Thread: best way to load a boat solo

I have a polarcraft 18 ft and I have to leave it running in gear till I get it hooked to trailer.Dont know why but it wont stay on trailer otherwise.

Originally Posted by TheBear

trailer has bunks. The roller is where the bow eye rest on trailer when hooked. I will try pulling up a bit more. I have always had that spot on my fender that I use for reference also. I will try up further before I do anything else. Thanks

I'm leaning to what killer said. By you having to leave motor in gear, that's for sure backed too far down. Now don't firewall that big motor and jump over your truck, but I believe pulling up & drive on easy will solve your problem.

If I'm alone unloading i'll do the "rope from bow to the end of the trailer" thing.

Using this method it is very important to remember to TIE the rope to the end of the trailer unless you're an avid swimmer.

I put an electric winch on my trailer---makes loading easier for an old fart.

Exactly what kind make and model of a boat you got Bear? A long time ago, my first boat was an old cathedral or tri hull design. That joker was a Bear to load any which way you went at it.

The auto locking bow eye sounded like it'd be the end all be all when it hit the market, but quickly faded. Remember stories of them binding and not releasing and having to be cut off. Also of them not locking if the boat was slightly off mark. Think that's why you don't see very many of them at the ramp.

My boat, a 17 ft mod V aluminum is pretty forgiving as far as loading. Too deep and I tend to slam the bow stop, too shallow and my 60 doesn't have enough grunt to snug it up from a stand still. I tend to go a little shallower and snug it with the winch more often than not, but like was mentioned, the sweet spot of depth is the key for most jons, mod v's, and shallow v bass hulls. For me, the best spot is with the tops of the fenders just out of the water, but the tops of the tires just under.

Wannabe...

Never understood why an enterprising high schooler didn't hang out at the ramps on the weekends and pick up extra $ by helping folks load and unload. It'd be a slow start, but once folks got to know a particular kid could handle it, he'd pick up bidness pretty quick. All it'd take is a clean appearance, some energy and a sign that read "Boat Caddie, I work for tips".

Try watchin this-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v-6S5lzEps

Originally Posted by Jeepster04

Bear I always back the boat down just far enough for the back of the boat to float. Then I roll back another foot or so. It really all depends on the angle of the ramp. Otherwise, I see alot of people who will tie a long rope on the front boat hook and then tie the other end to the vehicle. Back the boat down till it launches itself. Then pull the vehicle up a little and get out and untie from the truck and pull boat to you. Hope this helps some.

DITTO"""""

Originally Posted by trashtrout

I have a polarcraft 18 ft and I have to leave it running in gear till I get it hooked to trailer.Dont know why but it wont stay on trailer otherwise.

I have an 18' polarkraft as well. You are too deep with your trailer.