Launching/Retrieving: Power On/Off vs. Line

[RHYBAK]

sounds doable

[Sinker]

If I have someone with me, I unhook everything from the trailer, and have the helper hold my bow line, then I back in and the boat slides off. I have bunks....don't do that with rollers. Unhook once you are floating enough to unhook.

To retrieve, the most important step is putting the trailer in the water just the right amount. On mine, its about half way up the wheel fenders. Then I can either power on, or just pull on by hand and winch it tight.

S.

[Woodsman]

Many ramps prohibit power loading.
It can wash away the surrounding base around the ramp causing problems for others who launch there.

[jaycee]

Many things to take into consideration when launching /retrieving such as , calm or windy, launch ramp angle, water depth, type of trailer roller or bunk, your boat , deep vee or shallow , small or longer/big and weight of, and above all your own experience or inexperience,

[patvetzal]

Jaycee has the best answer! Learn how to handle your own rig and as problems pop up learn what caused them

[Fisherman]

Launch angle is probably the biggest thing to watch for, too steep and the boat will slide off, not steep enough and you'll be doing a combat unload. I have learned my limits over the years, I can unload by myself pretty quick.

[impact]

My 14 footer is quite easy. I have the anchor tied to the bow line. I simply back into the launch , stop with the truck bumper in line with the water. Put the anchor on the side in the water which is on 50 feet of rope. Undo the winch strap. Back up a little bit more and come to a sudden stop. The boat floats away but held back by the anchor.

I drive away and park the truck and trailer. Walk back and simply pull on the anchor rope to get into the boat. This technique works with a dock or a natural boat launch.

I reverse this by backing the trailer into the water with the bunks partly submerged. The anchor is on shore or the dock. I push the boat out and with the bow line / anchor rope pull the boat back in centered on the bunks. I avoid getting wet by stepping on the trailer tongue to attach the winch line or putting on a pair of rubber boots. Most times I just wear sandals.

[Legend Boats]

Leave the boat off. Not worth the risk of prop striking. Sounds like you're trying to fix something that isn't broken!