Loading sundeck 270

[Steve Walker]

Hello all,I just upgraded to a bigger boat and am having trouble loading it. Ive tried going in draper with the trailer and winching it all the way on, shallow and driving it on, but it just seems to be a much bigger pain then loading my 18 footer I just sold. The problem is this boat is obviously alot heavier, so I can't winch it onto the trailer. If I back the trailer in further into the water to winch it on, the winch handle hits the boat when winching because the boat is floating and puting the boat at an angle. So the trailer has to be out of the water a few more feet and I have to drive it onto the trailer. But the boat won't stay on the bumper, it rolls back down unless I continue giving it throttle. So here lies a problem if I want to go out on my own. I have to have someone winch while I throttle. Anybody else have any tricks I'm missing to loading?

 

[Blueone]

Ramp angle plays a big part in loading on a bunk trailer...my home ramp was awful...everywhere else I went was great. I always had to power on with a bunk.... it sounds like you just got to find the perfect spot to back it in... I used to go by how deep the fenders were in the water to tell me if I was in that good spot or not... you should be able to power on and stay when you hit the roller...you just got to find that perfect spot.... admittedly it’s easier with two people

 

[Steve Walker]

Thanks, I'm on the gulf in Florida, I'm thinking a lot of the ramps are steeper because of the tide. I used to go just above the fenders on my 18ft boat and it was super easy. I have to sink the fenders at least a foot on this one, so I can't use that as a guage, I have to find a spot on the trailer that stands out or tape a spot or something. Thanks again!

 

[Lazy Daze]

My wife took our 260DA (28' overall) on and off the trailer as she didn't like backing up the truck/trailer. We found it was just as easy as an 18-footer - in fact, we typically were faster than most couples with 18-footers! I think you just need to get used to it. If it's sliding back after you let off the throttle... don't let off the throttle until after you cinch the winch strap/cable tight. Then gently let off the throttle and it will stay put.

There were times I did my Sundancer myself - you can definitely do it with a bowrider since it's even easier. Once you have the bow into/onto the bow roller, again, leave the throttle on just enough to keep it there while you go up and put the winch strap on.

Just noticed you have guide-on poles - we didn't even have those. Just take your time and get used to it. Definitely don't go in so far that the angle of the boat compared to the trailer is too different.

Tip... if you currently have carpeted bunks, get rid of the carpet and install bunk slicks. The boat will slide on/off almost as easily as it would with a roller trailer.

Another thing to keep in mind... The better the trailer is and the better it is setup for the boat will make things easier. So, just be sure that it's at least setup as best as possible.

 

[Steve Walker]

Lazy daze, thank you. All good points. Your point on leaving throttled while winching by myself, I was wondering if people do that. Seems sketchy. I may look into swapping out the carpet with plastic slics, I wouldn't have to back into the water as far, then have a better angle on the trailer then I do now. Thanks again?

 

[Lazy Daze]

I leave the throttle on all the time. I think I originally may have thought the same thing you are, but in reality... where's the boat going to go?

Slicks are WONDERFULL.

 

[Blueone]

Lazy daze, thank you. All good points. Your point on leaving throttled while winching by myself, I was wondering if people do that. Seems sketchy. I may look into swapping out the carpet with plastic slics, I wouldn't have to back into the water as far, then have a better angle on the trailer then I do now. Thanks again?

I should have mentioned on a steep ramp I leave the throttle on forward as well occasionally

 

[Woody]

Lets see a picture of your winch and bow from the side.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Find a roller trailer, a lot easier

 

[bbwhitejr]

I added the bunk slicks right over the existing carpet. What a difference....if you add them, you will have no choice but to leave the throttle engaged until you tighten the winch strap. Like Dennis, I loaded mine by myself many times. Push it slowly up until it contacted the bow roller, attach and tighten the strap, and then slowly let off of the throttle and shut her down....

Bennett