 foot alum bass boat do the same thing, good idea IMO

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Quick ramp launch

Originally posted by ndemge:<br />I back in till it's floating. Warm up engine, and then idle in reverse right off the trailer.

You don't mean to say that you sit on the ramp while warming the engine do you? I hope when you do that no one is in line to launch <br /><br />Dave

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Quick ramp launch

I'm curious about this .. if it's a small boat, why wouldn't you just push it off the trailer instead of risking damage to your boat, trailer, and vehicle?<br /><br />I have a 12 foot aluminum boat - it doesn't always float when the back tires touch the water so sometimes, I have to get out, get up to my knees in water, and push the boat off the trailer. It's not that bad though - I'd much rather have to towel off than have to repair something.<br /><br />What do people with larger boats do in this situation (back tires in the water but boat is sitting on trailer - not floating)? Maybe it just doesn't happen because of a longer trailer?

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Quick ramp launch

If your rollers are well maintained and lubricated, it will just roll off with a push and one hand holding a rope attached to bow.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Quick ramp launch

Launching, I always pull out some slack into the cable and relock the winch, then back down until the sooner of a) the boat floats free, or b) I hear the vehicle exhaust in the water, at which time I pull out a tad and try the brake tap trick once. That usually gets it. Of course some of you guys probably have enough clearance to get your front hubs wet before blocking the exhaust. If I'm alone & it's too cold to wade, I open the van's hatchback before backing down so I can climb out the back onto the boat & drive it off the trailer. But anytime I leave the car on the ramp unattended, it's got a chock behind the front wheel!