Anyone tried one of the automatic latches?

[JSnipes]

Mentioned in a separate thread but wanted to start a new one to directly address it.

I have a 2020 G-21 with BoatMate Trailer. No issues loading or unloading really, but I’m usually doing it by myself and the only way to easily get it latched all the way up to roller is to keep it in gear (idle speed) while I run up and latch it. I don’t like leaving it in gear for several reasons.

I had an automatic pin on my previous 2 boats (both MC’s) and it worked GREAT. Coast up til it settles on trailer, slight power up until I heard “CLICK” and then done.

Is there a Nautique or BoatMate suggested one? Has anyone tried any of the after market automatic latches on a Nautique? Anyone see any reason why it shouldn’t work? A few pics below. I’m not married to the idea or the Drotto brand … the Drotto brand seems to be the most popular one based on searching the web.

Thoughts?

[aromeo]

Leave it in gear? Can't you just bring the trailer deeper and float it on?

[bturner]

I had the boat buddy's for years on several MCs and loved them but a lot of guys didn't. When the kids were young I typically would load and unload the boat myself. The boat buddy once you learned how to use it made the chore go like clockwork. What I really liked was that there was an additional lock to keep the boat in place.

The new trailer has the ramming bars or whatever you call them that you drive the boat into which I have to say I'm not a fan of. There is a level of protection or ease I guess of loading but this is the first one I've owned and find it a bit of a PITA to work around especially when putting on and taking off the cover while the boat is on the trailer.

With the kids gone now and me back to doing "loner" trailer duty most of the time, if my trailer were compatible I would probably install one on my trailer.