985crabs
Captain
2000 V1900 Bay Series, Yamaha 150 Carb. 2
Posts: 1,309
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Post by 985crabs on Aug 28, 2020 6:21:07 GMT -6
I finally got mine mounted. I got the sport model which has a handle extension and did not require bow eye replacement. I’ve only used it a couple of times, but it is very cool. Back in until motor is wet, start up, reach over the bow, pull the handle and off I go. Then drive onto trailer until you hear the click and pull out. Yes, you can actually hear the click over a 2-stroke.
Thanks, Catcher, for introducing to us.
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Post by Juan on Aug 28, 2020 8:51:44 GMT -6
I wanted to give this thing another look so I looked for this thread and couldn't find it.. Had to ask Catcher for the link. Haven't ordered one yet but I'm real close. Can either or both of you post a picture of it with the boat pulled up against the bow stop? I've always had a bow stop roller and I'm not sure how that "Y" looking bow stop is going to fit the contour of the bow.
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catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
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Post by catchersrock on Aug 28, 2020 9:11:45 GMT -6
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Post by Juan on Aug 28, 2020 12:17:40 GMT -6
Thanks. I was thinking the "V" in that stop fit around the contour of the bow but I see it doesn't. That should work if I get the right bow eye. Two more questions: Is the extended handle the only difference in the "sport" model? and did you have to turn your winch strap around so it comes off the bottom of the winch or was it always like that? Mine comes off the top. Sport model sounds like it would be the easiest to install:
Ramp-N-Clamp Sport Long Handle Model automatic boat latch will fit:
Any Boat with a stainless steel U-bolt bow eye.* Does not require long bow eye.
Any Trailer with a 3 to 4 inch wide roller stand.*
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985crabs
Captain
2000 V1900 Bay Series, Yamaha 150 Carb. 2
Posts: 1,309
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Post by 985crabs on Aug 28, 2020 12:54:09 GMT -6
I’m still identifying ideal depth/ramp steepness ratios.
Device is not to be mounted rigidly. It is supposed to move a bit up and down with the contour of the bow.
I sent the guy a picture of my trailer setup with the boat on it and he said Sport Model would be fine. It’s good.
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catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
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Post by catchersrock on Aug 28, 2020 13:33:52 GMT -6
The device is installed so that it can rotate on the bolt that was the roller bolt.
Mine came with a longer eye.
I did have to change the strap. My original strap went under the roller and when tight held the bow down against the roller. This device will not do that, so, I had a little bouncing of the bow when running down country roads. Switching the strap to the bottom put just a little down force on the bow when tight and fixed the bounce.
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Post by Juan on Aug 29, 2020 6:08:51 GMT -6
I'm still trying to justify one of these but unless I'm missing something, I still don't see the advantage. When launching, I still have to get out of my truck and into the boat, and I disconnect the winch strap before climbing into the boat. When loading, I pull the boat up on the trailer and then have to climb out to pull it out of the water so I snap the winch strap on as I climb out. What am I missing? Is it stainless steel?
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985crabs
Captain
2000 V1900 Bay Series, Yamaha 150 Carb. 2
Posts: 1,309
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Post by 985crabs on Aug 30, 2020 10:26:36 GMT -6
Here’s the Sport model. Note the extended handle. I put bunk slicks on my trailer so I can’t unhook before backing down a ramp. The boat won’t stay on the trailer upon recovery without the strap, especially on a steep ramp. This thing saves someone having to land the boat and crank The winch in. You’re missing the entire coolness factor. Nobody around here has one and I’ve gotten some admiring looks already. Are you telling us you don’t have something on your boat that is somewhat useless, but so cool you had to have it?
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Post by Juan on Aug 30, 2020 14:28:59 GMT -6
Here’s the Sport model. Note the extended handle. I put bunk slicks on my trailer so I can’t unhook before backing down a ramp. The boat won’t stay on the trailer upon recovery without the strap, especially on a steep ramp. This thing saves someone having to land the boat and crank The winch in. Okay, I understand it's usefulness in your case... I have to gas mine in reverse to get it off the trailer and it stays right up against the bow stop when loading. You’re missing the entire coolness factor. Nobody around here has one and I’ve gotten some admiring looks already. Are you telling us you don’t have something on your boat that is somewhat useless, but so cool you had to have it? I'm not missing the coolness factor.. I like gadgets and that's why I considered it... just thinking there's no advantage to it in my case. And other than me, I have LOTS of useless stuff on my boat and I'm still adding to it.
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Post by freezerfiller on Aug 30, 2020 19:39:41 GMT -6
I like it, but I am concerned about bouncing down the road and such. Of course mine bounces unless I tighten the hell out of the strap..
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Post by Juan on Aug 31, 2020 4:51:10 GMT -6
I like it, but I am concerned about bouncing down the road and such. Of course mine bounces unless I tighten the hell out of the strap.. You might try moving your winch stand forward a couple of inches.
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catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
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Post by catchersrock on Aug 31, 2020 12:24:17 GMT -6
Juan
The Ramp N Clamp for me is a loading tool, not so much launching. Here are my launching and loading scenarios:
Launch - Prep in the parking lot then back down till the back of the boat is at the waters edge. Get out and release the Clamp, then back in and float the boat off and either catch with the trolling motor or a rope tied to the truck bumper. No getting in the boat at all.
Load - this is where it shines for me. Set the clamp when I walk to the truck and back down the ramp. Drive up the trailer till I hear the click. Step on to the adjacent pier and get in the truck. Drive up the ramp to the tie down area, then connect the strap and drive home. No walking down in the water to winch the boat up on to the trailer.
Both ways, in and out, my feet are dry. Here, thats a BIG deal!
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Post by Juan on Aug 31, 2020 16:46:03 GMT -6
Makes sense to me and I can see where it's a great addition for some. I guess I've been lucky, when both launching and loading, if I back my trailer down the ramp until my fenders are barely above water there's always enough dry ramp behind the truck to unsnap or snap the winch cable to the bow eye without getting my feet wet so I can't see how the Ramp and Clamp would make launching or loading any easier in my case.
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mosquito13
Lieutenant
Posts: 788
Location: the other West Coast
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Post by mosquito13 on Sept 1, 2020 7:03:23 GMT -6
Have you had any issues driving the boat up on it and lining up to the catch? I have two ramps I use that are wicked steep so the boat is not set on trailer bunks as much at just trapped by my uprights til I pull the van up some.
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Post by Juan on Aug 13, 2021 14:09:45 GMT -6
Crabs, Catcher: You guys still liking the clamps? How are they holding up? Any issues?
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985crabs
Captain
2000 V1900 Bay Series, Yamaha 150 Carb. 2
Posts: 1,309
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Post by 985crabs on Aug 13, 2021 14:30:01 GMT -6
Love mine. Used it last weekend with a novice pulling me out. Just said, "When you hear the click, put the safety chain on and pull me out". I drove up the trailer until it clicked and that's all she wrote.
Don't forget the coolness factor. People look at you. "What the hell was that? That was too easy." is written all over their faces.
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Post by Juan on Aug 13, 2021 14:41:28 GMT -6
Good to hear! I'm still not sure I need one on the Sea Pro but I think I might need one on my Skiff's trailer. You tell me: To get the skiff to slide off the trailer with the motor running in reverse, I have to back the trailer in until the fenders are under water and then when I disconnect the winch strap, the boat slides back several feet on the trailer and I have to walk out on the trailer rails to get into the boat. It's a pain and I'm going to bust my tail one of these days. Would a Ramp and Clamp help? I need something that will hold the boat in place until I get in the boat and ready to release the winch strap.
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985crabs
Captain
2000 V1900 Bay Series, Yamaha 150 Carb. 2
Posts: 1,309
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Post by 985crabs on Aug 13, 2021 19:45:26 GMT -6
You alone or you have a mate? Sounds like you have to get really deep to pull her off.
My deal is I have bunk slicks to reduce friction on hull and she slides off easy. Too easy.
I back in until the motor will suck water, while still allowing me to get on without getting wet. Then I get on and start motor. Once I’m under power, I get mate to back me up a couple more feet until hull floats. Then I go forward and pull the handle to release the Ramp and Clamp. I drift away from trailer, engage reverse and tell mate to drive away.
Maybe you need to reduce friction so you come off easier and less deep? You’re not going to come off any way if you can’t get off the trailer.
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Post by Juan on Aug 14, 2021 4:55:54 GMT -6
I'm usually launching solo even when I've got a mate. I just don't trust anyone else backing or pulling my truck and trailer out of some of the steep ramps I launch from. I'd rather do it myself so if the truck and trailer ends up underwater, it was my fault. That said, I don't think the trailer is too deep when launching since I can still walk out to the winch and keep my feet dry and it's deep enough to trim the outboard down and have enough thrust in reverse to pull the boat off the trailer. The problem is I have to disconnect the winch cable before climbing into the boat and when I do that, the boat slides back a few feet on the trailer and then I have to walk the rails to get in. I think it's too slick already. If I added bunk slicks, it would probably keep sliding to the point where I couldn't reach the boat. I need some kind of release that will hold the boat against the bow roller until I'm in the boat and ready to release it. Will the ramp and clamp do that?
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catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
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Post by catchersrock on Aug 16, 2021 5:57:26 GMT -6
Hey guys and sorry for the slow response, been working. I still love mine!!
Juan - the way I deal with launching my boat alone is with the powered deploy trolling motor. I back the boat down till the tires touch the water (so if the boat actually slides off, it will hit water and not concrete), then un hook everything and float the boat off, deploy the trolling motor from the truck and drive the boat out of the way and anchor it with the trolling motor then park the truck. I think the long handle version will take care of your lunching.
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