launch and retrieve aids? Solution needed

[fish'n Jim]

Ok, yesterday, I figured out I could use a Z-launch.   The water was low and I couldn't get the boat off myself without tip toeing down the concrete curb and crawling around the truck.   I have a Hamby, so no issue.   After I ordered, I realized that's only half a solution.

Driving back on, leaving enough room to get out without getting wet, it wasn't deep enough to winch up all the way.   So had to repeat sink then straddle the ramp edge to get to the trailer.   That's when I slipped and dipped my foot.   No one should have to drive home for 2 hours with a squishy wet gas pedal foot or go eat with a wet pant leg.   On long trips I carry extra clothes, towels, shoes, and sox, but day tripping I didn't.  

So if the Z-launch helps me get it off, what helps me get it back on without getting wet?  

It's (safely) transitioning from the boat to the truck that's a problem for the old man.  Trailer has a step platform up front, but you still have to tip toe out the tongue and across the bumper.   Normally, I try to launch close to the dock so I can jump, but that's getting awkward too.  This dock was off located.   I did that a few weeks ago and it was a stretch and thought, boy, fat old man was lucky he didn't slip, hit his head, and drown.  

This is only a problem on shallow ramps or low water - dual wheel boat trailer.  Water was down about 6'.   I have some ramps I can't launch at all or need high water.   I used to climb into/out of the bed of the 4x4, descend off the tire, but it was higher/but I now have a 2x4 with a flat cover, and I'm aging fast.   I had major such problems when I launched from a motorhome.   I used to tow with vans exclusively for this reason.   In cold weather, just go in and out the rear door... even if it was partly under water.

I never launch unhooked, because one day at the river, the current was fast and she drifted off.   Thankfully, someone gave me a lift.   So I don't advise that unless someones in the boat...

Time to invent...robot driver, electric winch, motorized trailer extender, or something.  Quitting is NOT an option.   All suggestions considered.

ps:It was late/almost dark getting cold, and no one at the ramp to assist...or many for that matter this time of year.

[fishnkamp]

The simple and safe thing I do is have a set of hip boots with you in the truck. When I go get my trailer I change into a good old pair of hip boots. Now you can put them on and step in the water without the unwanted squish of the wet shoe, pants leg etc.  Another benefit is the wadwers usually have good deep tread so I rarely worry about slipping on a slimey ramp.

 

Summer is different, then a simple water shoe and a towel is all that is needed. 

The other much more expensive solution is something like "Rope a Boat"

[fish'n Jim]

Curse you, fishnkamp!   My hip waders were in the truck!!!!  Yes, think before you act...pays well.

One of those, going through the motions, I thought I could get by senior moments.   I definitely use(d) boots, mostly on the Lund aluminum, but since giving up the 4x4, I don't venture far from the concrete any more.  I had no choice on the OH river even with concrete.   4X4 or get stuck.   Lund's trolling motor powered and ain't no way to drive on, except when I had twin pushers out the transom for the fast get away on the electric only lakes in PA.   MD, miss the "tides" and Susqie "flats" but not the 95 traffic.  

 

[Fishing Rhino]

Waders will work just fine.  So will hip boots.  If you wear a size 10 shoe, get a size 11 hip boot.  It will be much easier to slide them off and on.

[fishnkamp]

It seems we have run around some of the same places.  I guess the time to remember the hip boots IS before you get wet feet!  So how do you like it down in SC. Do you have some good lakes nearby?

[WRB]

 

 

 

[WRB]

Have no idea what happened to the 1st text?

I use 10" wide metal non-skid planks from Cableas mounted to the trailer tongue and Flex-Step on the trailer side to aid me walking on the tongue without slipping off and getting into or out of my boat from the bow when it's on the trailer.

Most launch ramps have a dock to back down next to, then you don't need to get wet.

Tom

[fish'n Jim]

Well, yesterday, I HAD TO use my hip waders.   I went to a ramp I hadn't been to in a while and it got silted over before they dropped the lake.   The truck wheels were in the water, so wade it was.   Unfortunately, there was half a foot of red clay mud around the trailer.   So I got red mud on everything.   Good news, even though they missed the sunny forecast for wet and cold, I put a 5+ over the side.

Yes, fish'nkamp, I was over that way for 8+ years.  I fished with the Brandywine boys, PA TBF, and BFL(mostly down here; Piedmont, Shenandoah, so I slogged 95 more times than I wanted to).   So we forayed into MD a few times.   How's my old buddy that runs the marina down at the northeast?   Still riding his golf cart?   Only guy I met that wasn't upset if you woke him up at 4 AM.   I saw him on TV a while ago on some big T out of there.   Navigating Turkey Point on a blow in a Ranger, will always stick in my pucker factor memory.   Potomac in April, none better - elbow to elbow combat fish'n at it's finest.  

I'm doing the Catawba and Savannah chains these daze.   Lots o water here within <2 hours.   The other side of the mountains(TN) ain't bad fish'n either but we have better weather for old farts who also golf.

I'm thinking some sort of ramp system like mentioned above, or some other type vehicle.  A remote controlled hydraulic tongue extender would be bitchin.   Maybe a pop up foot rail like they have for trucks, mounted farther back?   I guess I could get rid of the topper, but still need locking cover.