putting in a boat alone

[RobbyZ5001]

I have a fairly long rope attached to the eye on the bow I usually pinch it in the tailgate. I have the safety and winch line unhooked. I will back down enough to float it pull back up and grab the rope and tie it off quick to the dock and park the vehicle. I don't know how many people would take me to my boat around here, and I just have a 16ft with a 25hp motor.. It wouldn't be fun jumping into this boat.

[fishinbud]

Funny you should ask this as I had to do this for the first time last week. I always go with a buddy but this time I went alone. I actually kept myself up a little the night before going through the motions of trying to do it myself.

Before I got to the ramp I got EVERYTHING ready to go. Then watched a few people go out. Someone solo came by and I thought now I'm gonna watch how it's done. Instead, when he started to back down the ramp I went over and told him my situation and that I would help him out if he helped me out. He couldn't have been more appreciative.

We helped each other and it was a breeze. He told me how he does it alone and it made sense. He backs down till the boat is barely floating and then walks down the trailer and pushes it the rest of the way, then ties to the dock and parks the truck.

On my way in later in the day I docked, got my trailer down the ramp and of course made the rookie mistake of having my trailer too deep. Sure enough a guy at the dock was more than happy to guide me driving up the ramp to the right trailer depth. I simply pulled the boat onto the trailer enough to be able to drive away from the ramp.

Practice makes perfect and the fact that southern anglers are probably the nicest people you ever met doesn't hurt either.