Barren Ramps - Falling Water - Unloading Boat

[johnlow]

Since Barren is being pulled hard now & water level is dropping, where do you guys who go fishing by yourself put your boat after unloading, on the ramp, on the rocks, while you park your vehicle & same for coming in & loading out? Thnking primarily about the Narrows where I go the most, can't use the courtsy dock since it's out of the water.

[crazyfishinnut]

i have put keelguards on everything i have owned so i pull right up on the rocks

[johnlow]

I wanted to put something like that on my boat which is a 15 1/2 Bomber Bassmaster, but after inquiring for my boat & sending pictures of the way my boat rides on the trailer, both the Keelguard & Keelshield folks said their product wouldn't hold up to the stress of loading & unloading & would not recommend putting it on, so I didn't, but at times like these, wish I could.

[pastorbass]

I always put in at Bailey's Point. As soon as I back the boat off the trailer I go up on the rocks between the ramp and the dock. It is a lot easier since they have redone it down there.

[jfw]

where can I get a keel guard ???? I have patched my boat with duraglass many times:)

[crazyfishinnut]

bass pro shops has them cheaper than anywhere else took about 45 min to put mine on my 18 footer

[cbait]

Here's a good way to unload by yourself if there is not a dock to tie to

a) unlatch the winch but leave the strap hooked to the boat
b) slowly back into the water until the back of the boat starts to float and the front begins to slide away
c) put the truck in park, turn off the engine and set the emergency brake
d) unhitch the strap and push the boat off the trailer enough to where you can step up onto the boat as it continues to slide off the trailer
e) use the trolling motor to pul the boat to a "smooth" area of bank beside the ramp or use the ramp itself
f) slow down before baot beaches itself and step out of boat and catch the front end and lift up while pulling the boat forward
g) gently set boat down in place

Usually this is enough to hold it in place until you park your vehicle. Extra measures include using a rope to secure the boat to something, lifting the trolling motor over to rest on the ground (ramp) and trimming the motor down until it touches bottom. Of course, if the wind is blowing hard the boat can end up getting beat around some but if not then I have found that this method is easy on the hull as long as you don't allow it the slide on the bottom (ramp) going back and forth.

[Fishin_4_Fun]

If a pair of fishermen will be putting in directly after you, ask if they will give you a ride out to your boat. Then launch your boat and let it float off. Go park , then ride in their boat over to your boat and get in.

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I'd rather be catchin! :7