Bunk carpet makes a huge difference

By far the longest string of profanity that's ever come out of my mouth was when I backed my trailer off the end of the concrete at a ramp in northern WI. Car was packed with stuff to go home, boat was packed with stuff, sleeping baby in the boat at the time. We were ready to head right home when this happened. I had to wade in, fully clothed, in water up to my chin and literally lift the trailer (it's pretty light with the tires submerged and whatnot) while somebody else hit the gas on the tow vehicle. That said we power load.

JoeinNY wrote: And many real ramps have 40 feet of concrete behind you complely unaffected by the power loading that quickly frees up the ramp for the next guy...

bkhallpass wrote: And pretty much all ramps in CA are as described by Joe. BKH

Yes, long state and federal ramps sure are nice but we all don't have that luxury. Also, the end has to stop somewhere and with low water levels in many areas, that end isn't far away. .

And pretty much all ramps in CA are as described by Joe.

BKH

Just come in hot & straight, momentum will get you close to the bow stop. That where a winch come in handy too.

I wonder if power unloading reverses the ramp ditch effect?

I have heard of ramps like that,have also heard of pots of gold at the end of rainbows

rebel skier wrote: I now like power loading and unloading.

Just like tubing, it screws it up for others. Gary's picture is a great representation of what happens. Many areas are now banning the practice because of the damage. Maybe someday you'll get a trailer hung up off the edge of the ramp and find out what a great experience it it. We even have a couple threads of members damaging their trailers.    

My 85 2001 had older carpet on the bunks. It has been a bear to get on and off the trailer, so much so I have been basically pulling in part way, removing the turn buckle, going in deeper and floating it off. Power loading and unloading seemed to need too much throttle.

So for my annual week at the dock I have a lift. I put the SN on the lift and replaced the carpet with actual bunk carpet. My first observation was that despite 3 days of sitting and it being very hot, the old carpet was still wet. So I wonder if some of the excess rust at the front of the bunks is from the carpet holding water.

Next observation. I now like power loading and unloading. I get why they made these trailers like this for so many year. The bunk carpet is a significant improvement over what the boat came with.

My $0.02 -- if you are having any issues with loading or unloading make sure the previous owner put the right carpet on the trailer.