Shallow boat launch fun!

[boat1010]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

That is how we unload every time at our lake. Back down till the boat floats and sometimes the water is at the doors. Not much else we can do if we want to take the boat out. I just change the oil in the differentials every fall. Been doing that for lots of years.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

that's a canoe launch not a boat launch

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

There is too much air in the tires. Let some out and it will sink a little deeper

Seriously, I launch at the local ramp like that all the time. Can't really complain because its free. Worst part is getting the brakes wet. Everything rusts and the shoes stick to the drums if you park it when still wet.

 

[Thajeffski]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

Thats why you need a truck like mine for launching:

Its an 82, carbureted, no emissions junk...

Paid 600 bucks for it, 800 for tires, and waterproofed the ignition... stripped out all the carpet from inside, and drilled some drain holes...

I have had it in water, 3/4 the way up the doors, driven it in lakes, and huge mudholes, and still going fine...

If it breaks eventually, then i'll toss it and get another one heh.. but I have had it for 5 years now, and use it to launch wherever I want cause of the 4WD... and not put a dime in it other than oil changes.

The shallow ramps where I go, usually put me in the water at least to the middle of the rear tires...

If I launch on the causeway, then I have to go as deep as the doors sometimes... but hey, look at it! LOL who cares.


/edit - the only drawback is, it gets about 10mpg on a good day, usually around 8 LOL

I love mine!!!

 

[FFScott6]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

I love old bronco's and blazers. Just try to kill one! the more you use em the longer they last. I've owned one of each for a variety of reasons, camping boating, bon fires where others fear to go. never had more than 31's and stock suspension.

Sorry, I'm off subject, but when I saw the Bronco I had to reply!

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

so you dont put the roller trailer in the water? Is that right or that how you have to do it in your case. I thought all trailers were put in the water to float the boat.

 

[MidnightSpeedKC]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

Here in Kansas City, MO, my family owns some land up at Bean Lake and the 'launch' is just like that. I've gotta back my 4x4 S-10 to where the exhaust is completely underwater and the rear wheels are almost covered....

...that was until we bought the Kubota with a back hoe on it, LOL. Needless to say, we've got a nice trench to launch into.



Granted, Bean Lake is only 8ft deep the whole way across, LOL.

 

[TonyJ124]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

On topic-

Shallow ramps are the WORST. Where I used to live, it wasn't uncommon for the end of the concrete ramp to be out of the water in the fall... We would just launch next to it on the beach.


Off topic-
Broncos are made for moving boats!! Here's mine:

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

so you dont put the roller trailer in the water? Is that right or that how you have to do it in your case. I thought all trailers were put in the water to float the boat.

With a roller trailer you can hang on tight to the handle of your winch and carefully let it out. As the center of gravity of the boat moves more towards the rear of the trailer, the rear set of rollers tilt downwards and the stern of the boat goes into the water. Soon there will be slack in the strap and someone aboard the boat can reach from the top of the bow and unhook it for you to reel back into the winch.

Loading is basically the opposite. My son is on the boat and tosses me a line as I stand next to the trailer's winch. I unlock the winch and hook up the end of the strap to the line, and he hauls the strap back to the boat and hooks it onto the bow eye. And then I start cranking. The boat starts coming aboard the trailer on those rear rollers that are still tilted down towards the water, then eventually the center of gravity of the boat is far enough forward that the rear sets of rollers tilt to level as the bow comes down. It happens only as fast as I can crank. After a fair workout, the bow is up against the bowstop.

The next time we go there I will remain on the boat and my 29-year old son will do the cranking! -Ken

 

[Mark42]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

Tried launching on a bay beach once. Backed in , kept going, and going. Darn water didn't get deep enough to float the boat and water over axle, so I pulled out. Had to find a different place to launch. Can really ruin your boating plans.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

Another vote for the lifted Bronco tow vehicles!

I put it in as far as I need, and with 4wd and low range, you never get stuck!

It's already a beater, so I don't worry too much about it, just make sure I change the diff oil periodically.

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: Shallow boat launch fun!

There is a State Park here called Sun Lakes, we had our 17' boat and a crew cab long bed GMC and all tires were in the water to get the boat launched, that's about 45'.