[gahooligan]

Just an update... I added two outside bunks and worked on where to put the trailer in the water. I still REALLY suck at lining up for the trailer (especially at the ramp we use now, the waves come in from the side) but it now centers much better without fuss and I don't have to worry about it coming out of the water severely cock-eyed anymore. I do need to move the lower two bunks. I may get brave and attempt to move them with the boat on the trailer now that the outside bunks are on and supporting it as well. I really don't want to create a situation I need a crane to solve though... lol. Thanks for all the help and suggestions guys it really helped a lot! I'll have to get some pictures up especially after I get the trailer painted.

[ColoradoDiablo]

Practice...........Practice............Practice.
You'll be fine. Don't worry about the morons bi***in'
Nobody is perfect. If they were , they would'nt be on this earth anyway!

[luke7575]

If u always have alot of wind at ur ramp try adding some piping on the trailer, on the side like ski boats have it make it real easy to load with high winds

[gahooligan]

Originally Posted by luke7575

If u always have alot of wind at ur ramp try adding some piping on the trailer, on the side like ski boats have it make it real easy to load with high winds

Side guides are my next DIY project along with paint.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I'm sure I will get the hang of "precise control" of the boat eventually. It's been a little difficult for me to get the feel of exactly how to put the boat exactly where I want it when docking/trailering. I really appreciate all the help, advice and understanding!

[gahooligan]

just an update. With the new bunks added it's much easier. This past weekend I got it on in one shot, perfect! It centers everytime now and I have found the sweet spot you guys are talking about. The top front corner and about 8-10" of bunker out of the water is perfect for our ramp! Thanks a million for the help, advice and encouragement. Now if I can just learn to dock better... lol.

[ColoradoDiablo]

Sloooww is the only way. It ain't a racer car , and won't stop on a dime.
I prefer to idle in , then "back peddle" as needed.
Course , after winter...........start all over kinda.
I'm old and got CRS .

[nglauer]

I had issues on my first few launches - they were a nightmare. One ramp had such a strong current, and it was so steep that I took about 15 stabs at the trailer before finally pulling my hair out. At one point it looked like I was trying to parallel park on the trailer, and another time it looked like I was trying to back my boat on the trailer. I never launched there again.

I always found that submerging my trailer all the way to wet the bunks, then pulling back up to the sweet spot (tops of fenders exposed for guidance) always helped. Before we sold the boat I had managed to figure out how to launch, dock, and pull the trailer and truck out of the ramp by myself. The same with loading.. as my wife would never attempt for fear of sinking the truck, or parking the boat in the bed of the truck lol

[Oregondunes]

Originally Posted by luke7575

I can load my Z302 by myself, but dont recommend it, all i ever need is one person down upfront so when i throttle it they can hook it and lock the winch.

(now by myself) I line mine up slowly until i feel im dead on the middle, I stay on light throttle till im on the the keel i leave it in gear go to the ftront and verify. Then get back trim up a bit and full throttle. Go again to the front and lock the winch in place put it in idle then neutral, trim all the way up then shut off, get in the truck and drive off.

I load my 302 by myself almost every time. I also back the trailer in as well.

I tie up to the dock on the up river side so the current holds me to the side, tie up my 40' rope to the bow hook, walk the boat to the back of the trailer (that is sunk just above the fenders and is parked tight as possible to the dock), then pull the boat onto the trailer. the lowest bunks grab the keel perfectly and i hook on to the winch. crank away.

sure it's easier if someone is with me if the boat needs a lil push from the docks, but it's rare.

[gahooligan]

Originally Posted by nglauer

I had issues on my first few launches - they were a nightmare. One ramp had such a strong current, and it was so steep that I took about 15 stabs at the trailer before finally pulling my hair out. At one point it looked like I was trying to parallel park on the trailer, and another time it looked like I was trying to back my boat on the trailer. I never launched there again.

This sounds exactly like what I had been looking like!!! LOL!! especially the parallel park thing, except it looked like I was trying to do it "Ace Ventura - pet detective" style (especially after slamming reverse) I felt so retarded and was very frustrated!! It almost makes you just want to leave it on the trailer! lol.

I'm glad for all the advice received here! It has really helped and I'm getting than hang of it, it's getting better each time. Thanks for sharing your story, I had a good laugh, great visuals!

[nglauer]

It's better to have problems with the boat going on the trailer - than the truck going in the water. A few weeks ago I watched them pull a truck and trailer out of the water at a local ramp. The tow truck also got hung up in the mud beside the ramp as they were winching it out. I'm pretty sure that guy was the one that looked the worst at the ramp that day lol.