Bunk Trailer: Proper way to retrieve the boat?

[Striper In]

Some discussions at our ramp.

Most guys with bunk trailers are powering up on them, is this the proper way?

Or float them on and winch em in the remaining bit?

I personally winch mine but mine is smaller and lighter then most of there boats.

Thx

[HOTSPOT]

Power on as close to bow stop as possible, then winch her on up.

[autobaun70]

the secret here is practice, and knowing where your trailer needs to be. Granted there are variations caused by different ramp angles. I would not recommend forcing the boat onto the trailer using the engine, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a properly positioned trailer, and driving all the way to, or very close to the bow stop using light power. The key here is to not give it full throttle, thereby washing the sides & end of the ramp. By all means, please do not winch the boat from the rear of the trailer to the front, as this simply takes way more time than is necessary, thereby making those waiting in line to launch or retrieve irritated.

Edited July 24, 2009 by autobaun70

[A Few Dollars]

Power on as close to bow stop as possible, then winch her on up.

[Cuzwecud]

Some discussions at our ramp.

Most guys with bunk trailers are powering up on them, is this the proper way?

Or float them on and winch em in the remaining bit?

I personally winch mine but mine is smaller and lighter then most of there boats.

Thx

Power to the people!

[Capt Rick Hiott]

Rev it up and dump the clutch! Drive that thing on, get out and hook the winch on the boat, turn the handle a couple of times to tighten up the strap, and move out the way.....

Its what I do with my 21' bay boat

[welder]

Power up .

The most important thing is to know where your trailer needs to be in the water for a easy power Load ,AKA Drive on the trailer.

[Limbofish]

Rev it up and dump the clutch! Drive that thing on, get out and hook the winch on the boat, turn the handle a couple of times to tighten up the strap, and move out the way.....

Its what I do with my 21' bay boat

A safety note on tightening the strap:

Last Monday I helped my Brother get his boat on the trailer. Winched it up to the end stop, drove it up to level ground. He wanted to tweak the strap and while holding the winch handle with his right hand, he released the latch safety clip from the gear and then in a split second, WHAM. The frigging winch handle came flying around at high speed and whacked him like a sledge hammer on his right pinkie and finger next to it resulting in surgery, 3 pins (1 permanent) for 2 finger bone fractures. BE CAREFUL OF THOSE WINCHES BOYS.

Is this a lawsuit for a defective design or pilot error?

[captbud4222]

Once you figure out where your sweet spot in the water is with the trailer, take a piece of reflective tape and mark the upright post with it, using the bottom edge of the tape at the water's edge. Then in the future back to the tape and roll the boat on clip the winch cable and move out of the way,,, you're done.

[Drailey]

Rev it up and dump the clutch! Drive that thing on, get out and hook the winch on the boat, turn the handle a couple of times to tighten up the strap, and move out the way.....

Its what I do with my 21' bay boat

That's the way to go!