First outing trailering tips

[Capt. Bob]

& I wanted to compliment your boat.  That is very sharp.  What model is it and what are those PVC pads you have for your trailer?  Where did you buy them?  I am interested in more stability such as that near the front.

Thank you. That pic is from the former owner before I bought it but it cleaned and shined up real well. The "Sidewinder" name has been officially changed and a new Pacific Blue Bimini awaits to be mounted.

Model is a 1991 210 Walkaround (no not an EX until 1992). The PVC guides forward came with the trailer but I would guess they could probably be had from a good trailer supply. They do help keep the bow from wandering off track when a strong cross wind is present. The "pad" that is between the guides is polyurethane material. Same stuff as the "Stoltz Brand" rollers. Sort of yellowish/orange color.

The bunks just have carpet and since launch/retrieval is easy and consistent, I don't have a need at this time for installing any type of "runner" aka "slick sticks" on the bunks. Again, my craft is smaller than yours but the L/R principal is the same IMHO. I don't have an electric winch so bow pulpit clearance is not a problem and as stated above, the water depth level on the trailer for retrieval is easy to see for a non boater type who is helping with the procedure. It removes the "guesswork" factor for the guy/gal that doesn't go out with you all the time. Lastly it all but assures that you won't get the dreaded "is it in deep enough"? so to avoid embarrassing stares from fellow boaters.

[famas44]

Best thing for the first time out is get to the ramp at a non peak time.. Nothing is worse then feeling pressured to do something because you have 3 guys waiting on you, and the thing you decide to do under that self imposed pressure ends up damaging your boat..

Get all your prelaunch checks done before you get in line..

Plug in
Bow and stern lines rigged so you get at them from outside the boat
If you go in on a shallow ramp, engine trimmed up so you don't whack the engine as you back in.
Stern straps and any other tie downs that you have off.
There may be more and it is hard to think of all the stuff without knowing the specifics of your rig..

In the mean time watch what the other folks are doing.  Ramp etiquette is different in different areas.  Hopefully where you are going people will be understanding and helpful and you will have an easy time of it.  Just don't forget that damn plug....

Thank you Northeast.  I have am very good at getting all my ducks in a row before I launch.  Is the Explorer 245 heavy enough to have the bow lines disconnected while backing up into the ramp?  Or does it all depend on the angle of the ramp?  This boat and trailer did come with stern tie downs, so we order two and they are currently on.  They are the longest tie downs I have ever had to buy.  

[wingtime]

 Is the Explorer 245 heavy enough to have the bow lines disconnected while backing up into the ramp?  Or does it all depend on the angle of the ramp?  This boat and trailer did come with stern tie downs, so we order two and they are currently on.  They are the longest tie downs I have ever had to buy.  

Depending on the trailer the Explorer is heavy enough to slide OFF the trailer with the winch strap or bow eye disconnected.  The first time I lunched mine on a shallow grade ramp at a lake I was shocked to hear mine start to slide back on the trailer the moment my tires started down the ramp.  Thank god I kept the bowline attached and the winch locked.  What I'm getting at is always leave the bow attached to the trailer at least until the stern of the boat is over the water...

[dburr]

Had the same premature moving issue with a little whaler on a new trailer.. Things got exciting fast, but the boat didn't launch on the ramp dry...  

I completely agree, keep the winch line connected and locked until the boat is almost ready to go and hopefully you can still get to the bow hook while keeping your feet dry..

[famas44]

I was worried about the boat sliding off on a steep angle ramp.  I feared this because of the weight.  I would like to find some of those PVC liners for my trailer.  It would be nice to add a liner between the bunks and the wench area.  I do have the little yellow-ish V-shaped hull guide, but that isn't much between the bunks and the wench.  It would be nice to have more of a guide.  That is a lot of boat to move around if you have a "non-boat type" person with you helping load your pride and joy and all bad weather conditions.

[famas44]

*Update*

My father and I have learned a few things after being able to launch & bring in our Aquasport on our own for the first time.  We previously had others help us, or had a slip at the marina (a privilege we used until the lease expired from the previous owner).

It all went well.  It didn't go as smoothly as we wanted, but it went well.  No casualties or loss of limbs.  We have figured out that this boat is not a "drive on" like others on the forum suggest. :cry: But we had some teaching moments and learned a lot.  (My father is a school Principal & I am a high school teacher and coach)  I do think we will invest in a wench.  My father is the one who gets water, and does the trailering.  I think we will switch roles.  

We would like to add some sort of guide between the bunks and the wench apparatus.  I am going to try and find those PVC pads.  Anyone know where I can order a pair?  I looked at basspro, no luck.  Maybe westmarine?

Thanks.

[seabob4]

She is a "power on" boat if you get the trailer right, that will come with experience.  But a steep ramp definitely puts the odds NOT in your favor, overcoming gravity and whatnot...

You need enough of the boat afloat, and enough on the bunks.  Take her to a local lake on a weekday with a similar ramp steepness as the one you normally use, and try things out until you hit that sweet spot, trailer immersion wise.  Yeah, so you'll burn a bit of fuel, but you and your Dad will learn, have some fun, all out of the prying eyes of the ramp peanut gallery on weekends...

[Capt. Bob]

We would like to add some sort of guide between the bunks and the wench apparatus.  I am going to try and find those PVC pads.  Anyone know where I can order a pair?  I looked at basspro, no luck.  Maybe westmarine?
Thanks.

Here's one type mount.
http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/itemde ... 99&eq=&Tp=

[slvrlng]

You should also check into putting front bunks on like I did. These make it really easy to load the boat. Even if you are getting moved around by the wind, once the entry contacts the front ones it immediately swings the whole hull into alignment. I then am able to power it up and she slides right into place.



Heck if you want them I have the old v slides. If you look at the pic you can see where they were mounted. You pay shipping and they are yours.

[dburr]

*Update*

. :cry: But we had some teaching moments and learned a lot.  (My father is a school Principal & I am a high school teacher and coach)  I do think we will invest in a wench.  My father is the one who gets water, and does the trailering.  I think we will switch roles.  
Thanks.

Glad everything went ok and nothing got damaged.  I don't be leave you mentioned how you and your Dad liked the ride.  Did you spent the time on working out the launch and recovery?

Just a minor technical marriners note,  although I am sure Websters sees it differently..

winch: a mechanical device that recieves power from a hand crank, motor or other power source, that drives a drum with a horizontally mounted shaft onto which wire, cable, or rope can be wound.

wEnch: a baudy,sometimes amorous female (redheads known to be most dangerous), capable of drinking 3 above average men and a small boy under the table while entertaining a crowd with stories that will make a Chaplin blush.  Caution: do not bring one home to meet Mom and also NOT compatible with a mans wife or girlfriend..  

[pete]

"the high school coach and the salty wench"
film at 11.......

[seabob4]

"the high school coach and the salty wench"


film at 11.......

I thought there was an adjective left out of Dave's description...

[slvrlng]

"the high school coach and the salty wench"


film at 11.......

I thought there was an adjective left out of Dave's description...

How do you know she is salty?  

[fitz73222]

Officially derailed.... Nice! And she is salty because shes a Pirette. (Saltwater version)

[gran398]

My wife walked in on me this morning checking out the wench. She became even less ecstatic about the Aquanet