I was THAT ONE yesterday morning at the launch. Still don’t know how I did it but I forgot to undo one of the tie down straps on the back of the boat. Wind was blowing good and people were backed up waiting to launch. I know what kind of things were being said as I am sure that I have said them by the people waiting and shaking their heads at me. Maybe next time I am the one waiting I will be more understanding?
I fish by myself 1-2 days a week. Forgot to put the plug in last time out, was casting from front of boat, turned around to a sinking boat. Thankfully bulge pump worked well but I got pretty wet putting in the plug, that hasn’t happened in a long time.
I’ve said this on here several times so I won’t get into all the details again but I think it’s worth repeating for anyone else that hasn’t read. I was much more experienced in backing other sorts of trailers (including enclosed) and had little experience with a boat trailer.
Long story short my first time at a launch I was having all kinds of trouble and no one was more pissed at me than me. This guy gets out of his truck and I’m anticipating an argument. Guy comes over and talks calmly the whole time, doesn’t complain, just jumps right in and helps me back it in successfully and gives me pointers for the future. I recognized how impatient and annoyed he could’ve been but helped instead, and I’ve tried to pay it forward and help others ever since. We all know there will be people that haven’t prepped a thing or are rudely taking their time; but for the frustrated person making an honest effort I think everyone is worth helping out, we’re all just trying to enjoy the lake.
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When loading my first motor with power tilt I forgot to raise the motor. When I fish alone I hook the strap and winch the boat on the rollers. Then I back in a little and winch some more. The skag dropped in between the planks at landing . I wasn’t able to go forward or backward. Going in the boat to raise the motor just added more weight. Wasn’t the first time I got my feet wet. And wasn’t the first time I’ve had Rectal Amnesia and probably won’t be the last.
It happens to the best of us Brent. I thought my fishing partner took off the back straps one time and it took me a little to relies why the boat would not leave the trailer. Lucky we were the only ones at the ramp but he will remind me of it from time to time.
No worries.
I launch 190 days a year. Make several mistakes each year too.
Friday.
Buddy who was with was doing his normal routine….Asking 5x during the launching process if he can help….(My response almost always NO, but thanks) Each time, taking my mind off my routine.
Boat in the water, started, i begin to back boat off trailer…But it isn’t moving. Scott says “Want me to back in further” … “No” …I’m just going to take off this winch now 
With me, helping is NOT HELPING. lol. Do something enough, it doesn’t take much to wreck your train of thought. 
Yesterday was a good example. 3 Heat Exhausted people in my boat who been drinking for TOO DAM LONG! (Not a fan of drunks in my boat) we get to landing and it is busy…DUH, 3pm on sunday. 3 people in my boat bitcn about the wait. I look at them and say in 4 years my longest wait is 15 minutes – HAVE ANOTHER BEER and be patient We were out in less than 7 minutes.
Usually don’t take long. Even when someone struggles.
Been there for sure, both as a new boat owner and after my 500th launch. Sometimes you just have other things on your mind. Always good when the other people at the launch remember that it has probably happened to them too
Long story short my first time at a launch I was having all kinds of trouble and no one was more pissed at me than me. This guy gets out of his truck and I’m anticipating an argument. Guy comes over and talks calmly the whole time, doesn’t complain, just jumps right in and helps me back it in successfully and gives me pointers for the future. I recognized how impatient and annoyed he could’ve been but helped instead, and I’ve tried to pay it forward and help others ever since. We all know there will be people that haven’t prepped a thing or are rudely taking their time; but for the frustrated person making an honest effort I think everyone is worth helping out, we’re all just trying to enjoy the lake.
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Thanks for the reminder we should all try to keep this in mind at the launch. As long as they are prepared and not loading the boat or other numerous dumb things, everyone could use some slack.
The problem right now when you offer to help someone or they offer to help you is that we’re in a pandemic and I’m sure lots of people are worried about coming into close contact with others even if they are there to help. In a normal situation, help is often welcomed, not so much right now.
I have a Drotto. It is awesome, when you use it right. Last time I launched I got in and pulled the lever to only move an inch…I forgot to undo the strap and safety chain. So I had to gun the boat back up to re-latch the Drotto, crawl over and unhook everything, get back in, and pull the lever. Worked like a charm after that.
Was next in line at the access yesterday getting a little impatient. Skinny little 5 foot nothing blonde hops in a 1 ton pickup and flawlessly backs trailer and loads up a beautiful 17-18 foot fishing boat by herself while her male companion was putting stuff away in the boat. Wanted to shake that guys hand and find out if she has a sister
I was that guy getting gas at Sportsmans on LOTW early Saturday morning. The pumps were in a pretty tight spot (they had the larger area roped off for some reason). Well, with the wind and little bit of current it took me about half a dozen tries to get in there. The dock kid thought it was pretty funny as I was bouncing my boat off the dock.
Finally got her square and tied off only to have the rope come loose and start drifting away while I had the nozzle in the tank. Embarrassing to say the least!
Was next in line at the access yesterday getting a little impatient. Skinny little 5 foot nothing blonde hops in a 1 ton pickup and flawlessly backs trailer and loads up a beautiful 17-18 foot fishing boat by herself while her male companion was putting stuff away in the boat. Wanted to shake that guys hand and find out if she has a sister
Yup. Seen same thing Friday, she could tell we were impressed by her grin 
Seen a smoldering red head in a sundress do it a year ago. Love it!!!
The Monday after opener I took my new 1875 Pro Guide out for the second time. Got it off the trailer and tying it up to the dock and I am getting sprayed by water. Well I found out there is an automatic bulge pump since I didn’t put the plug in. I carry another in the drawer but the factory one hangs out the hole on the small cable and I didn’t want to damage that. So back on the trailer and pull it out so it can drain. Glad the launch wasn’t busy.
We have a private boat launch that is used by only nine of us. I’m really glad for that. Once everyone has their boats in the water in spring no one hardly uses it again until it’s time to get the boats out in fall. If someone has guests who brings a boat they can use it.
Anyhow there isn’t a lot of room for backing up and parking really. I drive a extended length Expedition and when I launch the pontoon it can be a clown show. It’s a lot of length to try to get moved around in a tight spot and I’m not the greatest at backing stuff up. I just don’t need to do it that often.
I’m always glad when I don’t have to do it while people are watching and waiting.
Was next in line at the access yesterday getting a little impatient. Skinny little 5 foot nothing blonde hops in a 1 ton pickup and flawlessly backs trailer and loads up a beautiful 17-18 foot fishing boat by herself while her male companion was putting stuff away in the boat. Wanted to shake that guys hand and find out if she has a sister
I taught my girlfriend to back the boat in and man it’s great! Works pretty well with 2 people! I get all kinds of compliments for her as she’s backing it in and I’m sitting in the boat
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Brian B wrote:</div>
Was next in line at the access yesterday getting a little impatient. Skinny little 5 foot nothing blonde hops in a 1 ton pickup and flawlessly backs trailer and loads up a beautiful 17-18 foot fishing boat by herself while her male companion was putting stuff away in the boat. Wanted to shake that guys hand and find out if she has a sisterYup. Seen same thing Friday, she could tell we were impressed by her grin
Seen a smoldering red head in a sundress do it a year ago. Love it!!!
I completely agree with your first post about getting out of sync and losing train of thought for just one second. Just leave me alone whilst take two minutes to go around the boat to prepare for launch.
With that said. All redheads are smoldering! Seen a bumper sticker one time that said:
I’ll slow down for a blonde.
I’ll stop for a brunette,
And I’ll back up for a redhead.
:). 44 years with mine…
I’ve found that even on the busiest days, the slower and more deliberate I am, the faster the load/unload process goes.
I don’t ever recall making a foolish mistake like you guys…
Well, there was the one time Trumar backed me into the water and I couldn’t get the Skeeter off the trailer…I forgot the transom straps. Trumar said “really?” I’m guessing Trumar is still having fun with that one. 
My only excuse was that it was a new to me boat and I never used those straps on my Lund going from the camper to the water.
Yeah, that’s it…that’s my story.
I’ve found that even on the busiest days, the slower and more deliberate I am, the faster the load/unload process goes.
My thoughts too.
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast.
I’ve been unloading/loading my boat solo for as long as I can remember…it happens to all of us at least once. I did the strap thing too, in front of several peers and a whole host of onlookers. I’ve forgotten the plug exactly twice-now it just stays in at all times.Frankly, I try to exercise a little patience with folks who are obviously inexperienced, and even offer to help at times.
The ones I have zero patience for are the ones who, inexperienced or not, sit on the ramp while they load/unload all their crap to/from the boat to vehicle and back. I’m amazed at how many of these are actually clearly experienced boaters, but just don’t give a damn.
Luckily enough the ramp was not busy, I do not know if they were waiting for someone or not, but it was 6 of the Hottest women in what might be called Bikinis standing just off the ramp. I bet it took me at least 10 tries to get my boat backed down the ramp.Each time I pulled up they were within 4 feet of the drivers window.
Tom, just curious what lake was that?
It was at the Trempeleau boat ramp on the Mississippi.
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