Advice for loading my 2007 Pantera II back on the trailer

This topic has 8 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 3 months ago by Tx76.

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February 18, 2010 at 3:13 am #352811

cajunangler
Participant

I just purchased a Pantera II 35 Anniversary Edition and could use a little advice on proper loading. I am not new to boating and have owned bass boats for over 20 years. But I havent quite mastered how far to back in to provide proper angles to load this boat. If I back too far the front of the boat will not go above the front rollers. If I dont back far enough I cant get it to push on the trailer far enough. And using the winch & strap can only get you within an inch of the roller due to the hook wedging in the roller. Soooo! Any advice on how to handle this would be appreciated. On my pervious rig I was able to use the motor to provide some help by putting it in gear and giving it a little throttle, then the winch could easily walk the boat into place. This rig has the hotfoot which doesnt allow for increased throttle when your at the winch, and it has a tandem axle. And if I didnt mention it I am launching by myself.Thanks for any advice that will help.

February 18, 2010 at 4:06 am #352813

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The trailer is a total drive on and you should not need the winch. The P2 trailers have had limited changes in their history and they all should load fine. The bow drop is not the same as other models. Leave a little of the outside bunks out of the water, more on a steep ramp and less on a shallow ramp. Then in jsut a bit you should be able to load it and find home on the bow stop without loosing momentum. If you drop momentum, then you should back up and try again till you figure it out. BCB Admin.

February 18, 2010 at 4:37 am #352817

BuckeyeBasscat.basscatowners
Participant

have your motor trimmed up a little, that helps me with pumaPete

February 18, 2010 at 5:06 am #352821

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Thanks for the quick responses. One question, should I be running the boat onto the traler until the bow eye makes contact with the bow stop? If so, will that potentially damage either of these?

February 18, 2010 at 9:30 am #352825

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

You will naturally wear out the bow stop and it require replacing occasionally. They are not expensive and the absorption is part of the design. The Stoltz o or Fulton urethane bow stops will damage the gel coat and cause shearing behind the bow eye as they do not absorb as much cushioning.

February 18, 2010 at 11:18 am #352829

billius
Participant

I had the same problem with my new CougarFTD the first time I loaded it by myself. I never had that issue with my 06CougarFTD. Maybe the difference in hull design? At any rate, if you do what BCB suggests you will be fine. As BCB says that bow roller is forgiving, so if you hit it too hard, your boat will be fine. The roller ,may break apart eventually. The one on my old Cougar lasted for about two years before I ordered a new one. I got a spare roller when I got my Baycat, but never used it, so I keep the spare in the truck just in case. You can winch it some if you put the strap between the rollers to pull the boat up tight, then undo it and bring it up from below the bottom roller and reattach it for towing. Ive only had to do that once on any of the BassCats Ive had. The suggestion of having your engine trimmed up some will help solve your problem as well.

February 18, 2010 at 11:26 am #352834

btgibson
Participant

I had to figure driving my Pantera on the trailer as well. It is real easy once you get the hang of it. What helped me is backing the trailer until the front fender step (dual axel) is 2-3 inches ander water. That should on most ramps be just right! Now drive boat on trailer as striaght as possible keeping in mind the bow is a bit off center with the Pantera model. When you start to make contact with the bunks goose the throttle a little bit to drive boat all the way to bow stop. After you do this a few times it becomes second nature! I admit I had problems at first as well…..but with trail and error I got it!!

February 18, 2010 at 12:45 pm #352840

bworner
Participant

Im surprised every year when we seem to have “issues” with loading, Ive been taught the same on all boats, here goes. Back the trailer until the “butt” starts to float and bobble, notice your Fenders, where are they in the lake. Typically this is your Unloading depth, but simply make a mental note, I like to pull the trailer out a few feet so a guy can see the front of the Shorter Bunks, along with the longer bunks, then drive her on, leave a 6inch or so gap, and crank her the rest, Its the exact same for a Ranger, Malibu ski boat, Pontoon, etc…..Good Luck and most importantly, SHINE UP THAT 35TH P2, then POST PICS for us Pics Police Freaks…….Sweet boat by the way….BrannonYour Signature …

February 19, 2010 at 3:40 am #352845

Tx76
Participant

I must admit I was surprised to have a learning curve with trailering my cougar. For me, I needed to back my trailer a bit farther in than my previous brands. Once I got it, it was easy on every ramp I went to. Simple, just different. Keep practicing!! Its all fun and games bro.
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