[FSUDrew99]

Anyone have any tricks to launching their skiffs on a steeper ramp. Example I want to take slack off the winch and unlatch the clip to the bow but if too steep as soon as I start loosening the winch line it will want to just wind down until it hits the water and loosens up the tension.

Sometimes I just let it and walk down the trailer and release it or I'll try and pull back on the boat to get the winch line loose to unclip the boat.

Simple and not that big of a deal just pitching it.

 

[topnative2]

use the bow line w/ a slip knot or loop it around the stanchion ane tie off to a cleat

 

[FSUDrew99]

Should probably next time I wax my bunks to just wax the bottom half.....

 

[sjrobin]

New carpet? If so, just wait it will get sticky.

 

[FSUDrew99]

New carpet? If so, just wait it will get sticky.

No not new. Good shape and just waxed really well haha

 

[el9surf]

Should probably next time I wax my bunks to just wax the bottom half.....

This is the key. Don't wax the front foot or two of the bunk.

 

[Blackdog317]

This works good for me....

View attachment 6451 View attachment 6452

 

[Capnredfish]

As black dog displays. But I just wrap the stand half wrap. I also walk up to bow with dock line in hand when I am putting it back on trailer. When I get up on the bow it wants to start sliding back down when I bend over to clip it on. Sometimes I don't need it, but have it ready. Don't over do the bunk lube. To much lube is like a loose p---y. Too much of a good thing.

 

[bw510]

You can leave it clipped and the tension from the clicker should slow it down and or hold on the the strap as it unwinds so it dosnt go to fast then clip the hook to the back of the trailer.
That's what I do.

 

[PeteS]

Ok, I gotta ask a stupid question. Waxing the bunks please explain this
I have owned several boats and am waiting on my new Beavertail to be built and this is the first time I have ever heard of waxing the bunks, obviously I assume it helps with loading/unloading at the ramp but how/what/why would you use to perform this

 

[FSUDrew99]

Ok, I gotta ask a stupid question. Waxing the bunks please explain this
I have owned several boats and am waiting on my new Beavertail to be built and this is the first time I have ever heard of waxing the bunks, obviously I assume it helps with loading/unloading at the ramp but how/what/why would you use to perform this

Waxing the bunks helps with less friction between the boat and the carpet. My waxing every once in a while it helps the boat not stick to the bunks in launch is easier in the water while dry launching.

 

[GullsGoneWild]

use paraffin wax. the kind used for canning. Its like $2.00 per pound.

 

[PeteS]

Thanks, guys.
I assume you just rub it on and the carpeting must be dry?

 

[EasternGlow]

Nice flemish.

This works good for me....

View attachment 6451 View attachment 6452

 

[el9surf]

Thanks, guys.
I assume you just rub it on and the carpeting must be dry?

Leave the wax in your car while you fish. When you get back to the ramp the wax will be a little softer and the bunks will be warm and dry. That's the easiest time to apply.

 

[WhiteDog70810]

Thanks, guys.
I assume you just rub it on and the carpeting must be dry?

Nah. Many guys apply the wax like a huge crayon to the bunk carpet after they launch and let the sun melt it in to the bunk carpet all day. Before reloading or after launching doesn't really matter; it is a six of one, half dozen of another situation. I don't think wet or dry is that terribly important either. Once it cooks all day, the wax will soak in and the water will evaporate out. My trailer isn't really set up to dry launch, so I get "close enough" and push it off the trailer while the end of the bunks are still a few inches above the water. I need to work on my trailer so that it works a bit better.

...but, as noted, the wax can make steep ramps interesting.

Nate

 

[devrep]

I just wrap the bow line around the winch stanchion and slip it as I push off. A cleat would probably be better.

 

[devrep]

I hate drilling thru galvanizing to mount cleats and stuff.

 

[tailchaser16]

I use a snap shackle, Pricey but it works:

Attach the bottom of the snap shackle to your safety chain with a regular shackle and the spring loaded part goes on your boat under your winch hook. (Yes it must be under as you will not be able to get the winch hook off once it all comes tight).
Once you back the trailer down, you release the winch, boat slides back a foot or so and the safety chain will come tight. Undo your winch hook and with a quick yank on the release clip off pops the shackle and your boat slides right off.

View attachment 6494



https://www.westmarine.com/buy/ronstan--snap-shackles--P002_060_001_002?recordNum=40

 

[DBStoots]

This works good for me....

View attachment 6451 View attachment 6452

Brilliant!