Drotto Boat Latch ?

#danomite @danomite

Looks like we may have the same Lund 17” boat and Shorelander roller trailer, but different Drotto latch models. I measured my roller to require the 4” Drotto — black plastic with a yellow roller at the top. Which model did you purchase?

I’m having trouble loading the boat at the dock. Any advice? Thanks!

Anyone have issues with unloading with these on bunk trailers? The videos show the boat sliding right off the trailer right after you pull the lever but I’m guessing those are on roller trailers. Can you unlatch and reverse off a bunk trailer easily or do you find yourself having to push off the trailer?

Once you release the latch its free sailing, no different if you unhooked your boat with no drotto and backed in. No issues getting off a bunk because of a drotto.

mahtofire14 wrote:

Anyone have issues with unloading with these on bunk trailers? The videos show the boat sliding right off the trailer right after you pull the lever but I’m guessing those are on roller trailers. Can you unlatch and reverse off a bunk trailer easily or do you find yourself having to push off the trailer?

As long as you’re in far enough it should dump right off Mahto. Love mine!

Just like Erik said, just make sure boat is backed in far enough. With mine, I put the trailer fender tops just under water, this will “float” the stern, then when the latch is released, poof, you’re boat is off the trailer.

I have a bunk with a 1950 Tyee and have no issues loading or unloading.

I have one on a Ranger Reata 1850 bunk trailer and its the best invention ever. I get more questions asked about it every time I go to a boat landing. I will never have another boat trailer without it.

Brian Casey wrote:

#danomite @danomite

Looks like we may have the same Lund 17” boat and Shorelander roller trailer, but different Drotto latch models. I measured my roller to require the 4” Drotto — black plastic with a yellow roller at the top. Which model did you purchase?

I’m having trouble loading the boat at the dock. Any advice? Thanks!

Make sure your deep enough in the water, I put the top of fenders just out of water.
First year for it, love it! Have a roller trailer. Not only easier but safer!!

Thanks so much. I tried backing the trailer deeper into the water and it helped a lot!

Water line @ the top of the fenders (+/-) for my boat and trailer works the best.

Regarding aluminum boats…Is anyone experiencing scratches where the poly pad comes into contact with the boat?

I’m going to purchase one just trying to get intell in order to help mitigate scratches if necessary.

Thanks

Bill H wrote:

Regarding aluminum boats…Is anyone experiencing scratches where the poly pad comes into contact with the boat?

I’m going to purchase one just trying to get intell in order to help mitigate scratches if necessary.

Thanks

No more than you would with the bow rubbing on a roller while trailering. I have come in a tad too hot and/or off to one side a few times and even gouged the poly pad a little bit. Haven’t noticed much in the way of excessive scratching or rubbing and the unit hasn’t failed me yet even with some abuse.

Dean Marshall wrote:

“Old Guy ” CERTIFIED !!!!!!!

^^
That makes it “TWO OLD GUYS CERTIFIED!”

I keep hearing people rave about these but it really confuses me how it helps when you are solo with a bunk trailer and no dock. If I back in far enough to float it a bit, there’s no way I’m getting in the boat without wading into the water anyways. Maybe it’s because I’m just so used to not having a dock at the ramps I use? I just can’t find any way that one of these would help me?

3Rivers wrote:

I keep hearing people rave about these but it really confuses me how it helps when you are solo with a bunk trailer and no dock. If I back in far enough to float it a bit, there’s no way I’m getting in the boat without wading into the water anyways. Maybe it’s because I’m just so used to not having a dock at the ramps I use? I just can’t find any way that one of these would help me?

Then maybe it is not to your advantage to have one.
For me it is.

Launching alone with no dock, the Drotto isn’t as much of a benefit. I fish alone quite often, though have never had to get in the water. Use a long rope and let the boat float off, pulling the boat to the bank once clear of the trailer. However, there are times where a rope is not ideal (e.g., high current areas) and you would want to launch the boat and released the Drotto only after you’re in the boat and at the controls, allowing you to park in a more advantageous location. If you are fishing alone, Drotto really shines when you were loading versus launching. Adding Trick Steps or something similiar with a Drotto is the way to go if you want the full benefit of the convenience, especially when loading alone. No more getting into the water.

Lund 1750 Tyee on a roller trailer. Just me and the wife most of the time so basically by myself when it comes to loading/unloading. With the Drotto it’s easy and painless, without it’s a nightmare. Boat will roll back off the trailer until it’s secured when loading so it’s either run the winch strap to the back of the trailer, hook there, and winch it all the way up by hand, get out with the motor in gear to hook up the winch line, or use the Drotto. Drotto clicks in without any drama and we’re out of the water less than 2 min after I back in. Must have item for me.