Trailer Walk Ramp/Plank

[MariahSX20]

I am considering installing a walk ramp to my trailer to avoid getting wet when launching and retrieving my boat. I've seeing them advertized online in lenghts 24" and 36" long.

Can you share your comments and experiences with these ramps? Can you recommend one?

Thanks, Andy

 

[HondaPower]

Re: Trailer Walk Ramp/Plank

I built one out of 3/8" diamond plate aluminum which I was given. It is 3.5' long and 20" wide and is just a great addition. Keeps my feet dry and is very stable. I have seen them built out of 3/4" pressure treated plywood as well and they seemed to work well. I have seen the commercial units online but have never had the chance to try one.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Trailer Walk Ramp/Plank

Back in the day, my dad put one on his trailer to launch our 18' runabout. 2 pieces of heavy angle aluminum mounted on the trailer frame 6 (?) feet apart, with a 2x10 or 2x12 between them. Worked great for him. He was also of the opinion that there was absolutely no need to get into the water to launch or retrieve a boat. In all the years we boated, I only remember him doing so once on a retrieval when the weather turned nasty and there was a gusty onshore wind.

He also taught me that the best way to maneuver a boat on and off the trailer was with a single, long line run from the bow cleat to the stern cleat. That was my job, and I could stand amidships, on the dock, and swing the bow or stern wherever they needed to be, while he "walked the plank."

 

[Pony]

Re: Trailer Walk Ramp/Plank

I have a 2x8 that runs the length of my trailer.....the only picture I have is in the snow so its tough to see. I have it knotched out where it meets the rollers. It attaches to the trailer frame with a large piece of angle iron that is bolted to the trailer and subsequently the plank is bolted to.

 

[INJUN]

Re: Trailer Walk Ramp/Plank

I use hip high waders. Always dry, except when I don't notice the waves from a passing boats' wake.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Trailer Walk Ramp/Plank

I put a walking plank (2X12) on the trailer for my first boat when our kids were very young and I did all of the loading. After one slip and resulting injury on the hard trailer parts, I decided getting a little wet during warm weather wasn't so bad. Good luck and be safe!