Bryan,

Sounds like a plan. I like to lower the tailgate during launch/recovery and
backing. Just find it easier. Also keeps my feet dry while getting to the
winch strap. Depending on conditions I'll board the boat from the bow using
the tailgate and trailer tongue as stepping points. After disconnecting
the strap I hook it to the front cleat if I plan to power launch. When my
boat reaches the rear PVC trailer guides while power launching I attach the
winch strap to the guide for easy recovery when I return. It's easier to
position the winch strap to the guide when you move the truck trailer to a
parking space but YMMV.

BTW, it's also possible to single hand power load if you can then easily
move from the boat to the trailer tongue or tail gate. Sounds hairy but
it's not too bad after a few attempts.

Good luck.

Butch
"Bryan" wrote in message
...
Here's my plan for my first singlehanded launch. The boat is a Sea Ray
185 Sport. Trailer has bunks.

The dock will be on the port (left) side of the boat.

Arrive and prep boat for launch. Drain plug in. Fenders over port side.
Transom tie downs removed. Stern and bow lines attached to boat. Bimini
down to allow more access to boat. Load stuff onto boat.

Back trailer down to dock (I can get real close). Back trailer into water
until stern floats. Unhook bow safety chain. Release winch hook (or
should I keep it attached and just let out several feet of winch strap).
Grab bow and stern lines and walk boat back along dock and tie off to dock
cleats. Park truck/trailer. Start bilge blower. Start motor. Have a
nice day on the water.

Tie boat off at dockwith fenders and dock lines in place. Retrieve
truck/trailer. Back trailer alongside dock. Walk the boat onto the
trailer. Attach winch strap. Winch bow to bow stops. Attach safety
chain. Pull trailer out of water watching boat for centering.

Perform my solo act on a slow weekday.

Have I got it? Did I miss anything?

Bryan
Sea Ray 185 Sport