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most of my fishing is done on electric only lakes. power loading boat is not an option. i nose the boat into the bunks using trolling motor, then climb out and walk on frame of trailer to get to winch. well old age, and slick frame rails isn't a good combo. i'm looking for a pre made cat walk to make it easier. yes i could fab something, but prefer it to be powder coated or aluminum to match trailer. anyone know a source i can purchase something
I saw those. They are designed to go on tongue of trailer, I need something longer to go from winch post back to first cross member
Could you not buy 2 of them and run along your outside trailer rail on top? Just a thought. It would give you more walking width!
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Got a pic of your trailer?
Yes I could put a couple on rail but prefer something closer to center. Right now I step out on bunk.
I will try to get a picture. I will probably make something and paint it
Interested in seeing what you fab up.
Me too. It approximately 4 foot between cross braces
A wireless remote control for the winch would be neat, insert the hook on the boat, go to the back of the boat, and "Ride the slide".
Step out at the front of the trailer. You could bolt a step on your trailer up front where you need one, if you like.
Don't forget to tip your hat to the onlookers standing around with their mouths open.
"Mr. Smooth".
Sure would, but out of my price range
I have a 2x8 with carpet down the middle all the way to the back cross member, love it but in cold weather it will get icy don't ask how I know.
Remote controller atv winches can be had pretty cheap.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bassing_53
Hey, the bolt on step for the front of the trailer is priceless. Adjust to anywhere you like, and a grippy rubber mat on it that don't slip.
One day I will move up to the ladder step thingy for the front of the trailer. As age marches on, resistance is futile.
Till then, I wear some grippy soled shoes when out on the boat, I hear what He is saying about "Walking the rail".
What you DON'T want is what I call "Doing the Dick Van Dyke"!
(:O
I will have the steps on my next setup
The 2x8 is more what I'm looking for. When I nose into bunks, I'm still several feet from winch. The 24 inch platform mentioned isn't anywhere close to long enough.
Just and idea - would a lower dropped hitch help your situation?
If your trailer rear end is way down in the water at the launch, a lower hitch would raise the rear some, and drop the front some.
Just an idea...
I got steps on the front of my trailer,,,I gave up trying to climb up on the sides and falling,,,,it hurts to land on the concrete when your over 60 and round 300 lbs,,,lol,,,,if I have to work on the side of boat for any reason, I use my little giant ladder my wife bought me for Christmas last year,,,,,I love that thing
Tried that, but most of these ramps are very steep
Oh well. Around here, the ramp angles vary greatly. Where I mostly launch, it drops off quickly, and if you don't have poles on the end of the trailer, the back of the boat moves around a good bit before you can pull out. I installed uprights on my trailer just for that. Another ramp I go to I have to back down till the truck tires are at the water to be able to launch. Many folks power launch there and blow out craters at the end of the ramp where pontoon trailers often back off into the holes. Ugh...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bassing_53
Same here. My trailercame with the guides on the back corners. If I back in far enough to get the boat farther forward on trailer, the boat drifts over the bunks and then I have to push it back off. I have tried everything, I don't want to ad more guide post. I will build a walk way and paint it.
Those blown out holes are nastyQuote:
Originally Posted by TheGrandPoohBah
Attachment 415431this is the area I am taking about. Would be the other side of trailer, but it's the same. Didn't measure but guessing 4 foot long. I found a fold up atv ramp in rafters of garage, might try to make something out of it.
Might be on to something with the rampsQuote:
Originally Posted by Bassing_53
"Necessity was the Mother of invention". Best wishes on your project.
Would 2 steps mounted side to side and then step on spare tire work?
It will work until that one time your wet shoe sends you upside down on the ramp. That’s from experience.
Exactly what I'm trying to prevent
here is what I came up with. just wanted to update the post. I had to cut the ramp, and shim one corner because of the v in center cross rail. For the records, that is a pepsi in the picture. Hadn't got to the good stuff yet. Attachment 421685
I had a boat that I launched in very shallow flat water, got a treated 2x8 the length of the trailer and put boat carpet on it, it was excellent, a buddy did not want carpet, got the board put on a thick coat of paint and sprinkled sugar in the wet paint, when dry washed the sugar off left a non slip non abrasive surface. cheap easy either way, but I like the carpet.
I was afraid of wood because it would get slick. Never thought about carpet
The seal adhesive backed skate board grip tape. Sand paper with glue on the back
They make anti-slip tape different lengths and widths what would work. Basically same as skateboard tape as DSJ mentioned. Usually see it on steps or ramps. U-line sells it as well as other places. Think I bought some last at Walmart. Lowes or Home Depot sell some too.
I have some. Hopefully my aluminum walkway will be ok.
I guess I never really thought of boat loading as a "Full Contact Sport".
Couple of years ago I launched the boat, and handed the rope to the wife standing on the pier and said "Hold this while I park the truck and trailer". Walked up to the truck, got in, looked in the side mirror as the wife went head first into the river. Got out of the truck, walked back there, and "Reeled Her in", as she still had hold to the rope. Never figured out just what happened. She don't control the boat rope no mo.
If memory serves me right, it went something like "I thought the boat was going to touch the pier, so I remember reaching down, but I don't know what happened after that...".
It can be tricky. I used to do the rope to the trailer trick until the rope broke. I don't swim as good as I used to. Now the winch strap stays attached until I'm ready to shove off, I jump in and drive to dock
Not to hi jack, But it's good to develop your own routine for launching or retrieving your boat, improve on it until it is safe, efficient, timely, and works well for YOU.
Stick to it, repeat, and refuse to become distracted when going about the business at hand. (Crowded area, loud people, questions, etc.)
Stick with what works for you, and let's all do all we can to NOT GET HURT.
Lowes sells rolls of 2” wide traction strip, self adhered. If you got an aluminum channel and bolted it on then cleaned and applied this tape it would have very good traction for a fraction of storebought price. Just a thought.