loading

[SilverSpraySports]

I like the bow stop alot better because it gives me something to see when I am loading the boat. Not saying that the other styles don't work but it is easier to get off center when you are loading them. I have seen the boat buddy work well on the 2002 prestige trailer for the 196 but it has to be adjusted properly to work. The major drawback to the boat buddy with the Nautiques is that it will eat up the accent tape. You can fix this by trimming the tape line back just a little bit.

-Doug

[tlb]

I'm a little late to this thread. I have a DHM trailer for my SAN with the boat buddy loading system on it. I love this set up and used to have it on my MC. This system is very easy to use and I've not had any problems with it but you must know how to use it. Your can't put your trailer in too deep. I think that is why CD is having trouble with it rubbing off the trim tape. Mine leaves a mark about 1-2 inches long that rubs off with your finger right away. Also DHM mounted mine on an adjustable post so I could move it up or down until I got it in just the right spot.
I have a friend that has a trailer with the "crash posts" that seem to be so popular with Nautiques, and is having problems keeping the boat in place while trailering it.

[Socbum]

I'm a little late to this thread. I have a DHM trailer for my SAN with the boat buddy loading system on it. I love this set up and used to have it on my MC. This system is very easy to use and I've not had any problems with it but you must know how to use it. Your can't put your trailer in too deep. I think that is why CD is having trouble with it rubbing off the trim tape. Mine leaves a mark about 1-2 inches long that rubs off with your finger right away. Also DHM mounted mine on an adjustable post so I could move it up or down until I got it in just the right spot.
I have a friend that has a trailer with the "crash posts" that seem to be so popular with Nautiques, and is having problems keeping the boat in place while trailering it.

Can you post some pics? I would love to see the set up. I'm trying to determine if I add a winch, which will require a cut to be made through the upright post, or add the boat buddy loading system.

Thanks!

[Socbum]

Tlb

BTW...
Never to late to add some great advice

Thanks for adding your thoughts

[tlb]

Here's some pic's. I know a lot of people don't like this system, but I've had no problems with it. This is my second boat with this type of loading system. It does take some getting used to and again it is important not to put the trailer in too deep. Hope this helps

[Nautiqueman]

How steep a ramp are you all talking about? I hardly ever attach the winch on the boat until I am all the way out of the water with the trailer. Has anyone ever heard of a Nautique or other heavy boat coming off a trailer. I only hook up when I have a really steep ramp. I have had a turnbuckle and a winch and really like both methods to secure the boat.

[lcap]

tlb

You say you have no problems but looking at the first picture you appear to be missing some tape and have some gelcoat damage from the boatmate.

[tlb]

Icap, The trim tape came that way when we bought it new. I'm not sure why they didn't overlap it at the front. The boat buddy has never hit the boat that high.
The boat buddy is made of soft rubber so everytime you load a little rubs off at the point of impact. This dosen't scratch the boat and just rubs off with your finger or a towel. I've loaded the boat at least 50x so far and there are no scratches. Good eye though.

[lcap]

TLB

Have the same trailer as you and ordered mine with the Boat Mate but was talked out of it. I'm glade it works in the real world. Thanks for the information and the pictures.

[efox]

I am like you Nautiqueman, I leave the turnbuckle off until I am away from the ramp. In facct, the guy I bought the boat from has loaded it with the engine just on the trailer and pulled away from the ramp. He then stabbed the brakes on a downhill and the boat slid nicely into place on the trailer. I never tie the rear of the boat down either. Towed at 75mph for 100 miles and never had a problem this year.

[Daryl]

my turn to chime in - i have had my boat slide on the trailer coming out of the water.

The launch we were on was good - i never thought in a million years the boat would have slipped on this particular ramp - but for what ever reason it did - (maybe the water was a little greasy or something).

i have pulled out of steeper ramps no problem.

only slipped back about 2 feet and then we backed down back into the water - no harm done.

now - i always put the turnbuckle on no matter what.

[Dr.John]

I have a Air/Sport, an '02 Ram-Lin with the "V" block option. It prevents bounce when trailering.
When loading, with the prescribed water level 1" below the fender, the pulling eye of the bow hits the V-block every time. :evil:
The only way I have found to get the boat on is pulling the trailer up the ramp further, water maybe 4-5 " below the fender, and powering on, which is quite tedious. :cherry:
I have yet to find the combination that works.:bang: I've had older boats, albeit without the V-block, and have had minimal problems loading. This has been really frustrating so any help is very welcome. :idea:

[Nautiqueman]

Are you doing the loading by yourself or with a driver in the vehicle and you in the boat? I have had this kind of Ramlin with no trouble. I belive the trailer needs to be 4-5" below the waterline as you described. I can understand the problem with getting the boat right on the trailer, but I power it up to be flush with the V on the trailer as the trailer is pulled out of the water and cut the motor on the boat right when the prop breaks the water on the way out. It is quick and most of the time the boat does not need adjustment to be flush with the V on the trailer, but if the boat needs to be more forward on the trailer, then, I hit the brakes after going forward to get the boat to "seat" correctly on the trailer. The Ramlin will seat the boat anyway if you don't get it forward on the trailer.

Hope this suggestion helps.

[AbunDiga909]

We have a ramlin for our 216 and i basically have to agree with everyone. leave the water level right below the top of the fenders, at leats for dual axle, drive on slowly, and give it some gas until you hit the stopper, which i like, oppose to MC's style. Then if its done properly, you can drive right out w/o using the turnbuckle. we also don't have a winch by the way. I think ramlin is the way to go.

[Dr.John]

I think there is some confusion re. which "V" I am referring to, so here is a picture of the offender w/ arrow pointing to it :lol: Again, this is a factory option on the Ram-Lin, and includes the welded support bar .

When launching, I dont have a problem although the eye bumps the "V". However, when loading, given the angle of the ramp (I've tried several), the eye is low enough to hit the "V". I just can't seem to find the solution. :cry:

When I referred to the 4" waterline, that was 4" below the fender.