Dry Launch
21 - 40 of 53 Posts
Joined
·
1,086 Posts
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.
Joined
·
1,086 Posts
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!
Joined
·
1,086 Posts
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
up.
https://www.amazon.com/BQLZR-Stainless-Shackle-Swivel-Hardware/dp/B00RMBKSCK
Joined
·
605 Posts
Where on the safety chain do you attach the snap shackle? On the hook part or on the chain?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
Joined
·
605 Posts
When using this cleat, when do you release the winch hook and the safety chain?
Joined
·
1,086 Posts
Replace the safety chain hook and replace the with the new snap shackle.
Joined
·
201 Posts
Joined
·
201 Posts
I remove the safety chain and winch strap now. The dockline will hold the boat as long as you wrap the cleat with enough line and some locking loops.
I did leave the winch strap on until I learned how the boat would react on different ramps. Now that I have enough lube on the bunks for my skiff not to stick on the carpet, the slope on different ramps is the biggest variable. I'm still learning and figuring things out with this boat and trailer. Only a few trips to the water since buying the skiff.
Joined
·
201 Posts
I release the winch hook and safety chain once I am done prepping all my gear. When I back down the ramp to launch, the dockline attached to the cleat is the only thing keeping the boat on the trailer.
Joined
·
641 Posts
Good find! I went with the one from West Marine as it has a weight capacity listed on the sizes of the hook.
Careful: Do not unhook the winch until you back down. If forget your boat will slide down a bit and jerk once the chain comes tight.
I cut the hook off of my chain and added a regular shackle then the snap shackle.
Joined
·
86 Posts
Dry launch. Meaning the trailer doesnt get wet? Or i dont get my feet wet?
Joined
·
3,183 Posts
Neither should get wet. But if you're having to walk in water, get a piece of aluminum diamond plate or a carpeted 2*10 and have it run down just off the center of your trailer that way you can walk up or down your trailer to catch/launch without having to walk around in the mud or water. Just Google images of boat trlr walk plank, and you'll get some ideas.
Also the cheap silicone tent waterproofing spray from any box store will make trailer bunks slicker than greased owl shit. Also, it's in aerosol can super easy to apply.
Joined
·
201 Posts
Here is a Maverick and a Beavertail dry launch trailer as examples.
View attachment 6615 View attachment 6616
View attachment 6615 View attachment 6616
Joined
·
1,086 Posts
I need to add a platform/wallboard like this to mine
Joined
·
19,310 Posts
I put poly bunks on my trailer and my buddy took the winch strap off while I wasn't looking and he dry launched me about 3' before the water at the ramp...when he hit the brakes I was in the water quick.
Joined
·
1,248 Posts
I can back my trailer down to where the bunks aren't in the water and the lower roller is just barely out of it. I walk down the trailer and my SUV is so light, I can pick up the bow and pull it half way up the trailer, then i hook the strap to the bow eye and crank it the rest of the way.
Joined
·
1,706 Posts
I sprayed my bunks with Silicon spray all over and launch at some pretty steep ramps and so far haven't had an issue with it going with out me nudging it a little. I do walk down the trailer frame and i'm counting down the days until i slip off and bust my shin, I definitely want to add some walkboards.
Joined
·
86 Posts
Ahh. Looks like I need a couple rollers!
21 - 40 of 53 Posts
