Boat Loading

[Av8tor07]

I back the trailer and then I walk the boat using ropes. No power loading allowed on the ramps I use. Is there an issue with this according to Yamaha?

 

[Rainmakr]

Is there any harm to winching the boat on the trailer? Can you break the winch or put additional stresses on the bow hook/boat?

 

[Ronnie]

I believe Yamaha advises users to powerload to avoid putting stress on the Bow eye and the hull area around it. However lots of people winch on instead without issue.

 

[Rainmakr]

I sprayed a silicone spray on the carpeted bunks today before loading the boat. Helped a ton!

 

[jdonalds]

I never power load. I've just seen too much damage from people being idiots at the ramp doing so that has me hand winch it on everytime. Once I stop the boat and retrieve the trailer, I don't start the boat again until I am cleaning it. I boat in a river with current and don't feel comfortable enough to know I can keep it straight approaching the trailer.

I'd love to know why Yamaha recommends power loading.

It depends on your ramp. Our local ramps are solid concrete for a long long way underwater. This is because Lake Shasta can drop as low as 150' below full pool late in the summer. So the only time power loading can do some damage is when the lake is low enough so the end of the ramp may be reached.

I have been to places where there are short ramps and power loading could eat away the lake bottom near the end of the ramp. In most cases there is a sign indicating power loading is not allowed.