Question

The Trailer Boat Experts

After retrieving my boat after a trial run last weekend, the water depth at ramp (plus incline of ramp) was such that I was unable to pull the boat to only 1 ft. from the front rollers. Now that I'm in "dry dock" at home, is there a way to move the boat forward? The boat is 24ft. on bunk boards supports. Its weight is about 6,000 pounds on the twin axle trailer. Thank You. L. Wilson

L. Wilson

Answered on: 6/2005

MIKE: To properly place the boat on the trailer, I would find another ramp with more depth or less of an incline. Another option would be to take it to a local marina that uses a fork lift to lift the boat and move it forward. I am not familiar with any "safe" methods that you could perform in your driveway to correct this problem. If you had an all roller trailer it would be as easy as winching it forward. GEORGE: Mike is right: the first answer is to find another ramp. However, if you feel up to it, take the jack and raise the boat's stern up just a little and then winch the boat forward. Another option (and we discussed this in an earlier issue) is to move the trailer to an incline with the bow facing toward the bottom of the hill and winch the boat forward that way.

The Trailer Boat Expert: Mike and George