Super User tcbass Posted March 26 Super User Share Posted March 26 I'm looking at ordering a Drotto Latch or a Boat2Trailer Latch. It appears that Boat2Trailer used to sell Drotto's then Drotto stopped selling them through Boat2Trailer and Boat2Trailer came out with their own version. Boat2Trailer states their's is new and improved. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these latches? I would be adding it to a 2024 Alumacraft Competitor 205. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted March 26 Super User Share Posted March 26 My parents have the Drotto on their Warrior 2090. I've never used it personally, but I've been with them a few times and I've seen how it works. They are about 70 years old and reaching down over the bow of a fiberglass deep V boat to hook up is not really feasible. Its difficult to reach even for able-bodied individuals having long arms like me. On a bass boat I think it would be pretty useless. Its not hard to reach on a boat without a gunnel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Choporoz Posted March 26 Super User Share Posted March 26 29 minutes ago, gimruis said: On a bass boat I think it would be pretty useless. Its not hard to reach on a boat without a gunnel. I only have one 9" screen and a TM and it isn't easy. ... in my defense, I guess it is ok to mention that I'm probably a lot closer to my 70s than you are..lol I have been considering a Drotto 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 Only watched others use them at the ramp. Trailer " must" be set up so the boat is centered and cannot move off center !! Once that is achieved they work well. Have watched many struggle and even damage there bow when they miss. Setup is everything from what I have seen. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobA Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 I bought a Drotto last year. I works ok. I agree with the statement above that the boat has to be centered for its to work properly. I bought it because I didn't want to worry about the boat floating off the trailer a little as I climbed off to get on the bed of my truck (I fish alone a lot). I'm sure part of the problem was because I wasn't positioning the trailer at the correct depth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBiscuit Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 I have the Drotto on my 2009 Tracker aluminum bass boat. Agreed that if you're younger and can reach over the side fairly easy, it's not something that you "have to have". I'm 66 and have a really bad back which limits my mobility. I will say that if, like me and you need it, the latch system works best in conjunction with trailer steps to get in and out of the boat. That's where it all gets expensive. But to me, it is all worth it because without, I absolutely would not be able to launch and load my boat by myself without them. The Drotto latch system works very easy once you get used to how deep the trailer needs to be. No winching with a bad back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Gibson Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 I have a drotto on my trailer. It's one of, if not the best purchase I've made since getting my boat. Yes, you MUST line up straight to get the Drotto to catch, it's a pain in windy conditions, but it's still far better than leaning over the front to hook up, or climbing out of the boat to hook and ratchet. It's literally a game changer, makes launch and trailering quick and easy. If I ever change boats, I'll definitely be buying another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Jig Man Posted May 27 Super User Share Posted May 27 Do you find it necessary to latch the boat before you leave the ramp? It’s been years since mine was hooked back up before it was back in the parking lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted May 28 Super User Share Posted May 28 18 hours ago, Jig Man said: Do you find it necessary to latch the boat before you leave the ramp? It’s been years since mine was hooked back up before it was back in the parking lot. I do. My boat would probably slide backwards if I didn't latch the wench clip to the bow ring. I just feel better about having it attached when I pull forward with the truck out of the access. In colder weather it can be especially dangerous. I've never seen it before but I've heard of a boat sliding right off the trailer and onto the concrete as they pulled away from the ramp. Bear in mind I don't think this would normally occur in warmer/summer weather. I am pretty sure it was much colder and the bunks may have had partial freezing water, slicking them up. A nice fiberglass boat sitting there on the concrete...now what. Not something I'm willing to risk, even if the chances are remote. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Jig Man Posted May 28 Super User Share Posted May 28 A friend of mine has a Tracker that never gets the bow strap on until in the parking lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motoboss Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 I have never hooked the boat to the trailer until it’s out of the water. If you position the trailer so it requires a bit of force to get the boat on the bunks, friction does the rest. sorry, not helpful with your decision Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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