Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Boat Launch

I have two flat bottom aluminum fishing boats for my 22 acre farm pond. Have been launching them from the bank by just pushing them in. Am looking for some ideas/design to construct a better launch method. Anyone got some good ideas?sd

Good question. I have the same problem. I'm getting two old. I do use my 4 wheeler most of the time to pull the boat out of the water. I have a rope with a loop in the end tied to the front of the boat and it's easy to just throw it over the trailer ball and pull it out. But maybe somebody has a better idea.

This may be too simple to warrant interest...... But, why not construct a stationary "trailer ramp" from 2x4s?
Get some old pallets to serve as a stabilized "trailer frame"; bolt two rails of 2x4 runners to the pallets so that the width between them corresponds to the linear ridges on the boat's bottom. Carpet the rails with old carpet and spray it with a anti-stick silicone cooking spray (aids in sliding the boat up and down the runners). Position the whole set-up so that the receiving-end of the runners terminate near the water's edge. Maybe even place some guide-bunkers out in the water to assist with boat-alignment. Finally, if needed, use an old trailer hand-winch, fastened to a post at the upper-end of the pallet-mounted runners (to aid in pulling the boat up the runners and keeping it secured - maybe even padlocked for added security).
Just a thought. KD

Kelly, good idea. I was thinking the same thing sort of. I like your winch idea. If you invest in treated 2x4 the runners could extend into the water and about 1 linear foot of "astroturf" to cover the runners. Wayne and David, if you try any of this, I would like to know how it turns out.

Bill

Will give it a try and let y'all know.

I saw a variation of Kellies idea using 6 inch schedule 40 PVC. The PVC pipe had 90 degree elbows at each end that were concreted in underground. Heavier PVC might be a better idea.