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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    26

    Default Need some loading advice

    Hey All,

    Been lurking for a while, wanting some advice on loading my boat smoothly. I've been doing it for about a year now and am comfortable with most tasks now, but i'm still not as smooth as i'd like to be loading the boat onto the trailer.

    I do the engage-disengage the tranny thing and keep it in a straight line leading into the trailer, but as soon as it hits the rails it gets kicked a little sideways on the trailer. It will right itself if i just let it sit for a couple of seconds and then I go ahead and finish, but it's still a little embarrassing at the dock when this happens.


    Thanks...
    2005 XLV Gravity Games Edition

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    North End Lake Lanier GA
    Posts
    8,155

    Default

    I know you're stress, my bro Steve trailers my boat more then me. What I find works best is kneeling in the center and watching the Ford emblem on my tailgate. You want the boat going as slow as possible. The reason your bouncing side ways is the V on the nose clears your guide poles but then the width of the boat his them. This is due to the way you aim. Try my idea see if it helps.
    Malo <--- Means--Evil or Mean One. This explains a lot.
    2013 Mojo 2.5 Skylon Tower. Bestia < Beast >
    [COLOR="#696969"]

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    26

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mmandley View Post
    I know you're stress, my bro Steve trailers my boat more then me. What I find works best is kneeling in the center and watching the Ford emblem on my tailgate. You want the boat going as slow as possible. The reason your bouncing side ways is the V on the nose clears your guide poles but then the width of the boat his them. This is due to the way you aim. Try my idea see if it helps.
    It's a fine line I guess, cuz i've tried going slower and that causes me to start getting sideways too.lol
    2005 XLV Gravity Games Edition

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    I try to approach a little from the left, meaning fore of the boat is nearly centered and aft is a little to the port side. Then, when I hit reverse it pulls the aft to center. If you time it right you can drive right on.
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    26

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by kaneboats View Post
    I try to approach a little from the left, meaning fore of the boat is nearly centered and aft is a little to the port side. Then, when I hit reverse it pulls the aft to center. If you time it right you can drive right on.
    You hit reverse when your approaching the rails? Never tried that...
    2005 XLV Gravity Games Edition

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Eugene OR
    Posts
    1,786

    Default

    First do not worry about everyone else. Second if you get out of the ramp in a timely manner and without a screaming match with your other half you are doing a great job.

    You are going to have a little bounce because the trailer is going to want to line up the boat. The best thing to do is when launching pick a spot on the trailer that you are lined up with. For me it is my spare tire. This is the mark i aim for every time when recovering the boat. Depending on wind and current I will change this and in high wind and current as long as i get the nose between the two guide poles I am happy.

    I am not a big fan of using reverse since it kicks your back end out if the timing is not correct but that is a personal choice. Find what works best for you.
    2008 Outback V - Sold but never forgotten.
    “Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." -Napoleon Hill

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Clermont, Fl
    Posts
    586

    Default

    get a Boat Buddy.

    If your off line at first, the roller pads will align you properly, then give it some throttle and you will be locked onto the trailer.

    I back the truck down the ramp, my wife drives the boat onto the trailer. I never have to get out of the truck to see what's going on.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Uniontown, oh
    Posts
    263

    Default

    what i do is come in slow, get her straight and the pull in neutral and coast in. give her a little tap to get the nose on the roller, hook up and crank the rest of the 6 inches or so it needs. a boat buddy is on my list though.
    Nick

    2012 moomba mojo 2.5
    2005 Moomba outback-sold

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    26

    Default

    Some great advice..thanks all. This might be the best of them all..lol

    "First do not worry about everyone else. Second if you get out of the ramp in a timely manner and without a screaming match with your other half you are doing a great job. "- courtesy of jester..
    2005 XLV Gravity Games Edition

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    718

    Default

    I simply use the winch to get it on. Powering on wrecks the gravel ramp. It takes a couple of experiments to find the correct amount to back in, but after that it works like a charm.
    2005 XLV, upgraded ballast, Comptech swivel wakeboard and hydrofoil racks, Monster cargo bimini

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