Anyone have any experience with these? Getting tired of the boat sliding back off the roller on steep ramps then having to hand winch it back up.
Catch & Release Automatic Boat Latch by Drotto | Official Drotto Store
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Anyone have any experience with these? Getting tired of the boat sliding back off the roller on steep ramps then having to hand winch it back up.
Catch & Release Automatic Boat Latch by Drotto | Official Drotto Store
I recently installed a Ramp N Clamp (short arm manual) to replace my really old Boat Buddy, and I like it. I’m so use to one of these auto latches when loading the boat that I forget what it is like to not have one.
I've had one on my boat for a couple of years now. Works just fine. I bought mine with a keyed lock (no longer shown on website). Mine came with the white plastic plate already attached (now advertised as an extra piece for "some older models").
My boat is a 1999 model 16' ProCraft ProBass16
My Rez boat has a trailer that you can push the boat off with 2 fingers so loading means winching. I got to look into this. Thanks for posting.
Attachment 488860
Ramp N Clamp installed on my Skeeter SF-175
Thanks for the feedback. I went ahead an ordered one. Launching is easy enough but loading can be a chore at certain ramps. Thrust the boat up on the roller to bow eye then walking to bow to get out it moves back off. Then have to try to winch it up without getting feet wet or catching the rub rail. If it works like advertised it will be money well spent. Also went ahead and orders steps from another company. Been on my list for a couple of years now.
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You just power the boat up on the trailer until the bow eye connects with the Drotto jaws ... and it ain't going anywhere !! Just don't forget to trim the big motor up some, so you don't drag your skeg up the ramp. Get the boat up to the parking lot loading/unloading area, open the Drotto & hook up your winch strap and winch it tight for the ride home. The Drotto is not recommended to be used for holding your boat on the trailer when hauling it on the road. Also, if you have a big/thick hook on your winch strap, and especially if you also have a safety chain .... you'll want to make sure the Drotto is "open" when towing, otherwise the Drotto jaws and hook or hooks can jam up in the bow eye and make it hard to get them "un-jammed". Drotto tells you not to use it in place of the winch strap, as it might open (from a bump in the road), but I think they have to say that just to cover their butts. It's not real easy to open them jaws, and takes a quick/hard push on those bars to get it to open. (*note to self ... make sure the jaws are open before trying to put the boat on the trailer)
If you have a boat cover ... get a "pool noodle" and cut it to fit a few inches longer than the upright bar & put it on the bar when you cover the boat. That'll keep the bar from punching thru the cover when you cinch the cover down.
If you always fish with a buddy, you're gonna be spending half the time on the ramp that you used to ... and if you fish solo, those steps are gonna come in real handy at those times.
Luck2ya ... and stay safe !!
I've had the Drotto for several years and love it. I only unhook mine when taking the boat off the trailer, never had any trouble with it. I also use my regular safety traps as well
I know I’m a little late in responding but the drotto latch is my favorite piece of equipment I’ve got on my boat. It made loading and unloading solo a breeze. I did tie a piece of string to my latch handle so I can just pull it from inside the boat. I did have to slide my wench post up a few inches when I installed it so the boat sit further on the trailer other. I guess the only regret I have with it is not purchasing it sooner.
Wouldn't be without it.
I’m sure that this guy wishes that he had one.
https://www.reddit.com/r/boating/s/21viDLnvBv
That much alcohol will make you stupid !!!
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