Since this is technique, I thought I’d post here. I’m new to trailering. Always been in a marina on the Chesapeake. I typically single hand a 25’ CC on a tandem trailer. I’m always concerned with my ramp time. The technique I use is to fully prep the boat, back down the ramp and park at engine start depth. Back the boat off the trailer, motor out 2-3 minutes and secure to dock. Meanwhile, my truck and trailer are occupying ramp space. Once secured, I move the trailer to lot parking. My typical total time
Blocking the ramp slot is about 10-15 minutes as compared to just 3-5 if I have an experienced helper.
I can’t seem to get the ramp time under 15 minutes. I’ve tried Getting help from bystanders to pull the truck out while I back the boat off and secure but that can be a bit of a mixed bag. To my horror, I watched one fellow drive my truck out of the parking lot - only to turn around and have a good laugh. But it did increase my concern on "volunteers’.
I know this got long - the question is- is 15 minutes too long to occupy ramp? Any technique suggestions?
Are you fully prepping the boat on the ramp? If so, that’s a big no no. Prep the boat off to the sids before you block the ramp. I can usually launch my boat by myself and only block the ramp 3-4 minutes but always prep before blocking the ramp
^^^^^^This. This is always my biggest problem with folks. I have no issues with someone fishing solo and doing what they have to launch/trailer but all prep should be done off to the side.
I’m always fully prepped before I hit the ramp. Coolers, rigs, gear, etc is on board before I leave the storage area. Arriving in the ramp lot I park out of the way to release trailer tie-downs, set dock lines and bumpers and do pre launch check. Only then do I move to the ramp.
I should mention that returning is also time consuming for ramp and dock. I’ll stand-off until dock space is available. But after docking, I have to jog to the truck wait my turn to back down the ramp, get back to the boat, motor out a hondred yards to get wind and current drift for a drive-on. Then go overboard to get to the tongue to hook up and pull out.
One of my concerns is that the ramp I use is now closed for a while. A new ramp location means more time getting familiar.
Launching larger center consoles by yourself will take a little longer than smaller ones. The more you do it, the faster your times will be. I am 65 years old and launch my 22 foot Pioneer CC by myself all the time. The most amount of time is spent getting secured to the dock and then back to the truck to pull out. Sounds like you are doing everything right, but on weekends when it is crazy, try to take an extra crew member with you to help park vehicles etc. During the week with less traffic it is not nearly as bad. Leeds is a good ramp to practice at; lots of parking, 3 lane ramp, good dock space and no paddle boarders. Hang in there.
I have a 20’ CC. Once I pull into the parking lot, I pull off to the side, out of the flow of traffic, and prep. Rods are typically already in the boat and secured, I remove all retention straps, remove motor-toter, put plug in, hook up my electronics on bow and at center console, make sure cooler and food are in the boat, then head for the ramp. I leave wench strap and safety chain hooked until boat is backed in to the proper depth. If it’s still dark when you’re backing down the ramp PLEASE TURN YOUR HEADLIGHTS OFF!!! That is my absolute biggest pet peeve. Everyone always brings it up during “ramp etiquette” discussions but countless people still do it every day. Then, exit the truck (take key) and get in the boat. Unhook wench strap and chain, back boat off of the trailer and head to the dock to secure the boat. Tie boat off (take boat key out) and head back to the truck. Jump in the truck and go park. I’m usually on and off the ramp in under 5 minutes.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
It sounds like you’re taking less time than you think you are. If you’re backing down, hopping in boat, pulling off trailer, docking boat, pulling car up it probably just seems like you’re taking forever. Especially when you have an audience.
launching a 25’ cc by yourself can take several more minutes than doing it with a capable friend. 10 minutes honestly isn’t terrible by yourself if the ramp isn’t ideally setup. 15 minutes is kind of pushing it i guess. getting a boat on a trailer by yourself at a very crowded ramp where dock space is a premium can be frustrating to yourself and others because boats with friends can just nose up to the dock to drop off someone to go get the truck. Whereas it sounds like you need to occupy serious dock space with a 25’ CC while you wait in line with your truck. Not much you can do about that.
I’ve never really timed myself, but usually i have a friend and so it goes pretty smoothly. where do you think you are losing time?
idling around with the boat trying to get a position on the dock? practice will help that.
trying to back the boat off the trailer with the motor? backing the boat in further than normal so it slides off more easily may help with that.
Walking back to the ramp/truck? as long as you don’t dilly dally and walk slowly, you shouldn’t be losing much time here.
Backing the trailer down? practice helps to go faster. practice in an empty lot so you can get a feel for your specific trailer and avoid time consuming overcorrections.
Unhooking the boat? not much you can do about that. I always keep my winch and chain in place until the boat is in the water.
Having trouble starting the boat? turning on batteries and priming while on the ramp? this could cause a few headaches for others if it takes a lot of time.
Sounds like you are already doing most things right.
Thanks all. I’m going to have a look at Remleys and Leeds this week. Boat name is “JULlE C” . If you see me out there doing something stupid, let me know. Constructive recommendations always welcome. Thanks Long Enuff, just turned 65 myself. Joints don’t seem to work like they used to. Especially with high prow and high bow rail.
I’m always fully prepped before I hit the ramp. Coolers, rigs, gear, etc is on board before I leave the storage area. Arriving in the ramp lot I park out of the way to release trailer tie-downs, set dock lines and bumpers and do pre launch check. Only then do I move to the ramp.
I should mention that returning is also time consuming for ramp and dock. I’ll stand-off until dock space is available. But after docking, I have to jog to the truck wait my turn to back down the ramp, get back to the boat, motor out a hondred yards to get wind and current drift for a drive-on. Then go overboard to get to the tongue to hook up and pull out.
One of my concerns is that the ramp I use is now closed for a while. A new ramp location means more time getting familiar.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66
Just the fact you are “conscious” of your ramp time puts you way ahead of many! Yesterday I waited while 3 of 4 ramps were occupied either by people standing talking w/ trucks still on the ramps after launching and securing to the dock or backed down, launched and then took a test ride to only re-trailer their boats. The 4th was covered in kayaks.
Thanks all. I’m going to have a look at Remleys and Leeds this week. Boat name is “JULlE C” . If you see me out there doing something stupid, let me know. Constructive recommendations always welcome. Thanks Long Enuff, just turned 65 myself. Joints don’t seem to work like they used to. Especially with high prow and high bow rail.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66
You just turned 65 and are solo launching a 25’ cc? I’d chalk that up in the win column and move on.
Kudos for being considerate of others. Sounds like you are doing just fine. Keep trucking.
^ THIS, half the time if im waiting on someone who is taking forever (or atleast feels like it to me) as long as i see they are making a conscious effort to do everything as quickly as they can, It doesnt bother me a bit.
I think alot of people would agree with that, the only time i get frustrated is when someone is obviously not concerned with anyone else around them.
Keep on keeping on
Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn’t go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks.
I’m always fully prepped before I hit the ramp. Coolers, rigs, gear, etc is on board before I leave the storage area. Arriving in the ramp lot I park out of the way to release trailer tie-downs, set dock lines and bumpers and do pre launch check. Only then do I move to the ramp.
I should mention that returning is also time consuming for ramp and dock. I’ll stand-off until dock space is available. But after docking, I have to jog to the truck wait my turn to back down the ramp, get back to the boat, motor out a hondred yards to get wind and current drift for a drive-on. Then go overboard to get to the tongue to hook up and pull out.
One of my concerns is that the ramp I use is now closed for a while. A new ramp location means more time getting familiar.
2002 Wellcraft 250CC Yam OX66
Just the fact you are “conscious” of your ramp time puts you way ahead of many!</font id=“red”> Yesterday I waited while 3 of 4 ramps were occupied either by people standing talking w/ trucks still on the ramps after launching and securing to the dock or backed down, launched and then took a test ride to only re-trailer their boats. The 4th was covered in kayaks.
TOTALLY agree with this</font id=“red”>.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
FishinMission - I try not to get frustrated with others but I have to admit that it can be difficult when someone is docked in the ramp lane and waiting for passengers to arrive. I recently asked a parker if I could help pull his boat around to the back side of the dock. He said NOPE, I’m good. Didn’t have a clue.
Oh well, for now I’ll just think about what I do. Everyone learns eventually - hopefully
Bang stick - thanks for the headlights comment. Never thought of that but you’re right. Would totally screw with your night vision as well as making it difficult to put-in at a multi boat ramp. THANKS.
The ramp is where things can go wrong, especially if your rushing. I agree with having everything Stowe’s and gtg by the time you are lined up to back down, and no one has any business being docked on the inside of the float. But if you’re just generally going slow, that’s not a problem. I try to be efficient as possible, but I’m not running around.
Starting the boat at the house before I go helps also.
