I am new to the idea of boating. Sort of. Years ago I was learning with a new to me boat. Now I am thinking about getting another boat to enjoy retirement. I have never seen someone launch a boat like that before. It looked like a very smart way to solo launch with the rope on the front of the trailer. Having talons a big help. Thank you.
Great video. You offer lots of good advice. As you state, prepare as much as you can before you get to the ramp, and then be calm and take your time on the ramp. I offer two comments: 1) I would never do the rope trick that you do as you launch. I'm never launching my boat into the water without having the rope in hand - too many things can go wrong, and your only recovery is to swim after your boat. Instead, once the boat is wetted and ready to go off the trailer, I will throw the dock line to the dock and tie it off. Often, that involves getting your feet wet to climb in the boat, but that's life. Better yet, ask someone else on the dock to hold the dock line as you back in. You can then offer to help them as they launch or load. 2) I'm also not a fan of power loading - even if it is allowed. Most people can't do that technique well and end up creating a huge hole at the end of the ramp which creates problems for everyone forever until the ramp is repaired. There is no reason to power load. Back your trailer in further and hand crank your boat up. Yes, again, your feet may get wet.
Thanks for your input Dan. The rope trick works for me and has never failed. I’m glad your system works for you. I agree with your comment on power loading if it isn’t an official ramp that’s concrete. Every situation calls for some common sense but that’s a point I didn’t cover and appreciate the addition.
When I load my boat I always back my trailer completely covering the bunks so they get wet, then I pull forward a bit. This makes it easier for the boat to side on the trailer also it helps the carpet on the bunks to last longer.
Very good point. I do the same. You just have to watch doing this in the colder weather as they can freeze to your boat. Makes it nearly impossible to launch it again if it doesn’t get warm.
Exactly right. Plus, I back the trailer in until just about 2/3 of the bunks are submerged. The bunks can still do their job, and you aren't needing to powerload as vigorously.
FWIW, laying out a rope on the deck so it will run free without tangling is called "flaking”. The way you're doing it, laying the rope in a loose coil, introduces a half-twist with every loop.
Nice Job. I tie the bow line to the rear of the trailer. When loading your boat, I suspect if you backed your trailer far enough into the water to wet the bunk boards completely, then pull up some, your boat would drive all the way up to the winch. GOD, Guns & Gumbo
Great video. You forgot to mention that you need to make sure it is a calm day with no wind. I have yet to see a video of this process where it was not. Please take this in the way it was intended which is poking fun and no criticism was intended.
Great comment! On ramps there there is no in and out I always launch on the down wind side of the dock which ensures you're boat blows away from and not into the dock which can have bolts and such that can damage your paint. I love the shallow water anchors but I've seen boats move with these in a strong wind. Otherwise... look for a more sheltered launch!
The boat definitely has one! And absolutely it should be pulled. In many provinces/states it’s legally mandatory. At the time I shot this video it wasn’t in our area. That has since changed (for the better). So yes please do pull the plug… just remember to plug it back in as #1 in the launching process. Thanks for your comment!
I don't actually use a transom saver. The dealership that I get the boat through has suggested against it. The shock of being connected to the trailer is the reason given. TH Marine offering some really great gear for this purpose should you like to support it further.
I've never seen a launch like this here in Canada. It's not a bad regulation to protect shoreline. In this case... backing the trailer down further would help this process but I would imagine you're going to get a little wet at times. What state are you in? Is backing in further what you do too?
Never ever under any circumstances ever, unhook that boat until it’s the in the water. Roller or bunk trailer it doesn’t matter. Take it from a guy that dropped a boat on the ramp when he was a kid
Rollers or bunks do not unhook the safety chain on the bow of boat until the trailer and boat are in the water. For recovery reconnect the safety chain before driving up the ramp.
Vincent… I appreciate your comment. Without sponsors and fine supporting companies there would be no videos. I’m not afraid to promote them as a result. Thanks again.
@@darinsassen617 that’s fair. If you’ve been launching for 30 years then you’re not exactly the target audience here. Everyone does things different. I can launch my rig this way faster than most can do it with someone so I’ve just found it works for me.
Ya and he should be fined for that always remove drain plug so that your boat can drain and dry so you do your part to stop the spread of invasive species and plants
After having my Talons not hold at the dock. I tie off even with them deployed. Made for a nice swim on a summer day in my clothes. Thankfully I had my life jacket on so was safe since no one else was around to help.
@@machew2009 it is in fact law in our area to do this as of last year. I note this in the video description. However, up to this point… I would always pull the plug if it rained otherwise there was never water in the boat to be drained… thus the habit. Appreciate your input
DNR loves writing you up for not pulling your plug. Big no-no. Also, i believe turning your Humminbirds on without the transducers in the water is bad for them per the manual. Power loading is awful and ruins launches.
Thanks for your comments. I clearly write in the body that exact thing. Turning your birds on prior to being in the water will not damage them. They’ve assured me of this. I wouldn’t leave them on for long periods of travel time. But that’s a personal choice.
I am new to the idea of boating. Sort of. Years ago I was learning with a new to me boat. Now I am thinking about getting another boat to enjoy retirement. I have never seen someone launch a boat like that before. It looked like a very smart way to solo launch with the rope on the front of the trailer. Having talons a big help. Thank you.
Great video. You offer lots of good advice. As you state, prepare as much as you can before you get to the ramp, and then be calm and take your time on the ramp.
I offer two comments:
1) I would never do the rope trick that you do as you launch. I'm never launching my boat into the water without having the rope in hand - too many things can go wrong, and your only recovery is to swim after your boat. Instead, once the boat is wetted and ready to go off the trailer, I will throw the dock line to the dock and tie it off. Often, that involves getting your feet wet to climb in the boat, but that's life. Better yet, ask someone else on the dock to hold the dock line as you back in. You can then offer to help them as they launch or load.
2) I'm also not a fan of power loading - even if it is allowed. Most people can't do that technique well and end up creating a huge hole at the end of the ramp which creates problems for everyone forever until the ramp is repaired. There is no reason to power load. Back your trailer in further and hand crank your boat up. Yes, again, your feet may get wet.
Thanks for your input Dan. The rope trick works for me and has never failed. I’m glad your system works for you.
I agree with your comment on power loading if it isn’t an official ramp that’s concrete. Every situation calls for some common sense but that’s a point I didn’t cover and appreciate the addition.
Great video Chris! My wife and i had such a great pleasure meeting you at the spring fishing show, thank you and we will be in touch.
-Ash
The pleasure was all mine Ash!! Looking forward to it next meeting.
When I load my boat I always back my trailer completely covering the bunks so they get wet, then I pull forward a bit. This makes it easier for the boat to side on the trailer also it helps the carpet on the bunks to last longer.
Very good point. I do the same. You just have to watch doing this in the colder weather as they can freeze to your boat. Makes it nearly impossible to launch it again if it doesn’t get warm.
Exactly right. Plus, I back the trailer in until just about 2/3 of the bunks are submerged. The bunks can still do their job, and you aren't needing to powerload as vigorously.
Awesome. Thank you!
Great video man! Every new boat owner should watch this.
Glad you liked it!
Good info, all around, thanks.
Good video. Thank you
FWIW, laying out a rope on the deck so it will run free without tangling is called "flaking”.
The way you're doing it, laying the rope in a loose coil, introduces a half-twist with every loop.
Great tutorial
Great Video Bro!!! You're a natural
Nice Job. I tie the bow line to the rear of the trailer. When loading your boat, I suspect if you backed your trailer far enough into the water to wet the bunk boards completely, then pull up some, your boat would drive all the way up to the winch. GOD, Guns & Gumbo
Great video thank you
Great video. You forgot to mention that you need to make sure it is a calm day with no wind. I have yet to see a video of this process where it was not. Please take this in the way it was intended which is poking fun and no criticism was intended.
Great comment! On ramps there there is no in and out I always launch on the down wind side of the dock which ensures you're boat blows away from and not into the dock which can have bolts and such that can damage your paint. I love the shallow water anchors but I've seen boats move with these in a strong wind. Otherwise... look for a more sheltered launch!
Very informative…thanks
One small tip I learned years ago was unplug the lights on the trailer too that helps a lot with not blowing lights out. Thanks for the video!
That is why most everyone has changed the lights to LEDs
Completely unnecessary on any modern trailer with LED lights.
Thanks great job 🍻
I wish we had some nice boat ramps like that.
What an amazing setup! You still running the F150 too?
Periodically. It's our Rapala truck with the company. Love the truck!
how did he trim the motor with out the master power on
I didn't see him plug or unplug the drain plug was it necessary or does that particular boat not have one
The boat definitely has one! And absolutely it should be pulled. In many provinces/states it’s legally mandatory. At the time I shot this video it wasn’t in our area. That has since changed (for the better). So yes please do pull the plug… just remember to plug it back in as #1 in the launching process. Thanks for your comment!
I ALWAYS put a wheel chalk when I’m out of my trk. Pull closer to the dock so you can unload and load
Like the bench idea
What transom saver do you use?
I don't actually use a transom saver. The dealership that I get the boat through has suggested against it. The shock of being connected to the trailer is the reason given. TH Marine offering some really great gear for this purpose should you like to support it further.
I wait till I’m in water before unhooking. Some ramps are steeper and may cause it to slide off prematurely
Always Check The Trailer Axles For Over Heating During The Walk Around.
Great tip!
For me the second best thing for me is getting back to boat ramp and loaded back up with no issues.
All of our launches say no power loading.
FYI, they are called "Lines" not "Ropes".
@@3onthebeach 😉 duly noted
What speeds are you seeing with your setup rigged with the 150?
With the 150 you can expect between 45-48mph fully loaded. Thanks for your question.
At launches in my state "Power Loading" is illegal.
I've never seen a launch like this here in Canada. It's not a bad regulation to protect shoreline. In this case... backing the trailer down further would help this process but I would imagine you're going to get a little wet at times.
What state are you in? Is backing in further what you do too?
I do pretty much same thing but I take boat to other side to dock as not to block
Never ever under any circumstances ever, unhook that boat until it’s the in the water. Roller or bunk trailer it doesn’t matter. Take it from a guy that dropped a boat on the ramp when he was a kid
Thanks for your suggestion Andrew.
When I launch my vessel, I unhook the lines back up at 25mph and jam on the breaks, very effective 😂😂
😂 PLEASE do a video of this...lol.
Lake Scugog ?
Yes sir
Rollers or bunks do not unhook the safety chain on the bow of boat until the trailer and boat are in the water. For recovery reconnect the safety chain before driving up the ramp.
Power loading is a No-No where I come from
We power load everything where I come from.
Product placement is definitely key lol 😂
Vincent… I appreciate your comment. Without sponsors and fine supporting companies there would be no videos. I’m not afraid to promote them as a result. Thanks again.
Why not just do the opposite of your "power loading"? i.e., climb up to the boat, put the engine in reverse and back out of the trailer.
seems way too time consuming to me. After launching for 30yrs, I just power off and power on. Never had a problem doing that.
@@darinsassen617 that’s fair. If you’ve been launching for 30 years then you’re not exactly the target audience here. Everyone does things different. I can launch my rig this way faster than most can do it with someone so I’ve just found it works for me.
Yeah and power loading you're going to wash out the bottom of the ramp. Dick move
You forgot to check your drain plug.
He mentioned that he never removes his drain plug.
Ya and he should be fined for that always remove drain plug so that your boat can drain and dry so you do your part to stop the spread of invasive species and plants
After having my Talons not hold at the dock. I tie off even with them deployed. Made for a nice swim on a summer day in my clothes. Thankfully I had my life jacket on so was safe since no one else was around to help.
@@PhilClark1976 great suggestion! I’ve not had this happen as yet but this would avoid any possible issue.
@@machew2009 it is in fact law in our area to do this as of last year. I note this in the video description. However, up to this point… I would always pull the plug if it rained otherwise there was never water in the boat to be drained… thus the habit. Appreciate your input
DNR loves writing you up for not pulling your plug. Big no-no. Also, i believe turning your Humminbirds on without the transducers in the water is bad for them per the manual. Power loading is awful and ruins launches.
Thanks for your comments. I clearly write in the body that exact thing. Turning your birds on prior to being in the water will not damage them. They’ve assured me of this. I wouldn’t leave them on for long periods of travel time. But that’s a personal choice.