On Tue, 09 May 2006 07:33:14 -0400, JimmyG wrote:

I"m really close to upgrading to a 17 ft G3 aluminum boat with a 60 HP
Yamaha from my 14 ft johnboat with 8 HP evinrude. I have not been
able to identify any devoted fishing buddies (yet), so I usually fish
alone. When launching and landing the boat, I seek out very small
ramps that are less crowded. Most of these don't have docks, so I
just drag my boat on the bank. I'm thinking that I'll have to start
using the deeper water ramps now and they are sure to be crowded. Any
advice for the solo launcher?

Thanks,

J

Hi Jimmy,
First thing to know is have your boat ready to launch before backing
into a launching lane at the ramp.

If the ramp is deep enough and you do not have to back into the water
so far that you cannot climb in and drive it off, do so and drive it
off. Make sure of the depth and keep your motor tilted up as far as
possible. Same with putting the boat on the trailer.

If the launch is too shallow for that method tie a long enough rope to
the boat to allow it to float off as you back it in. Make sure you
tie the other end to the trailer! Once the boat is off the trailer
you can use the rope to bring it to the dock or the shoreline next to
the ramp. Watch how other people launch and retrieve their boats to
get a better idea of how you want to or don't want do it.

If you get a roller trailer don't make the mistake of disconnecting
the boat completely from the trailer until it is partially in the
water. On steep ramps I have seen boats roll of the trailer and land
on the ramp :{

I can't say this enough. Make sure you are ready to launch before
pulling into a launch lane at the ramp!

Good luck, let us know how you do.


I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it! (The hell with what my X-wife told me)

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