Ramp adventures

[KawarthaGuy]

Well I got stuck in my fav shallow ramp yesterday. Its so shallow that most people avoid it but with my 12 ft that I just push off and winch back up, no prob or so I thought.

 

I drive a front wheel drive Toyota Matrix - standard transmission and the right wheel is spinning. So this is what I did:

 

1. Take the boat off.

2. Disconnect the trailer and tie it to a stump so it does not roll back.

3. With a lighter load I was able to drive out.

4. Back in again on a diff angle.

5. Re-attach the trailer, put the boat on and was able to pull the whole rig out.

 

Some anxious moments for sure. I think my next car will be AWD!

 

KawathaGuy

[Sinker]

Time for a Subaru!!!

 

I launch my 16fter at some craZy ass launches with my forester!! I will not pay to launch my boat!!

 

s.

[Handlebarz]

glad to here you made it out alright.

 

heck people always looked at us like we were crazy when they would see dad and I pulling the boat down roads not meant for a truck and here would be the good ol caravan tracking on and then hit them crappy launches but if you take them like you did most are do able. I think Buster might have been with us on the groomed trail ride but that's a different story for another thread.

[lew]

Funny, but I'm just the opposite when I'm looking for a boat ramp.

 

I've got a huge amount of $$$$ invested in my boat & truck, a small fortune in fishing tackle, plus whatever I spend on gas for both the truck & boat, along with whatever other expenses are required for a day of fishing.

 

After all that, the last thing I'm concerned with is another $15 to launch the boat. A decent marina will normally have a parking lot, a nice level concrete ramp, a good dock to tie the boat to while I move the truck and often gas pumps if required.

 

I always scratch my head at the many times on this board where folks will plan a day on the water but will ask where they can launch a boat for free.

 

Maybe it's just me, but the fee for a good ramp is the smallest expense I'll incure all day, but is one of the best investments.

[Garnet]

It some times takes very little weight on those front tires for them to pull you out. Open up the hood put the anchor on the flat spot get a buddy to sit there. You just need a little weight on those front tires.