The wife and kids and I took the boat out today, as we were all home at the same time for once. 85F, very light breeze, perfect day to be out.
After about an hour on the lake, the wind kicked up....seemingly out of nowhere. I wanted to get in before it got really bad, so we headed back to the ramp. Well the ramp was on the "windy" side of the lake, and the wind was a crosswind too....just for added humility.
So I docked the boat, tied it off and went & got the trailer. Backed it in. Wife takes over in the truck at this point. I take the boat out to get a decent shot at loading. Now, I'm a pilot, so I know all about crosswind. This was like trying to thread a needle at 50 feet though. Now before I get to the ugly part, I have to note that the bottom of my boat is completely flat, and therefore the trailer needs to be flat (side to side) too, otherwise you wreck the plastic rub-rail.
ok, now for the ugly part. I'm coming in as slow as I can and "crabbing" into the wind. At this point I notice 3 dudes standing there watching.....real nice.
As I was about 15 feet out from the trailer, I hit what can only be described as an underwater gravel pile....probably from everyone powering their boats on. Needless to say, it was a little distracting 
I brought hte boat in pretty straight, but as soon as it hit the bunks, the back got pushed by the wind and the rub-rail got rolled up against the guide. Smashed the crap out of the rub-rail, actually broke it in half and took out about a 3-4 foot section. So I though, ok, cut your losses, and crank the thing on. In the midst of swearing to myself, I look up and the three dudes were laughing....pricks....
So I go grab the strap and bring it down to the boat. Now I only gotta crank it up about 5-6 feet, right? WRONG!! The teeth in the winch gave out like Mike Tysons teeth in a fight.
Finally the guy pulling out his boat next to me comes over and offers to help. We were able to put the trailer back in a little farther. The guy stood there in the water and pushed the boat into the wind while I powered it the rest of the way up onto the trailer. NOW, the teeth on the winch are gone. How do I keep the boat from falling back off when pulling out of the water?? You take your anchor rope and essentially tie the boat to the trailer.
I thanked the guy for helping, and came home to lick my wounds.
The prop (stainless) was dinged up pretty good, but nothing I couldnt fix with a pipe wrench and a file. I think I'm gonna have to replace the entire rub-rail now, and of course the winch.
You ever get that feeling you shoulda stayed in bed?? Its amazing how fast a great day can go completely to hell.
Ok, I'm better now. So two questions:
1. How heavy duty of a winch should I get to replace the bad one?
2. Anyone ever replaced the entire rub rail, or can it be repaired with a new piece?
After about an hour on the lake, the wind kicked up....seemingly out of nowhere. I wanted to get in before it got really bad, so we headed back to the ramp. Well the ramp was on the "windy" side of the lake, and the wind was a crosswind too....just for added humility.
So I docked the boat, tied it off and went & got the trailer. Backed it in. Wife takes over in the truck at this point. I take the boat out to get a decent shot at loading. Now, I'm a pilot, so I know all about crosswind. This was like trying to thread a needle at 50 feet though. Now before I get to the ugly part, I have to note that the bottom of my boat is completely flat, and therefore the trailer needs to be flat (side to side) too, otherwise you wreck the plastic rub-rail.
ok, now for the ugly part. I'm coming in as slow as I can and "crabbing" into the wind. At this point I notice 3 dudes standing there watching.....real nice.
As I was about 15 feet out from the trailer, I hit what can only be described as an underwater gravel pile....probably from everyone powering their boats on. Needless to say, it was a little distracting I brought hte boat in pretty straight, but as soon as it hit the bunks, the back got pushed by the wind and the rub-rail got rolled up against the guide. Smashed the crap out of the rub-rail, actually broke it in half and took out about a 3-4 foot section. So I though, ok, cut your losses, and crank the thing on. In the midst of swearing to myself, I look up and the three dudes were laughing....pricks....
So I go grab the strap and bring it down to the boat. Now I only gotta crank it up about 5-6 feet, right? WRONG!! The teeth in the winch gave out like Mike Tysons teeth in a fight.
Finally the guy pulling out his boat next to me comes over and offers to help. We were able to put the trailer back in a little farther. The guy stood there in the water and pushed the boat into the wind while I powered it the rest of the way up onto the trailer. NOW, the teeth on the winch are gone. How do I keep the boat from falling back off when pulling out of the water?? You take your anchor rope and essentially tie the boat to the trailer.
I thanked the guy for helping, and came home to lick my wounds.
The prop (stainless) was dinged up pretty good, but nothing I couldnt fix with a pipe wrench and a file. I think I'm gonna have to replace the entire rub-rail now, and of course the winch.
You ever get that feeling you shoulda stayed in bed?? Its amazing how fast a great day can go completely to hell.
Ok, I'm better now. So two questions:
1. How heavy duty of a winch should I get to replace the bad one?
2. Anyone ever replaced the entire rub rail, or can it be repaired with a new piece?
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