Problem launching boat with a suv instead of a truck

[ragnar]

After strugling with the low water levels, using a SUV to lunch the boat, i couldnt get the boat to float off the trailer before the entire rear bumpber was under water. I didnt have enough tounge weight to just extend the trailer so i need to build a way to extend and retract the tounge just for loading and unload purposes. Seems to be ok we will see if it helps lunching and loading the boat if the wife and the weather cooperates.

before AFTER

Any reason it wont work?

thanks ragnar

[Crappie Chatt]

Now dats a cool Thumbs Up addition. Most guys I know tie a rope to the bumper & boat, back-in till boat floats, den pull forward . This way of yours, keeps the wheels in :Hands Clappingbetter traction. Thanks for the tip & pics. Let us know how that works out fer ya!!! <*)}}}><

[Cray]

Now that's the real deal there. No more wet bumper or risk girth stuck on the ramp.

[Fish Taxi]

Clever idea. I would guess you also got the added benefit of a little extra tongue weight too.

I use the Chatt method of abrupt stops and starts to work the boat off with a rope attached. It's good for launching, but doesn't help loading out on those shallow ramps.

[ragnar]

Tried it out today at kingman sfl. worked real well for loading back up in a strong wind and waves. never even had to get my feed wet either way. Pulls just as easy as before aslo. Best 10 bucks i have spend on the boat yet.

[fishingtim]

Cool idea.
Shallow ramps can be a challange especially if you're by yourself and don't want to get your feet wet because the water is very cold and you didn't bring waders.
I've been on boat ramps that when my boat barelys starts to float my front wheels are very close to getting wet. So I'll step out of my truck on to my side steps, shimmy my way back to the bed, crawl into the bed then unlatch the boat, and drive it to the dock. Getting back into the truck is fun, walking along the side steps till i can open the front door to get in.

For now I can do this, but some day i'll get old and have to come up with a better solution.

[ragnar]

I dont quite fit crawling thru the rodeo very easy to do that. Plus i dont like the back bumbper underwater and soaking the carpet inside. If i put one foot step on the hitch it would be real easy to walk across to get in the front of the boat. being by my self takes enough time to load and unload at a busy ramp. i dont want to make people wait longer for me to put wadders on and off my big feet. I am amazed it worked so well.

[kingfish387]

very nice.