Slid off the trailer

[JJags3]

The first couple of times I put my boat it, I had to back pretty far into the water and then at times still had a little problem powering the boat off the trailer. Its a pretty heavy 20" CC with a 155 Johnson. The trailer is set up with bunks rather than rollers.

I saw an ad that sold a spray that you could use on the bunks to make them slippier. I sprayed them down really good while the boat was off the trailer and thought, this will be much better.

Needless to say, it did, in a big way. I had been unhooking the winch strap previously because the boat never moved beofre when launching. This time, as soon as the trailer hit the incline, 15 feet from the water, it started sliding off the trailer. Fortunately, (I guess) the motor was down and the skeg stopped it from coming off the trailer. The only damage was to the skeg. I've used the boat all last year with no apparent damge to the lu. I did buy a SS skeg cap so the prop would be protected. I still use the spray but never unhitch the strap until the boat is in the water. Sure makes it easier to get the boat off and back on. Lesson learned.

 

[rndn]

Re: Slid off the trailer

What was the name of the stuff you used?

 

[JJags3]

Re: Slid off the trailer

SLYDZ-ON bunk lubricant, made by Caliber products inc.

Google on that to get to their website. It is a fantastic product, I just didn't realize how good it would work.

Now that I do, my boat goes on and off slick as a whistle, either by powering or by winch.

Check it out.

 

[KeyWestBoater]

Re: Slid off the trailer

Thanks for the tip. I have the same issue having to back the trailer pretty far. I will try it.

 

[arboldt]

Re: Slid off the trailer

We just use a silicone spray we picked up at the local hardware store. Doesn't have to be special marine anything.

A friend suggested it, but warned about keeping the bow strap on after he slid his jetski onto the parking lot pavement.

 

[JJags3]

Re: Slid off the trailer

Reportly, regular silicone spray has an ingredient that "could" be harmful to the gelcoat on a fiberglass boat. That is why I went with a specialty product, just TO be safe. A 16 oz spray bottle is relatively inexpensive and will last for years. Be sure to spray it on when the bunk carpet is dry and then allow it about a 1/2 hour to dry.

 

[woodduck17]

Re: Slid off the trailer

I use "Liquid Rollers" on my trailer. It warns you on the can about not unhooking your boat until it you are ready for it to come off the trailer. It WILL slide all by itself if the angle is enough. Great stuff--but be careful.

 

[HyperFox]

Re: Slid off the trailer

Wonder if pam would work? Maybe the butter flavor will attract feesh?

I saw a teflon spray at the hardware store today. Might spray the bunks down with that. Anyone done that before?

 

[cgBosun3]

Re: Slid off the trailer

Pam works great for me, so does Pledge furniture wax. Plain old dishwashing soap works great for loading, but washes off to easy to use for launches. Just keep her strapped on to the trailer till she's in the water!

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Slid off the trailer

A plain bar of ordinary bath soap works well for me when I need a helping hand, I just rub it on the astroturf that I can reach and back away into the water. Loading is easier as the bunks can be wetted completely and the soap comes off of the bar more readily. The CG Boys won't pitch a fit unless they think you are tring to cover up an oil leak. Soap is much more eco-friendly than detergents and wont leave that "sheen upon the waters" that the water policde are looking for.

 

[arboldt]

Re: Slid off the trailer

Pam works great for me

Pam absolutely doesn't work for me. I asked her for something once, then held my ears at her reply.