Tried my boat first time....I need help!

[badbob]

Hello, I put my boat in the water for the first time this past friday.

I bought a used Bass Tracker 16' Once we were in the water I loved it!

(First boat I have ever had) anyway getting that boat off and back on the trailer must nave been a sight for anyone watching. Talk about your chinese fire drill....we had a heck of a time . Can someone give me the run down on the how to launch and load a boat?

Thanks, Bob

[cart7t]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boating.html

The info is already available here.  

[Uncle Leo]

I have a Nitro which uses the same trailor as Tracker. My quess is you have been overshooting the bumpers on approach. When the trailer is in the water keep your wheels 1/4 the way out of the water. boat will glide on nicely.

[GobbleDog]

My advice on normal ramps is to back the trailer down until the water level almost reaches the tops of the trailer wheels, then drive the boat on. For steep ramps, don't back down quite as far (otherwise the nose of the boat can get caught under the front roller). For shallow ramps, you might need to back in a little further.

Putting the boat in is the easy part.

[farmpond1]

Each ramp will be a little bit different.  Some are really steep and will cause you grief if it's windy or if you are by yourself (the boat will often be pushed or drift off center).  Shallow ramps will require that you back the trailor further into the lake and (may) require that you rev up the motor more to propel it up the trailor.  Don't get discouraged.  Once you become familiar with any given ramp, it becomes easier.  Also, don't be afraid of looking a little silly.  We're all in the same boat together (pun intended).

[tkite16]

Number 1 rule deep breath and relax.  Take your time and you'll end up being faster.

[badbob]

Thanks for the advice ( really) I think I was backing in too far my trailer wheels were completley submergered......and it was very windy.

I really do appreciate all the advice I have received here.

All the best, Bob

[Garnet]

I never attach a hand line.

Undo everthing but the winch. Back down the ramp until the boat floats. Stick in park and undo winch unhook and jump in the front of boat. Reverse off the trailer and tie boat. Get your truck.

The more wind and current the less trailer in the water. Most trailers are between the axle and 3/4 tire.

Garnet

[Sam]

Ah yes, the most exciting part of boating....launching and trailering the boat.

It is even more fun when there are others around to see you attempt both procedures.

Have fun. ;D

[FisinCrazee]

Wind, tide, and boating by myself most of the time is why I went to Bass Pro Shops and purchased their 5' Bunk Board Guide-on Kit.  A good wind and tide together really made it hard for one person to either launch or to recover my boat which is the same make/size as yours.  Worth looking into if you want to keep all your hair; I lost some of mine before I got the guide-ons.    

Bob

[BassChump]

Hi and congratulations on your new boat. I have had several boats but bought my first bass boat late last summer.

I can tell you this. Nothing you do will help you more than installing the boat guides. These are nothing more than a verticle pole on each side of the trailer that guides your boat on the trailer no matter how crooked you drive it up or how much the wind pushes you around.

I've had a couple of boats that didn't have the guides and they were always a pain to load if the wind was blowing, water currents or even an unlevel or uneven ramp.

Do yourself a favor and get these as soon as possible. You'll be much happier with your boat. GUARANTEED!!!!!

 I hope you have as much fun as I have with my first bass boat and good luck.

                   

[Bassn Blvd]

I don't want to sound like I['m poking too much fun at ya but, can you video your next launch and post it on here.  I love watching people at the ramp.  You see some pretty wild things.  Good luck with your new boat and tight lines.

[cart7t]

I don't want to sound like I['m poking too much fun at ya but, can you video your next launch and post it on here.  I love watching people at the ramp.  You see some pretty wild things.  Good luck with your new boat and tight lines.

Excellent idea.

When can view it and lau....er uh.. critique your launching and loading style.