Question

The Boat Trailering Guys

I've been reading about "power loading" in BoatU.S. Trailering and I'm wondering if this is something I can be doing? Is it only done with bunks or can a roller trailer be used? Do I need to have anything else on my trailer in order to make this work?

D. Jay, Hinsdale IL

Answered on: 6/2005

MIKE: You can "power" on to any trailer although it is more commonly done on bunk style trailers. With roller trailers the effort to "winch" the boat on is much less than with a bunk depending on the grade of the ramp. I have always found that having guide posts at the rear of the trailer is very helpful in keeping the boat centered while driving on. What you need most of all is some good common sense in doing this procedure in a safe manner so that you do not injure yourself or any passengers that are with you. As a rule, I always unload passengers and pets prior to loading the boat back onto the trailer. Some other points to consider: 1. Make sure you are in water deep enough that your prop/skeg will not hit bottom (don't laugh it happens all the time) 2. Don't use too much power as you may cause cavitation which in turn will cause damage to the prop. GEORGE: I understand your apprehension because a lot of boaters who rent trailers from me say they'd like to try powerloading but are worried about making mistakes. I always tell them to make sure the trailer fenders are, as a general rule 6' below the water before driving the boat onto the trailer. The biggest mistake people make is gunning the engine to compensate for wind. That's the worst you can do. Just keep the boat at a steady speed as you make the approach; sometimes all you have to do is just move in and out of gear The trailer's V-bat at the rear is designed to grab the hull and center the bow before it comes on the first roller. I haven't done this with bunk trailers.

The Boat Trailering Guys: Mike and George