Powering on to trailer-risky for impeller?

[Oberon5]

Hey all, tried a search but it doesn't look like anyone has asked this particular question. I recently bought an 08 Challenger 215 (loving it)-but the ramp I use sometimes is very steep. It is difficult to gauge the right trailer depth, after doing it a few times I figured out about how deep I need to back in to get the bow to line up with the roller. Because I have to leave a bit of the trailer rails above the water, I have to gun the engine to get it far enough up on the trailer to connect the winch strap. Due to the steepness of the ramp, I can't just use the winch to get the boat to move the last 3 feet or so to mate with the roller. So...I gun it.

Has anyone ever had a problem with impeller damage by sucking up debris while the boat is suspended by the trailer? The water is about 3' deep/no weeds and a silty bottom (most likely dredged and cleaned out by the hundreds of boats gunning engines in the same place)- fresh water. Yesterday I had to hold it wide open for about 3 seconds to get it positioned correctly. If I go any deeper with the trailer the bow dips below the roller and is impossible to connect.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Sounds like you might be able to get your trailer deeper. I can usually judge the depth of my trailer by the tops of the fenders, but the amount of bunk protruding from the water is also another approach. Usually just the tips of the bunks exposed on mine, and I can float it right up to the winch stand with about a foot of strap to wench.

I bet if you get deep enough with the trailer, the bow eye should be right at the winch stand. Maybe you can't do that because the ramp is not concrete?

I know a lot of people like to drive the boat up onto the bunks but I like floating it up there, myself.

 

[Coastiejoe]

There is much that goes into this. The steeper the ramp the higher the winch hook area. This leaves two choices. 1, power up the trailer. 2, get the trailer deeper.

Potential issues with both. I power up my trailer but have Teflon slides, so to say power up is a bit of an over kill. The advantage of a shallow trailer is, the ski is on the triller nice and straight as it is sitting on both rails by the time it gets to the winch stop.

Going deeper it is easy to get to the winch stop but the ski is still floating. This causes them to not be square and it is a bit dangerous getting off the ski as it is still bobbing around above the trailer.

You will need to find a happy medium. Pay attention to rocky and weedy areas. The ramp will dictate what you will be able to do.

 

[Dr Honda]

In a lot of places it's illegal to "Power on" the trailer. (more than just a bump) It causes damage to the ramp (it will dig out a hole) and yes... you can suck junk into your pump, and cause damage.

So... before we even talk about it too much... find out if they allow it.

In Pittsburgh, it's a standing order to not power on the trailer. There are a few ramps I go to, that have a NASTY drop off, from the Jack-off's in their john boats, who give it full throttle, and wiggle around, to try to keep their feet dry, and push the boat all the way up. This is a killer for people with longer trailers.

Sure... if you have a big, heavy boat... you have to use a little power to get it up. BUT... once you engage the bunks, and are lined up... you shouldn't need more than a 1 second blast, to lock the boat in. Also... you can put plastic slides on, and a 2 speed winch. So... if I can winch on 5000 Lbs worth of Islandia... I'm sure you can winch on 3000 Lbs of 180.

I also use a few steep ramps... and you just have to deal with it. AND... the safest thing to do, is to put the trailer in a little deeper. On one of the ramps I use... I have to put the boat on, and hook the winch to it. THEN... back the trailer in a few more inches to really get it on.

If you are in a river (like I am) and the steep ramp leaves the ass-end up, to the point will it will drift off center... then add guide poles to hold it over the trailer.

 

[Oberon5]

Good info guys, thank you.

 

[JoeB14]

If you are in a river (like I am) and the steep ramp leaves the ass-end up, to the point will it will drift off center... then add guide poles to hold it over the trailer.

+1 to the guide poles. I added something similar-guide rollers, purchased from Cabellas-and they really help out. I no longer have to worry that the boat will be sitting sideways when I pull out of the ramp.

 

[RFoster130]

a lot of times i get the boat lined up and use the winch to pull it up on the trailer. If it gets to where it cant pull it any closer, i just back the trailer in a bit more while im already hooked up and it tends to float up right into place.

 

[timeman]

I've found that (depending on the pitch of the ramp), putting the trailer deeper causes the bow to go under the winch. I usually back in to where there's a little of the bunks showing, drive slowly onto the trailer, wait a second or two for the boat to settle and center itself on the bunks, then,(making sure the wheel is straight) apply a couple short bursts of power to walk it within a few inches of the winch....Our ramp is concrete and clean, not sure I would do it like this were there lots of stones or other debris below.