[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.

 

[FSUDrew99]

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

 

[FSUDrew99]

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

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

 

[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.

 

[FSUDrew99]

So educate in me on dry launching??? Do you submerge the trailer to load the boat at the end of the day???

For my trailer at least I can back it down so that the bottom of the bucks just barely touch the water. The hubs are still dry and you can drive the boat keel in between the bunks and give it a little gas. Your buddy or whoever can then attach the winch and winch you up the rest of the way. Sometimes I throttle to roll over the keel roller gently and make it easier to latch the winch too.

 

[FSUDrew99]

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

I am definitely going to pull the trigger an attach this to my safety chain over the regular chain hook. Thanks!

 

[FSUDrew99]

This could be just as good and still SS and not the West Marine 1000% mark
up.

https://www.amazon.com/BQLZR-Stainless-Shackle-Swivel-Hardware/dp/B00RMBKSCK

 

[FSUDrew99]

Where on the safety chain do you attach the snap shackle? On the hook part or on the chain?

Replace the safety chain hook and replace the with the new snap shackle.

 

[FSUDrew99]

Here is a Maverick and a Beavertail dry launch trailer as examples.

View attachment 6615 View attachment 6616

I need to add a platform/wallboard like this to mine