trailer boating

[Alan Peck]

I was reading a boating magazine at the library and they had an article on the best way to recover a boat at the launching ramp.

The article said that the best way to get the boat on the trailer is to power the boat up on the trailer using the boat engine.

I always thought this was less than a good idea for several reasons such as the picking up sand in the water intake, the chance of hitting the prop on the bottom, general stress on the boat and engine and potential loss of control.

I always thought it best to back the trailer in so that the rear bunks were only partially submerged and to carefully winch the boat on the trailer.

Just curious as to what others think about the proper technique.

Like most of the magazines on the marker (other than Wooden Boat of course) the magazine in question seems mainly interested in horsepower and speed.

[Ken Hutchins]

I agree with you Alan.

[Phil Young]

Powering on also erodes whatever is at the end of the sealed ramp, eventually creates some big holes for people to drop into, either walking around getting boats on and off, or backing a trailer too far. Dangerous, lazy, selfish, stupid practice I'd say.

[Figment]

Recently, I've seen this taken a step farther....

Instead of just nudging to the trailer and then powering up, I've seen a few folks head for the trailer with a good clip of speed, using their inertia to get them up the bunks.

[doorstop]

Depends on the boat, the crew, the ramp and the sea conditions. At our local ramp I always drive on as it significantly reduces risk to myself and my crew, it reduces time taken on a small but busy ramp and it reduces the chance of damage to my boat. However, to watch those who don't have the right trailer or skill level at the same ramp I can agree heartily with Alan. I might add that my powers on at just very slightly above idle....

[huisjen]

I think it might be pretty fun to watch a rubbermade skipper with a high power to brains ratio go full throttle from 100 yards out and interchange his stem and trailer winch post. Why are you all saying this might be a bad idea?

;)

Dan