Launching/Recovering Alone Hints?

[Murphjup]

Hey guys, I usually have the wife/friend with me to to at least hold the boat at the dock, when launching or recovering my 20' Proline Walk from my trailer. I will be having some free time next week and want to go it alone, I was just wondering what hints you may have for launching or recovering your boats alone?

Thank you in advance!

Edited June 17, 2010 by Murphjup

[capn mark]

Hey guys, I usually have the wife/friend with me to to at least hold the boat at the dock, when launching or recovering my 20' Proline Walk from my trailer. I will be having some free time next week and want to go it alone, I was just wondering what hints you may have for launching or recovering your boats alone?

Thank you in advance!

Tie your bow line to the light pole on your trailer. Slide the boat in the water and slowly pull the trailer forward until you can get the line and manage your vessel. Don't forget the plugs.....

If your trailer is not a drive on use two ropes, forward and aft to manage your vessel onto the trailer and winch it up.

Also if the ramp is very busy let others go first so as not to start a riot if you have problems loading and unloading solo the first few times.

Good Luck.....

[stevek185]

Call me. I live in Jupiter. I'll got with you.

J/K!

Anyway - I'm assuming that you are launching at Burt Reynolds Park, west side. I tie a line to my bow and a line to my stern. Make sure that you leave enough slack in both lines for the boat to slide off the trailer. Tie one line to the bow post and the other to the dock. Back down and give it a good jerk and it should slide off or mostly off the trailer. I try to get as close to the dock as possible with mine because it doesn't come off the trailer all that easily. Tie the lines to the dock and pull the trailer out. Snug up the lines and park the trailer. Not a lot of traffic there oduring the week so it shouldn't be a problem.

When recovering - tie up at the courtesy dock. Back trailer in to your normal depth - as close to the dock as you can. Get in boat and drive up on the trailer. I get very close to the dock so I can step from the gunnel to the dock. Winch her up, and you're good to go!

Edited June 17, 2010 by stevek185

[Murphjup]

Thanks Capn Mark and Steve...

Steve, I usually put in down at Juno Beach, I live in the farms, and for me it's easier to get to...

I also like to run a bit before I have to be in an idle zone...

Thanks for the advice guys!!

[stevek185]

Shhh!! That's my private ramp. Probably seen you there on the weekend. If you are going during the week, don't sweat it. It's like a ghost town there during the week because most of the hardcore fisherman don't want to run that far to the inlet. Me? I enjoy the ride too. What kind of boat do you have?