Unhooking the Winch Strap

[zad0030]

Im sure this has been discussed before in other threads as a side topic but I figured I will go all out with a poll and such.

When backing your boat down the ramp do you unhook your straps before or after it hits the water?

At a public ramp, which we dont use a whole lot anymore, we would unhook the rear transom straps at the prep area. Then after its our turn and we have backed down the ramp just before the water we pull off the front strap and back it all the way. Depending on the ramp the boat usually slides itself off the trailer by using the dunk method.

I believe that there is enough friction and weight to hold the boat on the trailer.

I know someone who has owned a boat for over 20 years and feels safe unhooking all his straps including the boat buddy and towing it across his property to the boat ramp. Now thats not very far nor fast but its still bumpy.

[chpthril]

I typically unhook the winch and oh-$h!t chain in the make-ready lane so I can just back down and let it float off. With 4 carpeted bunks, I dont worry about is sliding off.

[G-MONEY]

It all depends on how steep the ramp is.....

[Dents]

I had always unhooked everything prior to the ramp... back er down and floats off.... on my old 18' runabout with an outboard.... then I first got my Tige I did the same UNTIL..... and this was not on a steep ramp... Tige started sliding off the trailer before the boat got to the water. Had I yelled stop.... DISASTER for sure... I just let him keep backing down and the prop did hit and bend one of the blades..... NEVER EVER unhook before the boat is starting to float!!!!!!!!! What if while backing you need to stop abruptly... child runs behind you or whatever... boat will be on the ramp! Unhook when boat starts to float...

[evil0ne]

It takes an extra 10 seconds so leave it on. What if the boat slides off and doesn't start when it hits the water, are you going to paddle it back to the trailer?

[skyski_tige]

I don't have straps on my boat lift!

[wrangler]

I am generally with Dents on this one... It's just not worth the risk to me to take that winch strap off until the boat is in the water...It takes so little time to unhook it...the driver just jumps out and unhooks it and I back off and away... Much safer in my estimation...but that's just me...

[skyski_tige]

but definitely hook it up when you pull it up the ramp!!!

[ragboy]

Too much to risk for a minute of inconvenience. I unhook my aluminum 14 ft $900 fishing boat at the top of the ramp.

[whitlock87]

I typically unhook the winch and oh-$h!t chain in the make-ready lane so I can just back down and let it float off. With 4 carpeted bunks, I dont worry about is sliding off.

same here.

[huntingwiley]

I never unhook before the boat hits the water. I have seen to many boats sitting on the ramp.

Better to be safe.

[quick]

..........I have had to swim out and drag my boat back in because of a dead battery, so I also leave it clipped until its in the water an running.

[rogersbm82]

I leave it clipped till it is started and am sure it will stay running.

[jleger98]

I usually keep mine clipped till either the prop is in the water or the boat is in. Also, I have a long rope with a clip on the end. Before I pull the strap off, I hook that rope up so I don't have to swim after it once it floats free ..... lets just say I learned that the hard way early on

[gcalkins]

I do not like the idea of having the boat start to float and leverage the strap, but there is no way I'm backing down any slope without being secure, so..............I always loosen the strap with a couple inches of slack, but still attached. Be sure to reflip the ratchet so it won't payout.

Yea, the boat starting thing is another reason.

Transom straps? Not equipped or set-up for.