loading your boat

H2O_Fowl · June 18, 2012, 08:29:14 AM

I think the fix may be the roller under the very front like the pic above. At least an easy fix anyway. Only problem I see with that is a close eye should be kept on the roller for wear.

Cats are new to me. I've ran around in bass boats since the early 80's. Just not Cats. Rangers and Champions. So this trailer deal is frustrating to say the least.

If nothing else this gives us all something to talk about. LOL

onebgfish · June 18, 2012, 04:20:03 PM

Trust me on this,the roller is the ticket,,so far no wear,no scuffs,and the bow never drops,and when loading the nose is always where you want it.

Billius46 · June 18, 2012, 06:32:28 PM

I would be very leery of adding an additional roller. The hull isn't supposed to sit on the rollers. I would think if BCB wanted a roller there...they would have put one there. Just sayin...

bassn1 · June 18, 2012, 07:06:51 PM

I have a roller on my trailer, But the boat has never touched it since I purchased it. I am going to check and see if it is adjustable. If not, I will be purchasing the adjustable one which is shown in this post. Thank you all for the tips and tricks.
This is the exact reason why I became a member. Being a charter member has it's advantages as well.

Flyswatter · June 19, 2012, 02:42:46 PM

I am very interested in the roller too but I think it would be prudent to consult with your BassCat dealer or get some feedback direct from BassCat on this one before you purchase anything so there are no potential challenges with the warranty. Just a thought.

onebgfish · June 19, 2012, 04:14:44 PM

The roller does not support the boat at all,it is installed with the boat on the trailer,the bunks carry the weight where as the roller just keeps the bow off the trolling motor bracket when unloading and the bow from dropping when loading.It is just like the roller on the back of the trailer.All I did was slide it to where it is flush with the bottom,had to trim an inch of the top u bolt.

Billius46 · June 19, 2012, 04:53:36 PM

Quote from: onebgfish on June 19, 2012, 04:14:44 PM
The roller does not support the boat at all,it is installed with the boat on the trailer,the bunks carry the weight where as the roller just keeps the bow off the trolling motor bracket when unloading and the bow from dropping when loading.It is just like the roller on the back of the trailer.All I did was slide it to where it is flush with the bottom,had to trim an inch of the top u bolt.

I would still check with BCB before doing something like that. When you load and unload you are putting pressure on your keel when you hit the roller. I can't imagine why you would need it, but I know you said it helps.

classic242 · June 19, 2012, 05:33:03 PM

Quote from: Shaneomac1 on June 13, 2012, 02:49:22 PM
any of you guys have trouble putting your bass cats on the trailer? my buddy just bought a new p4 and has had trouble. any tips would be great for him thanks!

Short bunks just under the water and my Classic loads very easy. Different brands of boats load somewhat different than each other. I too started with my trailer to high out of the water and had a little trouble but, after putting the short bunks just under the water I have not had a problem since. All I can suggest is trial and error until you find what works with any given rig. Just saying !!

Flyswatter · June 19, 2012, 07:07:46 PM

Totally agree with ya Classic242. Short bunks just under the water.

bassn1 · June 19, 2012, 08:11:57 PM

All great points. Will have to get more experience with the loading and unloading process before making any changes. I am still leaning towards lowering the front stop by a few inches. But, I haven't had as many issues with the above problems as I had had in the spring. Maybe I am getting the hang of it. $:-\$

H2O_Fowl · June 19, 2012, 08:36:25 PM

Ok. Go to the frequently asked questions on the BCB forum on their website. I found out that I am drowning my trailer. Even when I thought I was shallow I was too deep. There is a pic of Rick loading a Sabre. Look at how shallow that trailer is and I think you will find your answer.

18x2 · June 22, 2012, 08:23:02 AM

One other very important thing I would like to point out is to make sure your bow roller isn't too tight. When I first got my boat the bow roller was so tight it would not "roll" freely and was causing the boat to actually dig into it while loading and I believe that since there was resistance there it caused the bow to push forward to the right a little bit on the side of the roller. I loosened the roller just enough to be able to turn it freely and things worked out better.

Flyswatter · June 23, 2012, 07:38:32 PM

Here you go. Great pics and video.

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/21699/loading-boat-pics-and-short-video#.T-Zg_o6-FSU

H2O_Fowl · June 24, 2012, 10:34:20 PM

Good video! This should be posted in the frequently asked questions forum on there maybe.

I went out today and tried that. Short bunks just barely under the water. It helps but the problem with my boat is the small block 200 so I don't have the ummfff to push it up the rest of the way. No ventilation holes in the prop probably contributes to it as well.

Perhaps I need to invest in a new 200 Pro XS! Make that baby really scoot then! But no, I'm gonna be in a bigger and badder Cat hopefully within the next year and half or so.

Flyswatter · June 25, 2012, 07:46:00 AM

Quote from: H2O_Fowl on June 24, 2012, 10:34:20 PM
Good video! This should be posted in the frequently asked questions forum on there maybe.

H20,

Great idea and done! I have sticky'd a Boat Loading Thread to the top of our Ultimate Bass BassCat forum. Check it out.

Flyswatter

Bama96 · June 25, 2012, 08:26:25 AM

A 4 Blade Trophy will also give trouble loading all the way to the bow roller.

loading your boat

18x2