Dropped trailer off end of ramp

[hart]

The tide was really low yesterday when I launched. So I'm backing up and just when I think "I'd better stop," BANG! I dropped the trailer wheels off the end of the ramp. Luckily that allowed the boat to float off so it was easy enough to pull it out but now I'm worried about damage to the trailer. I gave it a good looking over once I pulled it out of the water and I didn't see any thing obvious. Is there anything in particular I should pay close attention too before I trailer again?

[2BonC]

check the wheels are still in place

[Hamin' X]

As long as you were not going fast enough down the ramp to land it on the frame, you will most likely be OK. It should have landed on the front part of the springs. If you overshot and landed on the frame, you may have damaged the spring hangers when pulling it out. If it landed on the front spring hangers, it may have damaged them at that time. If you have some wiring running on the bottom of the frame, I would check it.

Other possible problems are:

• Scraped paint on the bottom of the frame.
  Dented, or bent frame.
  Stressed coupler from pulling out.

Definitely calls for a close inspection. Also, it shows why power loading boats should be avoided, as this is the major cause of ramp drop-off.

~Rich

[hart]

Thanks Rich for the help.

Everything looks fine except for a little scraped paint on the springs. WHEW!

[pokerrick1]

I guess my question is: Why is there an end to the ramp close to the launch area?? How old is this ramp? Ramps around the West tend to slope quite a ways out into the water so there is still a slope if the water level drops! Isn't THAT normal in the South??

Rick

[hart]

I've only had to worry about the ramp twice. Unusually low tides are the only times it's a problem.

[NiceAft]

I guess my question is: Why is there an end to the ramp close to the launch area??

It happens Rick.

Any ramp that I have gone down which does have a drop off, has had a marker showing where the end of the ramp is. Hart, if and when you go back to that ramp, look to see if there are any markings showing where the end of the ramp is. If there isn't any, and it's possible to speak to someone who can do something about it, do so. You will be helping out other boaters.


Ray

[hart]

Yeah, there are markers but they're wrong. (now I feel really sheepish). There's another 18 inches or so of ramp past the marker on the ramp I used. The other one, the marker has been hit too many times to be close to accurate.

Anyway, it was my fault not the ramp. I always launch there so I was too complacent.

It's a free ramp too so I can't complain too much.

[delevi]

Wow! Add that to the list of things that can go wrong. Sorry to hear about what happened hart. Sounds like you dodged one.

Leon

[Graham Carr]

Power loading a boat is one of the main reasons for ramp damage. Propeller wash can erode the sediment just beyond the ramp surface, creating a large hole. The eroded Sediment is deposited behind the propeller, creating a mound. Trailer tires can get stuck in these holes, and boats can run aground on the mound. Of course this is from other boater’s; ok I’ve done it at least once .

Graham

Here are a few state links with more information:
Florida

Minnesota

Washington

[pokerrick1]

Those links were very helpful Graham, I learned a lot. I was truly not aware of this problem because I guess all the ramps I used out West are longer - - - even then when I had a powerboat - - - I always WALKED it back onto the trailer - - - to avoid damage to the boat if nothing else!

Rick

[Hamin' X]

Here is a direct link to a full sized version of the Power Loading Animation.

Also, we discussed this last year in this topic:

$500 fine for drive-on Boat trailering?

~Rich

[hart]

Yep, I recall that discussion. Heck, the information posted here is why I quit power loading. Never knew it was a problem until you guys shared that info.

Went out again today and no ramp issues. Water was higher and the operator was more aware.

[pokerrick1]

Hart's experience is why this site is so great - - - this problem won't happen to anyone else lurking here

Rick

[John McDonough]

Hey Rick,

How about Lake Meade, My brother in law tells me that his boat dock is over 1/4 mile from the original launch ramp. The low tide on Lake Meade is getting lower.