unloading and trailering boat when alone

[Randy Bailey]

I need some one to please tell me how to unload my boat when I am alone. I have new Nitro 700 LX and I don't want to get it all scratched up tying it up to a dock. I would n't mind tying it up to a dock (with boat fenders) while I pull out the trailer, but the Nitro 700 LX only comes with only one anchor cleat to tye a fender to and it is in the front of the boat. What about the back of the boat? Anyone have any ideas? Or do I need to look into mounting more cleats on my boat? If I can figure this out, I am going fishing alot more!! Now I have to wait for someone else to go with me to park the truck while I wait in the boat. Thanks for any help you can give me and also any ideas of easy unloading and loading of a boat when you are alone.

 

[Bob G.]

Randy,



My boat only came with one cleat on each side, but in the back. I mounted a front cleat on each side so that I can hang fenders. I bought mine at our local West Marine. Also use stainless steel hardware. Be careful drilling the fiberglass. Measure 10 times before you drill!!!



Bob G.

 

[Kim Becker]

Randy, I fish alone 50 times per year so I have this down to a science! To unload the boat I hook a rope that is 30 feet long to the boat eye and to the trailer winch hook. I back down and float the boat off the trailer, then pull front only about 15 feet. I get out of the truck and tie down the boat and park the truck. As far as boat fenders are concerned, I use the cleat on the front and put the rope to the fender under the lid to the rear storage box. This has worked extremely well for me over the years. By the way, I have a 700 LX also. I hope this helps.

 

[Bob G.]

Now why didn't I think of that!! I also hang a small fender off of my trolling motor to protect the front.



Bob G.

 

[Carli Drake]

Randy,



I too load/unload alone 90% of the time. Most of the time at tournaments there's always someone who will offer to help me...but when there isn't I do it alone with a long rope tied to the trailer. Float the boat and beach it (I too fish mostly MASS waters with no docks). When I fish somewhere where there is a dock, I'll use fenders. I also have a 700 LX with one cleat in the front and I do the same thing as Beck and tie a knot in the rope (fender attached) and put the knot end in the rear compartment so it can't pull out.



Carli

 

[Kim Becker]

Randy, Instead of tying a knot I got some of those small black slide adjusters that are on the strings of rain suits. This way I have a very simple adjustable length rope if I use the cleat or sometimes when I stay overnight and dock my boat I will fasten the fenders to the dock and they are always ready when I come in.