So Close! What to do?

[pathunter]

That's a great idea. I've been watching movies for entertainment lately. I guess sitting at a boat launch for a couple hours w/ a chilly one in hand would be as much fun and cost less.

Yes. You don't have to go to the races either. Just sitting at the launch and watching people run to the stern to insert the plug is fun in itself.

 

[Steph Boeker]

Yes. You don't have to go to the races either. Just sitting at the launch and watching people run to the stern to insert the plug is fun in itself.

I shouldn't laugh .... I know it'll happen to me soon lol Or maybe loose my anchor b'c I forgot to tie it off ? lol

 

[airshot]

That's a great idea. I've been watching movies for entertainment lately. I guess sitting at a boat launch for a couple hours w/ a chilly one in hand would be as much fun and cost less.

Spending a nice day observing the funnies at the boat ramp is very popular, especially in my area. On nice days, there are so many spectators it can be hard to launch !! When people do something really stupid, these folks will clap and laugh out loud....yep, been a few fights over stupidity. We often hang around for a while after loading just to watch the comedy !!!

 

[airshot]

It has always been first come first serve at the docks, but you had to be ready not waiting for the boat or trailer to show up, but alas those days are gone, last outing guy pulled his boat up on the concrete ramp got out went to get his truck/trailer, took 30 minutes to get boat loaded and then tried to wash it down right there on the dock. Local Police showed up and told him to get off the loading ramp, was causing a lot of grief for everyone else, soon after the game warden showed up too. Someone has a lot of pull, lol

I have done that when folks abuse the ramp rules. Usually there are enough complaints that the officials have no problem seeing the problem !!

 

[airshot]

I shouldn't laugh .... I know it'll happen to me soon lol Or maybe loose my anchor b'c I forgot to tie it off ? lol

We all have done dumb things, you need to be able to laugh at yourself and consider it a lesson learned !! Unfortunately americas newest motto doesn't always allow that, because today..." It is always someone elses fault" ...

 

[LDUBS]

We all have done dumb things, you need to be able to laugh at yourself and consider it a lesson learned !! Unfortunately americas newest motto doesn't always allow that, because today..." It is always someone elses fault" ...

When I tried to get up on plane with the bow mounted trolling motor still deployed it had to be someone else's fault. I just couldn't find anyone to blame it on. Haha.

 

[Frank Landers]

It looks like your boat hangs off the back bunks several inches, so you could gain a little by moving everything forward on the trailer. Might make it more tongue heavy but not much.

 

[airshot]

It looks like your boat hangs off the back bunks several inches, so you could gain a little by moving everything forward on the trailer. Might make it more tongue heavy but not much.

Tongue heavy will not hurt anything, but tongue to light can get ugly !!

 

[LDUBS]

Tongue heavy will not hurt anything, but tongue to light can get ugly !!

I tend to agree with this light boat it is not likely to impact payload. Otherwise, a too heavy tongue weight could cause control problems. Still, rather be too heavy than too light to avoid that ugliness you mention.

 

[airshot]

I tend to agree with this light boat it is not likely to impact payload. Otherwise, a too heavy tongue weight could cause control problems. Still, rather be too heavy than too light to avoid that ugliness you mention.

Heavy would need to be extreme, have pulled trailers since I was 14, now 73....many were 30% and more on tongue weight with no issues...However...if tongue weight actually overpowers rear suspension of tow vehicle, then yes...you will have a problem !!

 

[drxfish]

I finished my upgrades and am posting pics. I took the boat out yesterday and I was able to launch and trailer much easier. I did still have to get wet up to my knees, but that was due to shallow launch that required me to back up into the water further. I also trimmed the motor up one notch, which I think helped with the spray in the back. Boat gets on plane quick and is super stable. Thanks to all who replied and gave suggestions!

 

[LaqueRatt]

What made you decide to go with side bunks instead of guide posts? I need to do one or the other and am leaning towards the guide posts due to being able to see them above the water. I like how yours turned out though.

 

[airshot]

Simply add a piece of pvc pipe to the upright supporting the bunk board, you will have the best of both worlds, that is what I did on mine...

 

[airshot]

Looks good, got to be easier to load....but still need to stop going into the water. I added a 12" extension to my hitch reciever which allows the trailer to go back further without wading...Harbor Freight...less than 20 bucks with a 5000lb rating...

 

[drxfish]

I had the CE Smith lighted guide posts for my jon. I loved those because it was easy to see boat night or day. This needed something more to ensure the boat goes on straight the first time. I also am not planning on taking road trips as I am selling it.

I just listed it on CL. I hope to use it a few more times, but river is getting too low for worry free outings unless we get some more rain. Might take it to a local reservoir it was designed to fish tournaments for. Holding out to get my price.

 

[LDUBS]

Heavy would need to be extreme, have pulled trailers since I was 14, now 73....many were 30% and more on tongue weight with no issues...However...if tongue weight actually overpowers rear suspension of tow vehicle, then yes...you will have a problem !!

You got two years on me!

 

[Steph Boeker]

Love what you've done w/it. Good job !! Very inspiring for me and my boat restoration !!! Thanks for your generous consideration in sharing,
sincerely ..................
God bless.

 

[AlanT]

What made you decide to go with side bunks instead of guide posts? I need to do one or the other and am leaning towards the guide posts due to being able to see them above the water. I like how yours turned out though.

I have both on my trailer and here is my experience. I installed the posts years ago and run my trailer lights through them. It definitely helps to see the trailer when backing to a launch. However, when at a ramp with strong winds or currents, I found the boat would "pivot" around the posts before I was able to get the front close to the winch post and would still be difficult to align the boat on the trailer. If I could have install the guide posts further forward I think it may have solved this problem, but I couldn't on my trailer. When I installed the side bunks it was much easier to align a flat bottom boat on a trailer. The best of both worlds per the comment from airshot.

 

[airshot]

You got two years on me!

Your just a youngin...lol...

 

[airshot]

I have both on my trailer and here is my experience. I installed the posts years ago and run my trailer lights through them. It definitely helps to see the trailer when backing to a launch. However, when at a ramp with strong winds or currents, I found the boat would "pivot" around the posts before I was able to get the front close to the winch post and would still be difficult to align the boat on the trailer. If I could have install the guide posts further forward I think it may have solved this problem, but I couldn't on my trailer. When I installed the side bunks it was much easier to align a flat bottom boat on a trailer. The best of both worlds per the comment from airshot.

I added a self centering keel roller forward of the side bunks, this has helped to keep boat centered as it moves toward the winch. In my experience the farther back the side bunks the better, but a centering roller or two are needed to keep the boat straight as it goes forward...