Trailer guide poles or bunks ?

[leeccoll]

Ok gotcha. Yes I have a dock and this is how I usually load up my boat but dont powerload.....yet. Do you leave the boat in gear at idle? Like trolling speed? Or with a little more rpms?

The only reason that I will keep it in gear while securing the bow is because the boat will roll back down off the rollers if I turn off the engine. I put the boat shift in neutral position first and see if it will stay on the trailer.
If is starts to slip backward, I bump it forward then leave it powered on. The boat will dictate how much force is needed if that makes sense.
On some days the boat will stay put and then I can turn off the motor. Really depends on the dock and angle of the launch.
On a few occasions I have shut down the motor, and as soon as my body weight goes backward, the boat starts to roll too, so I had to scramble and re start the engine, power back on the trailer, and leave it in gear.

 

[CJ7Rob]

Were you able to grab the winch cable and hook to bow eye from the bow?

I do this, but I let out about 4ft of winch cable, so I am able to reach it

 

[CJ7Rob]

The only reason that I will keep it in gear while securing the bow is because the boat will roll back down off the rollers if I turn off the engine. I put the boat shift in neutral position first and see if it will stay on the trailer.
If is starts to slip backward, I bump it forward then leave it powered on. The boat will dictate how much force is needed if that makes sense.
On some days the boat will stay put and then I can turn off the motor. Really depends on the dock and angle of the launch.
On a few occasions I have shut down the motor, and as soon as my body weight goes backward, the boat starts to roll too, so I had to scramble and re start the engine, power back on the trailer, and leave it in gear.

Yep, I've had a few roll backs before, I leave it in gear everytime now.

 

[Holokai]

As conditions allow, I try to power load as often as possible. Thunk! Right up to the bow stop. If you're by yourself, leave the engine in gear and either reach over the bow or climb down over the bow to attach the hook.

Question for those of you with the side ladder - which looks very nice, by the way! Whenever I need to hop into the boat from the pavement, I just use the swim ladder. Is there another reason for the side ladder?

My side ladder is an extra set of uprights so it helps to strengthen the side bunks. I considered using the swim ladder but figure it might cause excessive wear and possibly kink the ladder tubes near the pivot point. My logic is that the ladder was designed primarily for use in the water where shock/impulse loading will be significantly less due to the boat floating.

 

[leeccoll]

Holokai,

That is my thought too with regards to the swim ladder.

 

[leeccoll]

I do this, but I let out about 4ft of winch cable, so I am able to reach it

Thanks for clearing up it can be done

 

[Mark DV]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will be headed out on the water shortly I hope! Will report back.