Trailer launching in cold water

[drtmnky]

How do you guys deal with launching your boat in cold weather and or water? Hip waders? Just get wet?
I am considering attaching walk ramps to the trailer to deal with this issue.

Rob

 

[Sundancer]

How do you guys deal with launching your boat in cold weather and or water? Hip waders? Just get wet?
I am considering attaching walk ramps to the trailer to deal with this issue.

Rob

Launching is a piece of cake! It's the retrieval that kills me! I put on my shorts and crocs and wade right in! If it's REALLY cold, I'll wade out and stand in the water until I can't take it anymore and then I'll step up on the trailer while cranking the boat on. If you are towing with a pickup, drop the tailgate and walk out on that. I can step from the rear door up into the bed. It's not easy, but I can do it.

I've waded in when the water temp is in the high 40's and it doesn't take long to lose all feelings below the knees! Come on up to Lake Pend Oreille in March and I'll show you how it's done! :grin:

Oh yeah, and there WILL be shrinkage!! :smt043

 

[Quint4]

I go from tailgate to trailer to bow of boat...never touch the water.

 

[drtmnky]

you guys are good for a laugh :lol:

I do the same thing when launching, but the only place I can reach the bow hook and the wench crank is from the cold water.

There has got to be better way. Electric wench is one way. Time to hit the drawing boards and brain storm.

Rob

 

[CKL]

I am able to walk on the trailer tongue from my Yukon to the boat and clmb up the winch post and over the bow (and vice versa) and never get wet.

Have considered having steps added to the front of the winch post to make it easier. Will probably do that some day

 

[Lazy Daze]

I step up on the rear wheel of the Suburban, then slide around and onto the bumper, then tightrope across the trailer tongue.

Too bad they don't make this for larger boats...

http://www.ropeaboat.com/

 

[FYN409]

I have always considered the cold water retrievals part of trailer boating. I don't spend much time in the water to retrieve, so it has not been a big deal to me. I have had my dad give me a hand a time or two and I laugh because he is one that wants to attempt to get the bow hook on the boat and not get wet. He ended up with a very skinned up knee/shin one time because of this.

I just wade in and not worry about it......

-Ryan

 

[Sundancer]

you guys are good for a laugh :lol:


There has got to be better way. Electric wench is one way. Time to hit the drawing boards and brain storm.

Rob

Electric Wench? Man, tell me more! I could use a good one around the house!! I guess as long as she doesn't get wet while in the water...... :smt043

 

[Quint4]

Here is a video of my dry retrieval method, complete with winch. Launching is easier.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7TUqF8RHnI[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Gofirstclass]

Launching is a piece of cake. When putting my boat on the trailer I HAVE to get in the water. I use insulated chest waders and stay dry and warm.

Why are you cranking the boat up the bunks? Why not just back in further, then idle the boat right up to the bow stop. Then when you get in the water cranking it is not a big deal.

 

[rabyers1]

Quint4 - Looks like you really have your boat retreival down based on that video. But, are you concerned at all about sitting with yor face right behind that powerwinch while operating? I have heard horror stories about the damage done by the whip end of a broken winch cable under stress.

 

[Beer Thirty]

I'm like a cat! these boats are easy. Pontoons SUCK come mid to late november. I always keep a pair of waders or big rubber boots in the truck. I do it for a living. Well its my nights/weekend gig now so its become a way of life. Some times you've got to just man up an get wet. Docks and hoists suck mid to late fall FYI.

On a side note: Give us dock/hoist guys a break and don't call the week before the lake freezes lol.

 

[Quint4]

I am concerned about the cable. I keep ducked behind the winch when pulling it up. I have since added bunk glides and back the trailer in a little deeper, so the winching is easier. Also, we slip it now, so I only trailer it 3-4 times a Season.