Tips Needed for Loading and Unloading by Yourself

This topic has 9 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 3 months ago by Cape Fear.

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March 12, 2014 at 3:14 am #319794

Crank1up
Participant

My partner 99% of the time is my 9 year old son, so loading and unloading the boat is a one man operation. Typically this is not big deal at all, but with lake levels what they are, it has become more difficult to load and unload. When lakes are at normal pool, I usually back the boat down, unload and beach the boat on the shoreline. Get the truck outta the water and off we go. This is now not an option at the lakes I fish. I really dont like tying up to docks especially with the low water. But, it may be my only option. The last boat I tied to a dock ended up with fiberglass damage because the portion of the dock designed to protect your boat was out of the water. What do you guys do to protect your boat when you have to tie up? I have tried tying up on the down wind side of the dock, but at times, this is not an option. Also, if there are any tools or mechanisms you use to make this procedure easier, (rope with a clip, etc.) Im all ears. Thanks in advance.

March 12, 2014 at 3:18 am #319814

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

We loosen our strap and let out about 4-6 feet. Shoot the boat off just slightly and pull forward slow. The boat will position itself where You can crawl into it easily. Getting back out is a bit more trouble as you traverse the bumper, tire and bank.

March 12, 2014 at 4:40 am #319831

5 keepers
Participant

Bass Cat Boats wrote:We loosen our strap and let out about 4-6 feet. Shoot the boat off just slightly and pull forward slow. The boat will position itself where You can crawl into it easily. Getting back out is a bit more trouble as you traverse the bumper, tire and bank.Plus 100!

March 12, 2014 at 5:40 am #319847

Crank1up
Participant

Thanks BCB….I dont have much trouble unloading the boat. My biggest concern is docking the boat. Im not sure I understand this comment, “Getting back out is a bit more trouble as you traverse the bumper, tire and bank.” Thanks a lot for the response.

March 12, 2014 at 8:30 am #319867

yj99t04
Participant

The answer for me was POLES! Power poles and trailer grab post are the best inventions for solo operation. I tie a rope to the grab post and trolling motor, back the boat into the water a little, then unhook the strap. Then I back it in until it floats off a little. I just need to climb in using that awesome step and grab post, take the rope off and drive it to the dock. I leave it about a foot and a half away from the dock and drop the power poles. A quick tie off and I can park the truck. No dock damage.

March 12, 2014 at 11:07 am #319886

MeanV2
Participant

I have Bass Boat bumpers for when I tie to a dock. It protects the boat from any contact.Dan

March 12, 2014 at 11:25 am #319905

RazorCat
Participant

It still makes me cringe to think about sliding my Sabre FTD up on a rough a$$ ramp and having it move around from all the other boats launching while I go park my trucktrailer. Even with a Hamby installed. A few years back I saw another BCB owner back his down, throw out an 8″ trailer tire with rope attached onto the ramp, rope his boat off the trailer, and then pull it up on the tire. Pretty slick idea that will work on ramps that have room. Just stow the tire in a trash bag when you get in the boat. Ive done it more than once when launching alone.BTW, I use an AirHead stretch dock rope (2 actually) attached to the bow eye and the winch hook (winch locked) to unload the boat if I plan to pull it up on the ramp instead of mooring it to the dock. Easier than a winch strap or rope for me.

March 12, 2014 at 12:42 pm #319922

flipper
Participant

I load and unload by myself also. You need to check out Akua Boat Fenders, Alan makes a great product. Go to http://www.akuaboatfenders.com or call him at 1-573-445-5697

March 12, 2014 at 12:57 pm #319941

catdude28
Participant

flipper wrote:I load and unload by myself also. You need to check out Akua Boat Fenders, Alan makes a great product. Go to http://www.akuaboatfenders.com or call him at 1-573-445-5697I have been using the Bass Boat Bumpers for years, but these Akua fenders look very interesting. I like the idea of being able to position them where you want

March 12, 2014 at 1:59 pm #319958

Cape Fear
Participant

I have been using boat fenders for years but I like the looks of the Akua fender. I may give them a try. Thanks Flipper!
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