Snapper boat latch??

[steepz]

Has anyone used or have info on similar automatic latches like this one:

http://www.epcomarineproducts.com/snapper/features.html

i seem to never be able to get the boat all the way up snug on the bumper. So am definitely interested in an auto latch.

[MoneyPity]

We use a mechanical version on our MC trailer. Has been around since mid 90's if not longer and for the most part they have worked well.

Unfortunately on some of the lakes we go to you are not allowed to drive up onto the trailer to get the latch to close. I would still invest in one when time is right.

[gcalkins]

On my old MC trailer, I also had a mechanical latch. It worked well. Once you had backed up to the water, you had to pull a pin to release the boat. When returning, it automatically snapped in place when you rode the bow up on it. I would like another one, but it would require some bracket rewelding on my Tige'. IMO I would avoid the electronics.

[NICKYPOO]

I had the mechanical version as well until it broke. Never did get around to fixing it.

I would say away from the electronic as well.

Does getting the boat all the way up on the trailer an issue with the new boats? I could see how it could be with the super deep freeboard I guess. My old droop snoot rides pretty low so its never been an issue.

[noworries]

I've got the mechanical version on my 2002. It works well, but you still have to snug up the strap with the winch, for if the boat hangs back against the pin its a bear to unlatch next time.

I think in general the automatic latch is a positive, but I can't imagine adding electronics and another "remote control" to the mix.

[TJRiver]

I have a similar mechanical set up on my trailer. The auto latching feature is long since broken, but I do like having a back up to the strap on the ramp. I agree that the electronics and water are probably not a great mix. I'm lucky if the trailer lights will work on a given day.

What happens if I show up at the lake after a 2 hour drive and the stupid thing decides to refuse to release my boat???? Not for me.............

[TRD]

Ok, I can't resist. I have been looking at a boat buddy, a friend has it on his trailer BUT he has a dual axis trailer. His boat load a lot flatter then mine. I have a single axis trailer and my bow sits way higher then his does. Would this make a difference? I was also told that if you hit it wrong it will break then you have no way to hold the boat on the trailer except your saftey chain and rear straps if you get it out of the water.

Thanks

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...ID=&subcatID=0

[brody66]

I have never had a problem with getting my boat pulled up and then going up front to hook the strap and reel it in, i have been doing it my whole life and dont think i have ever thought "there must be an easier way", and also it is not going to help you more if you are alone, just my thoughts.

[noworries]

Ok, I can't resist. I have been looking at a boat buddy, a friend has it on his trailer BUT he has a dual axis trailer. His boat load a lot flatter then mine. I have a single axis trailer and my bow sits way higher then his does. Would this make a difference? I was also told that if you hit it wrong it will break then you have no way to hold the boat on the trailer except your saftey chain and rear straps if you get it out of the water.

Thanks

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...ID=&subcatID=0

That's the one I've got. The bow hits the rubber head of the unit and you continue forward (slightly) until the bow eye trips the mechanism that throws a pin through the bow eye. If the bow eye were above where you could mount the unit, it wouldn't work.

You also need to hit it darn near square. If your trailer doesn't have forward guide bunks or, better, keel rollers to help locate the bow you'll probably frustrate yourself. I've got guide rollers and have torn the rubber on the BB from not hitting it quite square.

My bow eye extends outward from the boat enough to have both the Buddy and a winch strap attached. The winch is located underneath. I wouldn't want to rely solely on the BB. Also, if you don't have the winch strap attached as you pull out, the boat will slide back till the bow eye is leaning against the BB pin. That makes it hard to pull the pin at the next launch.

Frankly, I use the BB mostly just to hold the front of the boat to the trailer until either I get out of the boat to attach and tension the winch strap, or the truck driver does so. Either way we get feet wet anyway.

Would I buy one if it didn't come with the trailer? Probably not, unless I was regularly boating solo, or it was just me and my wife. Me being the chivalrous sort, I'll spare her the wet feet on a cold day.

[zad0030]

Even with the Boat buddy you still have your winch and saftey chain/strap + transoms if you have them.

The purpose of the Boat buddy is just ease of exit. Set the pin drive up, drive away.

[Jeffe]

I prefer the Red Snapper...Uh, very tastey!

[TRD]

Thanks.
That answers my questions. I can load my boat w/out getting my feet wet now if my wife pulled the truck out. I just pull up until my bow eye touches hook the strap and tighten and we are ready to go. I put 2 back straps on outside the water.

My friends boat, he just pulls up and he is on. Very easy, but my trailer is different so it wouldn't be that easy. I would like to have a dual axel trailer like he does, that would be nice.

That's the one I've got. The bow hits the rubber head of the unit and you continue forward (slightly) until the bow eye trips the mechanism that throws a pin through the bow eye. If the bow eye were above where you could mount the unit, it wouldn't work.

You also need to hit it darn near square. If your trailer doesn't have forward guide bunks or, better, keel rollers to help locate the bow you'll probably frustrate yourself. I've got guide rollers and have torn the rubber on the BB from not hitting it quite square.

My bow eye extends outward from the boat enough to have both the Buddy and a winch strap attached. The winch is located underneath. I wouldn't want to rely solely on the BB. Also, if you don't have the winch strap attached as you pull out, the boat will slide back till the bow eye is leaning against the BB pin. That makes it hard to pull the pin at the next launch.

Frankly, I use the BB mostly just to hold the front of the boat to the trailer until either I get out of the boat to attach and tension the winch strap, or the truck driver does so. Either way we get feet wet anyway.

Would I buy one if it didn't come with the trailer? Probably not, unless I was regularly boating solo, or it was just me and my wife. Me being the chivalrous sort, I'll spare her the wet feet on a cold day.

[Billj]

Concerns about SNAPPER Remote Control Boat Latch

Members; I want to take this opportunity to respond to some of the comments recently posted about the SNAPPER Remote Control Boat Latch.

Concern about the electronics:
The connections and components are waterproof. The SNAPPER has been salt spray tested for 350 hours. The SNAPPER has a life time warranty.

Concern about a manual backup:
The SNAPPER has a manual overide feature which allows the boater to catch and release the boat manually if you misplace the remote control fob. The manual pull or slide bar is conveniently located at the rear, underside of the unit.

Another type of boat latch:
The boat latch that several of you refer to is a manual system intended to catch the boat by tripping a spring activated cross bar with the bow eye of the boat. It is a catch device only and does not release the boat. With it, your boat is unsecured on the trailer during the launch. The product reviews on Bass Pro Shops website discuss the product life. The SNAPPER allows you to catch AND release your boat by remote control from the comfort and safety of your boat. The SNAPPER has a lifetime warranty. Refer to the link below for complete details of the SNAPPER and its warranty.

http://www.epcomarineproducts.com/snapper/index.html

Please call me if I can answer any other questions about the SNAPPER. 800-879-3726

Bill Johnson, Industrial Engineer, EPCO Products, Inc. - Manufacturer of the SNAPPER Remote Control Boat Latch

[TJRiver]

I imagine, that if the original poster had wanted to get the information he wanted from the manufacturer, he could easily have done so.

While I appreciate someone defending his/her product, that is not the purpose of these boards. The poster was looking for real life experience with the product from other boaters, not a sales brochure.

[kana12]

how did this dude even know we were talking about the product is what i wanna know.. ?