Older Bass Tracker

[Cyklops99]

Hello,

 

wanted to post here, i've been mostly a shore fisherman all my life..... occasionally going out with my dad in his Bass Tracker. Sadly he passed away last november, He left me his boat, but I have to admit I know nothing about boats. I've only towed one a few times, etc. never launched one, loaded one onto the trailer etc. any tips? the best experience is... well... experience. however being a newbie, when is the best time to go when a new bie like me (slow to back up, slow to pull forward, slow to load the boat etc) isn't going to hinder people who've done it for 10 years. I suspect during the week, but looking for any tips you may have. thank you

[Chief 2]

I would think later in the day when the ramp activity will be the least. Try to pick a day when the wind is nice and calm and try to bring someone along with some experience. We all have been where you are and it really isn't as difficult as you may think. Another thought to get use to backing the trailer would be to go to a big parking lot and just practice backing into a spot.

[edfitzvb]

First, we are sorry for your loss. I am sure wherever your father is he gets some satisfaction seeing you in the boat and remembering. Advice so far has been good, everyone starts where you are and MOST of us are courteous and understanding. In fact, if you feel self-conscious, telling us that you are new will often prompt helpful suggestions. Enjoy

[TRYTOFISH]

A big vacant parking lot is a good idea. get some cones if you can. With a Tracker you will be able to load and unload it farely easy because of the weight. (wind also a factor though) If around any lakes that have some smaller abscure ramps that big boats can't launch on might be your best bet for practice loading and unloading.

[Fishes in trees]

There isn't any substitute for practice.  A vacant  mall parking lot is a good place to start.  Backing down a ramp though, the angles change some and that is a different kind of practice.  I don't know about where you live, but most of the ramps at lakes in my neighborhood aren't busy during the week, mid morning to early afternoon.

 

When you are first starting out, MAKE YOURSELF A CHECKLIST OF ALL THE DIFFERENT STEPS YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH FROM BEING ON THE ROAD TO BEING ON THE WATER.   Include essential gear that has to move from your truck to your boat and back.   It seems that different places I've seen different check lists, so you might not need to re-ivnent the wheel, but I don't remember where I saw them, so you might.  Look around and you might find one.

 

Don't forget your at home homework - i.e. bearings greased?  Got the boat plug?  Lights work?  Got enough gas?  Stuff like that.  I have check lists posted in my fishing shed, reminding me of when I did what.

 

Most importantly, don't take it too seriously.  I've been that guy who held everyone else up at the ramp because I didn't really know what I was doing.  Most of us, at one time or another, have been that guy.  I've also been that guy who offered to help.   I've also been that guy who, when his help was politely declined, knew that the only thing to do was to pop a top and watch the show.

 

Really, declining help isn't rude.  Boat loading is something you need to learn how to do by yourself and you need do go through the learning curve.

An exception to this rule would be putting in or taking out on a river with a strong current, like the Missouri River, with limited or no docking facilities.  Don't even try to do that by yourself, you're asking for it.  Don't ask how I know this.

 

As mentioned earlier, an empty mall parking lot is a good place to start.   It is good to know how tight you can turn, how tight you can back up, etc.  Just takes practice.  Another thing that I found out is that just because you get competent backing up one trailer doesn't mean that you are automatically expert in backing all trailers.  There are lots of variables.

[je1946]

Also sorry for your loss.  As posted we've all been there and I think most people are understanding but you always run into a jerk once in a while.  One thing I may add to above post is have a little prep breakdown pkg, in case of a flat tire do your have the proper jack to lift the trailer with wheel chocks, check your tires for dry rot and proper air pressure, also check your spare tire for pressure and rot and make sure you have the right lug wrench some times the lug nuts are a different size than your car lugs.  Gd luck you'll be nervous the first few times but you'll settle in nicely.

[Sam]

Chief 2, on 12 Apr 2014 - 06:57, said:

I would think later in the day when the ramp activity will be the least. Try to pick a day when the wind is nice and calm and try to bring someone along with some experience. We all have been where you are and it really isn't as difficult as you may think. Another thought to get use to backing the trailer would be to go to a big parking lot and just practice backing into a spot.

 

And go s-l-o-w.

 

If you are alone remember to tie the boat to the ramp securely allowing enough rope for the boat to slide off the trailer and then be held in place after a short drift along the ramp.

 

Load all into the boat before launching. The ramp is for launching and trailering; not loading and unloading.

 

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PUT THE PLUG IN THE BOAT BEFORE LAUNCHING. In fact, put the plug in the boat when you leave your home if it is not raining.

 

Test trolling motor and run the motor before you leave home. Get a pair of "ears" that will supply water to the motor and connect that device to a garden hose to provide water to the motor. Run the motor a few minutes to make sure all is well before hitting the water.

 

Get some tennis balls and put one each on each blade of your trolling motor before covering the boat. You will have to cut the balls to make slits to go over each blade.

 

Check with your game and fisheries department to find out what you need on your boat to be legal. If there is a Power Squadron in your area have them give you a free inspection and a sticker.

 

Take a safe boating class.  In Virginia guys under 45 years old have to have their Safe Boating Card when operating a motor boat. Just be sure you meet all state requirements.

 

Pontoon cleaner is great to shine up your Tracker. Get some along with rubber gloves and a scrub sponge to clean the boat's hull.

 

There are a lot more tips we can give you so I will not take up any more of your time and turn the thread over the rest of the gang.

 

Be safe; have fun; and catch some big ones!

[A-Jay]

 Before venturing out on your own, perhaps if you go to a "Busy" ramp Without your boat & trailer and watch how other operators do it, you could see what to do and what not to do.

 

Everyone does it a little different.  Do what works for you.

 

Here's a couple of videos on the subject.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju7X2CqLrVc

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb1eNzsixjE

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaVBjbZpIMs

[jhoffman]

If the ramp isnt busy I always let my motor warm up while the boat is still on the trailer, ive had a few instances last summer when dealing with ethenol eating fuel system parts and chasing a ghost for awhile. Here, the ramps arent busy yet unless theres a tournament. The other day I had the ramp to myself for my first time out for the year for a solid 15 mins.

 

Prep your boat before you pull onto the ramp. Everything should be ready to go when you start backing down, always a good idea to tilt your motor going in and coming out. Make sure the straps are off, the plug is in and not much can go wrong.

 

Depending on age of the boat, you might start having ethenol problems soon if theyve never been dealt with prior.

[Gotfishyfingers?]

Sorry about your loss. x2 with you tube. Do a search on boat safety, launching etc. That should get you fairly familiar before you get to the ramp and on the water.  Good luck!