Any tips on launching and loading alone?

[Springmillvol]

Finally got my first rig on Friday after fishing back seat for many years. My buddy and I are quick at the ramp. However, he is in Fl and I will on a lot of occasions be alone or with in experienced operators and don't want to tie up the ramp anymore than I have to. Sunday there were so many boats trying to get out, I had to dock way down near the gas pump. Needless to say it took a minute to get to the truck and back. I probably should have wedged in at the little dock at the ramp? Whew, a lot of boats in and out at HBSP!

 

[Dropshot]

Biggest tip is safety.

 

[Hooker]

You'll learn

 

[spuds704]

It takes practice, have everything ready before you get on the ramp. I have my tie off rope tied to a cleat and coiled on the deck, the straps off the transom and the transom saver removed. I pull a couple of feet of slack in the winch strap and make sure you put the winch back in gear. Keep to one side of the ramp to allow others to launch, it's amazing how many people will take up the entire ramp. You'll never do it as fast as two people, but you'll get faster the more you do it. It just takes a little longer solo.

 

[jonathanr]

I made an investment in a 100 ft. dock line/bull rope for when I am by myself. I have attached a large s-spring hook on one end and make a loop on the other end. I take the tow strap off an attach the dock line before unloading the boat and then loop the other end over my side mirror and leave the slack portion laying in the bed of the truck so it can feed the boat as it floats off the trailer. Once it is floating off the trailer, i simply open my truck door and remove the looped end from my side mirror and then pull the boat back to where I want to either beach it or tie it off to a dock. Has made unloading by myself a lot less work and keeps my feet dry.

 

[jbh3]

Make sure the drain plug is in. As mentioned above, prep for launch BEFORE approaching the ramp. My method is to attach ~6' piece of line to the trolling motor. Loosen (but do not unhook) the bow strap and back the boat down until it just breaks contact with the bunks. Climb on the trailer tongue, unhook the strap, get in the boat and back it off the trailer. Use the trolling motor to maneuver to the dock and tie up with that rope mentioned earlier. Be careful out there.

 

[Springmillvol]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It's a high pressure area there at the ramp LOL.

 

[Lx545]

I would also add you dictate your pace. Dont let a jerk rush you into being unsafe. Also if I know I am going solo I try to choose the least pressured ramp as a courtesy although sometimes thats not possible.

 

[churly]

I launch alone a lot and here is my typical order of operations;

(At Harrison Bay State park) Pull off in empty parking places before you get to marina on right. Unhitch everything except the bow hook, put lights in and get tie rope ready. Get in line and back down the ramp. On my trailer as soon as I see the transom lift a little bit, I stop, put in park, engage brake. I have step side so its easy for me to move from the door to the tongue of the trailer. Unclip bow hook and give the boat a shove as I step up on the nose. Power up and use the little dock unless there is absolutely nowhere, second option, the gas dock. Take your time, watch other boaters, and be safe. If anyone gives you a hard time, just grin and remind them its a public launch and we all have the same right to use of it.

 

[SpurHunter]

Because I like to board mine instead of letting it drift off the trailer on its own, I use a bow line to a cleat and then to my winch stand. I back in and free the boat and then pull up towing the boat right back to the ramp behind the trailer. AS mentioned, be courteous but not rushed, thats when mistakes will happen. (no plug, slipping off bow or trailer bunks into water, etc)

 

[HunterDuck25]

Saftey
Be aware of your surroundings
SMOOTH is FAST

 

[danrnsmyth]

Develop your routine, be efficient... but thorough and don't deviate .

 

[bluetickblues]

I like feed off about 10 inches of the strap and relatch. Of course have everything all set to launch. Back in until the boat floats up. Waterproof boots are a must for me unless its warm then crocs work well. Climb on the hitch unhook, push and board. It also helps to launch at less popular times if possible. Earlier, later, midweek if possible. Good luck and enjoy your new boat!

 

[DavidEC82]

There are several videos on YouTube. They show several different ways to do it. I picked up a few useful ideas.

 

[Mr. S]

All excellent pointers, BE SAFE!, have a routine, be patient, be courteous if you launch alone, best pointers short of investing in a Minn Kota Ulterra. emoSmile

 

[Pudge14]

First and foremost saftey is number one. Take your time dont worry what people think. Like previously stated its a public ramp. And if people do try to rush you then tell them they are more then welcome to help.they will do one of two things they will calm down and wait or they will help you out. i know if someone needed help i would be more then happy to help them out. Just my two cents. And remember also headlights off in the mornings and at night.

 

[Springmillvol]

Thank you guys very much for the input. Going to give it a shot this evening.

 

[Aries 181]

Anyone try one of these? http://thmarine.com/z-launch-watercraft-launch-cord

Bill

 

[Springmillvol]

Gave it a shot at HBSP yesterday eve. Went really well. Launching was a breeze with the slack in the strap then pushing off the trailer and jumping on the front of the boat. Loading went pretty good but took 2 times as my trailer seems a little fickle about getting it on straight. Just takes practice. Thanks for the tips and to the gentleman who loaded his beside me for his help. Even managed to catch a couple in the hr I fished.

 

[SpurHunter]

Most people not familiar with their exact trailer and boat put the trailer in too deep when loading. Leaving it further out of the water allows the boat the "track" onto the trailer bunks a little bit better. You might try this to see if that helps you load better. Your exact trailer COULD have insufficient guidance, and need some help there. Talk to Billy at TN Trailers about getting some simple modifications to your trailer if you continue to have the issue.