Boat buddy

[nautique_dreamer]

I stumbled across this device called a Boat Buddy http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0001975011046a.shtml. It looks like it would be very functional although I'd be concerned that it would mess up the gelcoat. Does anyone have any experience with these? Are they helpful at all?

[gride300]

RE: Boat buddy

i had one on my mc trailer and my buddy has one that came on his ramlin trailer. i personally love them, but they tend to get jammed alot. and for those who have never done it it's a pain. they are more trouble than the standard nauti hook ups, but they do have some good function/no gel problems.

[CAN'TSKI]

I had one on my PS190 trailer. When it works, they are incredible. As was said, they do jam quite often. When they jam, I would ram my boat up there and it eventually ruined the thing. If they have addressed this issue with newer models, I would say try it out. If you have to solo taking the boat out often, I would get it.
We have a dock, so I don't trailer that much and did not buy a new one.
It should not affect your gelcoat.

[swc5150]

They're great. Just make sure you get the version II.

[swc5150]

Plus they're cheaper from Bass Pro Shops by quite a bit...

[east tx skier]

If you get one, before you install it, glue some bunk carpet (in sections) to it. If you don't, you'll be cleaning black marks off your keel every time you load. I think they're useful for closed bow boats, but it was always much easier for me to just walk up to the bow, reach over, and hook up the strap on my old MC.

Also, it's recommended by many, but not all, to disengage it when you're trailering. The stress put on it over time during trailering can bend the pin rendering it pretty worthless.

This is the company that makes it.


www.kodiaktrailer.com

[swc5150]

That's a good idea east tx. I've been putting a thin layer of petroleum jelly on it to prevent those marks, which has worked well. Naturally, that's not a one-time permanent solution.

[east tx skier]

Acetone will take them right off. Rinse and wax the keel afterwards.

[SkiTundra]

I've decided I can't stand them. Not because of how they work, but because of people using them drilling holes in the bottom of boat ramps with their props trying to push their boats on to the trailer.

[Hollywood]

If you stop at your trailer before power loading, you'll definitely drill a hole. If you come in at "full" idle speed, just a blip of the trottle will get you to the bow stop, whatever that may be on your trailer. Gotta have some momentum!

[SkiTundra]

If only more people would do it that way.

[east tx skier]

I removed the boat buddy and installed a non-maring bow roller. Worked fine. I eventually ordered a new shroud and carpeted. The ramps we used were shallow, so I could get up to the "click" without much power.

Now, with the BB not being an option (and one I wouldn't bother with if it was), I just winch on so I can drop the trailer a bit deeper and not put too much of a rub on the hull.