Quote Originally Posted by rebranger View Post
Until you get your steps, try what I do, LET YOUR TAILGATE DOWN. Step off boat on to tailgate, sit down, u got it then!
Sorry about the fall....I know that hurt....I have a big boat (Triton 19' fish & ski).....I am 79 and I launch by myself all the time that's fairly easy to me.....similar to rebranger...when loading on the trailer, first thing I do is lower the tail gate down and back the trailer in, then go get the boat and drive the boat forward till the eye is touching the roller...make sure the trolling motor is unplugged (yes, I didn't do that ONE time), then I lay down on the deck (stomach down) , lean over and place the hook in the eye and crank it up...then I step off on the lowered tailgate then to the ground and pull the boat out.....this way, I do not have to stand on the tongue to hook it up.....that is very difficult....make sure you have something non-slick on the boat and tailgate where you are stepping....

When launching, I tie (or hook a loop to a cleat near the front of the boat) a 25' rope to the boat and curl it up on the boat deck....tie or loop the other end to the trailer near the winch...I back in till the boat starts to float then hit the brakes to float it off....pull the truck up enough that you can get to the rope without stepping in the water....secure the truck and go get the rope off the trailer then pull the boat over to the dock or bank as the case may be....easy....I would rather do this than have someone help me....and I do get a lot of offers....must be the grey hair...LOL

All those suggestions on the fabricated steps sound good....