"Monkey Butler" wrote in message
...


Here in Mass. most ramps prohibit power loading and have signs posted
to that effect, like this one in Weymouth...

http://www.monkeybutler.com/boat/ramp.jpg


Steve P.

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I guess I am one of the few that used to power load all the time back in the
mid 90's. I had an old, '82 Century 27 foot Express Cruiser in a slip in
Scituate. MA (my second ocean boat). By the end of the first boating season
I was very proficient at loading and launching that thing by myself as it
seemed like every two weeks I had to haul it out to have something repaired.

The ramp at Scituate was concrete, steep and long. There were no signs
prohibiting it and most people power loaded. I'd back the trailer in until
it was almost fully submerged, then drive the boat onto it slowly, but with
authority before the wind or current could screw up the approach. On windy
days I'd crab towards the ramp, seemingly way off course to the trailer and
then, at the last minute, cut the helm over quickly and run the bow right up
to the "V" on the trailer. I'd leave the engine running at idle with the
shift in "forward", climb up over the windshield and cabin to the bow and
connect the trailer hook to the bow ring. Then, climb back down to the
helm area, kill the engine, raise the leg, climb back over the cabin and bow
and onto the truck bed, jump over to the ground and haul it out. Never got
my feet wet.

Usually got a "9" or "10" from the ramp area watchers, mainly because I was
doing it single-handed.

I've had more problems loading smaller boats, quite frankly.


Eisboch