On 12/6/2025 at 8:23 AM, A-Jay said:

I am slow and methodical.

If and when there are other boaters at the ramp that would prefer that I am faster,

my response is that perhaps they should have considered arriving at the ramp earlier,

prior to my arrival.  The truth is I rarely have anyone say anything, but the looks speak loud enough.

 

 

 

I don't think you're slow at all for launching it solo.  Your procedure is just like mine.  

1 hour ago, Junk Fisherman said:

 

I don't think you're slow at all for launching it solo.  Your procedure is just like mine.  

true story.  I pulled my kayak clean, flipped it and inserted the wheels and pulled it under a shade tree.  it looked like the tree puked fishing gear.  I had it everywhere, but the boat ramp was so crowded and I moved heaven/earth to get it done in record time.  I then took a breath and gathered up the rods and went for my truck.  at the truck I started putting my rods into the sleeves for safe travels.  A guy started screaming at me.  I remained calmed and listened to the words he was screaming.   he said I should move I disagree faster so I dont hold up the line of boats..  i very calmly pointed to the pile of fishing gear under the tree and my kayak and said..."I am already out of the water and not in anyone;s way".    that dude shut up immediately.. and I could hear his lady-friend whisper..."you need to go over there and apologize!!"..

 

hahaha..he never did, and It didnt bug me one one bit.   EVERYONE is in a hurry at the ramp.  hahaha..  I get it.  I haul ass. ..and if I had a boat, I would hone the craft of a fast ramp time.

On 12/5/2025 at 8:18 PM, Glenn said:

(You'd also know where to put the gas nozzle on that car)

 

The same spot as my '68 Buick GS400 convertible.

 

As far as trailering, I tow @Fishing Rhino's Nitro with his capped Chevy pickup and my Tundra.  My RT178 is a breeze. I use mirrors, and only mirrors.  The turning radius between the two isn't bad at all.  

 

I spent the last two years of my FD career driving a tiller, front and back.  Getting that 52' monster through city streets makes you really good, really fast.

18 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

I spent the last two years of my FD career driving a tiller, front and back.  Getting that 52' monster through city streets makes you really good, really fast.

You drove that thru the streets of Quincy? God bless ya!

22 hours ago, Jigfishn10 said:

You drove that thru the streets of Quincy? God bless ya!

 

Yep.  I was an Engine guy but swapped over when needed.  I saw the 'regular' Truck guys stick that thing where I didn't think I could get my engine.  It's amazing to see.

Somewhere out there on the internet I'm sure that someone posted a comedy video of me attempting to back my Malone Ecolight kayak trailer down the ramps in my Bronco Sport. I was trying to use the rear view camera to back down the ramp and it was a disaster.

 

When I was younger I had no problem backing up the family camper or boat, so I knew I could do it. Then it dawned on me - I went Old School. I popped open the rear hatch on my Bronco, reached my right arm around back of the passenger seat, turned and looked over my should. Bingo! Someone here on BR also mentioned buying a tongue extender, and that made it easier.

 

Looking over my should with the hatch open also enables me to back up making tight turns if needed. I'm now confident backing up in any situation.

I could see how backing up a shorter or narrower trailer would be tougher using mirrors.  For a week every year I back up my Father's ATV trailer during hunting season and I have to look back to see it.  It jack knifes too quick to one side if I use the mirrors.

 

For my boat trailer, I usually use the mirrors.

It’s a little humiliating to admit, but here goes:

I backed a boat the first time in my early 20s, and never had ANY problem backing a variety of boats from various vehicles, all trucks or suvs.. no problems loading either, until I had been backing boats for around 30 years. then…

A friend and me fished beinville plantation in N Florida, and I went to back my friends truck down with trailer to load. ( he’s waiting with motor idling) 

I couldn’t do it after several tries. First time in my life I couldn’t. The problem was : I have always been able to back perfectly by looking over my shoulder and adjusting the wheel accordingly. I never had to use the mirrors before. His truck was a little higher , the angle of the descent made it more difficult, and The result was that I could not see the trailer looking over my shoulder. I couldn’t do it with mirrors. My friend somewhat lost his temper( found out later he was bipolar also), and ran the boat up on the bank and backed down himself.

Then my lifelong friend that I bass fish with got a truck with higher ground clearance also, and the same thing has happened a few times. Add to that, most Florida ramps now are a zoo with all the newcomers . I have developed a fear of trying again, guess I’m somewhat dislexic and didn’t know it all those years. My lifelong friend doesn’t call and invite me to go anymore, which I don’t hold against him , in my mind it’s because of my backing escapades( I actually did finally get the trailer backed down each time though) , but it’s probably ( hopefully) not because of that.