Streamlining the loading and unloading of your boat

[Lawguy513]

Many of us boaters get frustrated with other boaters who are slow loading and unloading thier boat on the trailer.  Here are a few tips to help speed up your process.  The most important thing is to think ahead and be prepared.  Some of this includes modifying your setup.  I have a boat buddy (available at many sporting stores including Bass Pro, for around $60) on my trailer.  This is extremely helpful in loading the boat.  I also have transum straps that are on a built in ratchet system that stay connected to the boat.  When I prepare to go fishing, I will make sure my batteries are fully charged with my on board charger.  When hooking the boat up to my truck, I "walk circles".  I start with handling everything at the tongue, and then move to the back of the boat, where I tilt the motor up.  This is when I make sure the plug is in!!  I then complete my walk around, in the process making sure the lights work and the tires are properly inflated.  After making sure the on board charger is unplugged and the trailer jack is up, then you are ready to go.  When you get to the launch, you should not just pull up to the ramp unless you are putting the boat directly in the water.  I always pull to the side, undo my front and transum straps, remove the motor support, unlock my hatches, get my life jackets out, set up the electronics, then hop into my seat, giving my driver the thumbs up.  In a matter of 30 seconds, I am in the water, with the motor running, and we are ready to run.  When we are leaving, I have the truck driver set the boat buddy, and put the trailer in at the proper depth.  I drive up until I hear the click of the boat buddy, and then we pull out of the water.  We then go to a parking spot or some other out-of-the-way spot, and finish strapping down the boat.  This is when those transum strpas are really worth the money!  Also, if you are putting in or pulling out in the dark, do Mike Cork a favor and turn off your headlights! 
My brother and I have been able to complete the loading and unloading process ususally in 1/4 of the time we see others do it.  Not that we are special, just well prepared.  I hope this helps you be better prepared for your next trip.

[Ron Fogelson]

Not that we are special, just well prepared. 

That is the Key  a boater needs to get a system and use it, not only will it help cut down the load/unload time but will help prevent him/her from forgetting a key thing like unhooking both transum straps like the guys I watched last weekend on Cypress.  For the life of them they couldn't figure out why the boat wouldn't float off,,,,, better yet after repeated attempts at gunning the motor in revers the bow came off the trailer  Than they had to get in the water and push it back around so they could pull it back up the ramp 

[bnash]

I have a boat buddy (available at many sporting stores including Bass Pro, for around $60) on my trailer.  This is extremely helpful in loading the boat.

That boat buddy is some of the best money spent on a trailer in my opinion!  Drive up the trailer till you hear the "Click" then drive off.  Amazing!

[Donald Garner]

Thanks for the tip (boat buddy) I'm going to check in to getting one for my Stratos.

[calincalif50]

I have one on my boat, i don't always hit it in the middle of the buddy, but have found that if you trim up the motor just a little it works better.  Heavier boats it works better as the wind doesn't push you around as much, that and having a better trailer helps.