loading your boat

Shaneomac1 · 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!

Shaneomac1 · June 14, 2012, 09:04:29 AM

dont be embarrassed to admit it. feel free to vent about it here.

Mike Cork · June 14, 2012, 09:49:43 AM

I'm not a basscat boy but most trouble loading is because of trailer placement. To deep in the water and the runners don't help you line up on the nose, to shallow and you can't get it all the way up to the bumper.

H2O_Fowl · June 14, 2012, 10:04:23 AM

Love my BCB trailer but absolutely the worst loading trailer I have ever had. My previous boats were Rangers and Champs. It didn't matter how deep the trailer was in the water or shallow, how steep the ramp was either. It would go on if I completely sank the trailer or if I had it real shallow. The problem with my boat trailer is placement (Height) of the bow roller. If BCB would have placed it 2 inches lower this would solve all the problems. The loading issue with this trailer is the only reason I would think about switching brands.

In order for the bow to clear my roller the trailer bunks have to about 3/4 of the way out of water so that the boat will get the proper angle to clear it. Problem is unless you hit the trailer at a good speed you can't "Power" onto the trailer because your bunks are to far out of the water. So, I have to get the very tip of the bow over the roller, hook up the strap tighten it down then go back to the truck and back the trailer deeper then get out and winch it the rest of the way because there is no way to winch this sucker the rest of the way on with the trailer so shallow.

I've tried every angle to the dangle and there is no cure. I'm seriously considering doing some mods to my trailer to cure this issue. I know what needs to be done and it's a very easy fix.

In my opinion there is no reason that it has to be this way. Only trailer I've had that is an issue with loading.

bassn1 · June 14, 2012, 10:24:49 AM

H2O, I have the exact problem loading my boat onto the trailer. Not a BC. However, I have been thinking of lowering the stop as well. Hoping this would fix the issue. Seems to be approx. 1-3 inches too high. I have seen a stop which catches the bow the springs forward as you power up the trailer. Gonna talk with someone at a local service center to hear their thoughts about this issue.

18x2 · June 14, 2012, 10:42:39 AM

I have found that backing my trailer in the water until the short bunks are barely submerged works the best. I then coast the boat on the trailer until it comes to a rest and then I power it up the rest of the way. Depending on the angle of the ramp you may have to adjust a little bit but the having a fury really helps too.

coldfront · June 14, 2012, 01:06:03 PM

Quote from: H2O_Fowl on June 14, 2012, 10:04:23 AM
Love my BCB trailer but absolutely the worst loading trailer I have ever had. ...The problem with my boat trailer is placement (Height) of the bow roller. If BCB would have placed it 2 inches lower this would solve all the problems.

I've seen this happen with some Nitro boat/trailers at the local ramp too...looks frustrating.

one 'fix'...wondering why not have the 'composite' bunk boards without carpeting...they should be slick enough that boats go on without having to back so far down...plus create less harborage for invasives...

always wondered why boat manufacturers haven't made that switch at the plant?

TreyB55 · June 14, 2012, 01:14:16 PM

Quote from: coldfront on June 14, 2012, 01:06:03 PM

always wondered why boat manufacturers haven't made that switch at the plant?

$$$$$

Billius46 · June 14, 2012, 03:34:44 PM

Quote from: 18x2 on June 14, 2012, 10:42:39 AM
I have found that backing my trailer in the water until the short bunks are barely submerged works the best. I then coast the boat on the trailer until it comes to a rest and then I power it up the rest of the way. Depending on the angle of the ramp you may have to adjust a little bit but the having a fury really helps too.

This is exactly the way I have loaded any of the three BassCats that I have had. I have never had an issue. If you do the above, no matter how steep or flat the ramp might be, your Cat should load very easily. I know that works for Cougars, Pumas, Baycats and PII's. I can't speak to the other models.

BJ TARR · June 14, 2012, 03:51:50 PM

Quote from: Billius46 on June 14, 2012, 03:34:44 PM
This is exactly the way I have loaded any of the three BassCats that I have had. I have never had an issue. If you do the above, no matter how steep or flat the ramp might be, your Cat should load very easily. I know that works for Cougars, Pumas, Baycats and PII's. I can't speak to the other models.

I do the same but leave about three inches of the short bunks out of the water. Also one trick is to submerge the bunks fully and pull trailer back out. The wet bunk boards make it slide a lot easier....

Flyswatter · June 14, 2012, 11:52:00 PM

Quote from: Billius46 on June 14, 2012, 03:34:44 PM
This is exactly the way I have loaded any of the three BassCats that I have had. I have never had an issue. If you do the above, no matter how steep or flat the ramp might be, your Cat should load very easily. I know that works for Cougars, Pumas, Baycats and PII's. I can't speak to the other models.

What Billius and 18x2 said. Key is the short bunks just under the water. I don't have issues either (SaberFTD, Eyra and PIV). Let us know if this helps. Also, I do trim up to help with lift on the roller too.

CarkyF · June 15, 2012, 08:08:41 AM

Like others, I really struggled with the loading part initially.
Here are my suggestions:
1. Leave the outer bunks partially out of the water 2-3", ramp angle determines true depth.
2. The center of the boat for loading purposes is not the 'V' in the bow. Look at the offset on your boat from the front, and you will see what I am referencing. Having said this, look at the bow eye and reference something else for the midline of the boat. I use the front and middle pedestals as reference.
3. Once the boat gets on the trailer, let it settle a few seconds before powering onto the trailer.
4. Once the boat settles and the steering wheel is straight, I tend to release the wheel while driving on. This sounds kind of brash, but it seems to work for my PII.
5. Keep practicing. For months, my son and I took turns sitting on the tailgate pointing the direction to head until we figured it out.
Good Luck
Carky

GRR884 · June 15, 2012, 09:22:06 AM

I really struggled with my PII.

Now I just back it up to where the water just covers the rear step platform behind the rear axle. I put the boat on and this "centers" it up immeditately. Then I just have the driver back it a little further (about 3/4's) up the fender and I drive it on the rest of the way. I haven't had any issues since doing this way.

Flyswatter · June 15, 2012, 09:36:56 AM

All great suggestions. IMO I think some of this relates to new transition from one boat to another. Keep at it you'll get it figured out.

H2O_Fowl · June 15, 2012, 09:47:54 AM

Quote from: GRR884 on June 15, 2012, 09:22:06 AM
I really struggled with my PII.

Now I just back it up to where the water just covers the rear step platform behind the rear axle. I put the boat on and this "centers" it up immeditately. Then I just have the driver back it a little further (about 3/4's) up the fender and I drive it on the rest of the way. I haven't had any issues since doing this way.

That is what I end up doing as well. I fish alone 99 percent of the time and not only is it a pain but it's a pain for other boaters waiting in line as well. Clearing the bow roller is the only issue. Seems to me BC could cure this problem easy enough. Everything else about these boats are outstanding and well thought out.

Creel Limit Zero · June 15, 2012, 09:51:58 AM

Quote from: 18x2 on June 14, 2012, 10:42:39 AM
I have found that backing my trailer in the water until the short bunks are barely submerged works the best. I then coast the boat on the trailer until it comes to a rest and then I power it up the rest of the way. Depending on the angle of the ramp you may have to adjust a little bit but the having a fury really helps too.

Same here, if the short bunks are just barely submerged it helps line the boat up perfect and slides right on without too much force...

onebgfish · June 17, 2012, 12:31:49 PM

I have seen this several times and I live in an area with different angles on ramps.I placed a 10 inch roller on the front cross member flush to the hull and do not have a problem no more .If you want to see a pic go to my profile on the BCB boards

Flyswatter · June 17, 2012, 01:34:56 PM

OnebigFish,

Many thanks and appreciate your follow up. Is this the roller you are referring to? If so where did you get it?

onebgfish · June 17, 2012, 04:27:20 PM

Yes,the roller was bought at west marine for 20 bucks along with the bracket.I had to cut the u bolts up top just a tad to get the right fit and make it right.Sam Rush showed me this and it helped tremendously!!I have some crazy ramps in VA and now I can load and unload by myself with no hassels.I have an 09 Sabre and this was a blessing in the bow drop and getting the bow up on loading.

H2O_Fowl · June 17, 2012, 09:14:55 PM

Fantastic idea!!! I may try this one out.

Might head to the lake to snap a few pics in the morning of various trailer depths and see if I can post them here so everyone can see where I'm coming from. So short bunks just under the water huh? I'll try that again. One ramp inparticular gives me issues that I never had with any other boat and thats the ramp I will use if I go tomorrow.

No problems lining the boat up on the trailer. Only time I have to pay close attention to this is in high cross winds and even at that it's not a problem. Bass boats tend to line themselves up on their own once you get them in the cradle.

merc1997 · June 17, 2012, 11:40:11 PM

bjtarr has it exactly right. if you have ever been to the basscat owners tournament, you will see that they submerge the entire bunks, pull up to where the tip of the short bunk is just out of the water, and the boat will drive right up to the stop everytime. i have been loading basscat boats since 1980, and believe me, all of my buddies that own other brands, wish their boats would load as easily.

bo

fishinfranklin · June 18, 2012, 05:17:13 AM

What is your tongue height ?? does your trailer sit level when hooked to your truck? If your truck sits high you should get a drop hitch that levels your trailer. this will help not only with loading but it will tow better also.

Flyswatter · June 18, 2012, 06:34:50 AM

For those interested in the parts that Onebigfish used see below. That's a cool fix for some. You can get them at West Marine. Total cost is around $30.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=434446&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50802&subdeptNum=50814&classNum=50816#.T98RXo6-GlJ

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=444417&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50802&subdeptNum=50814&classNum=50816#.T98Rx46-GlI

Quote from: Flyswatter on June 17, 2012, 01:34:56 PM
OnebigFish,

Many thanks and appreciate your follow up. Is this the roller you are referring to? If so where did you get it?

H2O_Fowl · June 18, 2012, 07:02:13 AM

Just remembered this about my boat also. All the other boats I have owned I backed in until I saw the back end of the boat just start to float, then unhook, get in and barely give it some juice and off they would come. This boat, I do the same way and when I start to come off the trailer the nose is actually resting hard on the front roller and when it comes off it actually drops down some. If I don't let the back of the boat float some I play hell getting it off the trailer.

bassn1 · June 18, 2012, 08:10:29 AM

Man I hope some one has a fix for this. Mine does the same . Still thinking I may need to lower the front stop. $:-\$