LOL, Trying to back that damn 21' boat of mine in the ramps in Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach made me sell my boat and just go out with friends. Never been more stressed.
Thankyou for showing the Floridian community about crossing those chains on the trailer. Where I live in NY, it is a law to do that ! When reversing while in the truck, one hand on the bottom of the Steering wheel makes it much easier. You put excellent videos out there, finally, Flush the motor which is full of saltwater. Run it with fresh water for at least 10 minutes. You'll need those headset-shaped for the bottom of the engine. Enjoy the Holiday.
You always do such a good job of taking care of your boats! Thanks for reminding us to do the same! A little time here and there makes a huge difference in the long run!
5:52....there are states that actually require crossing your safety chains. This was pointed out to me when I bought my camper trailer. And I think it's a good thing to do, per your reasoning, whether or not it's a requirement where you live.
Clay I love the content man! As far as the mechanical side goes... I keep a breaker bar in my truck at all times for an emergency, but during maintenance lugs should ALWAYS be torqued to the proper specs. Over torqueing can be just as bad as under torqueing. The PSI on the side of the tire is the max safe cold tire pressure. It is not the recommended inflation pressure as this varies widely based on load. This is a very common mistake and leads to excessive pressures on the road, more bounce in the tires, premature tire wear, and blowouts. Always use manufacturer specs for these values. If you can't find anything from the trailer manual, tire manufactures usually have pressure specs based on load available online.
I’ll tell you a couple more really good tips that you missed on would be when your backing your boat or just the trailer down the ramp put your vehicle in neutral instead of reverse. Let the weight of the boat or just the trailer pull you down the ramp cause if your foot were to accidentally come off of the brake pedal and hit the gas pedal then all that would happen is the vehicle would rev up instead of shooting you down the ramp. The second thing you missed is you should always set your parking brake once you stop after backing down the ramp cause for one it’s just for safety and secondly the weight of the boat or just the trailer is on your parking brake instead of your transmission. And the third thing is when you load your boat back up, your D ring should be resting or almost resting against your bow roller that way the front of the boat doesn’t bounce up and down as you are going down the road. Which could potentially beat up the front of your boat. You nailed everything else though big man. Just thought I would throw out there these other couple of tips and tricks to help people out! And what did you say your clothing brand name stands for I couldn’t really understand it in the video. Thank you in advance!!!!
Clay, just to add, what I understand is a tire's “maximum” inflation pressure should only be used when called for on the vehicle's tire placard or in the vehicle's owner’s manual. And you should torque wheel lug nuts to manufactures “torque” specifications that should again be in the trailers owner’s manual. That’s a great trailer. Great instructions. Thanks
My issues at the ramp are inconsiderate boaters. I keep mine in water at a marina now. The stress of idiots was coloring my time on the water negative. Love the tips. I have watched people load the boat while on the ramp. Disembark while taking up ramp space. If more folks would plan ahead and get r done away from the ramp, I would be a happy man. I launch in about 2.5 minutes and load about 2.5-3 depending on my wife’s ability to line up the boat with my trailering. Hook it and yank it.
Excellent information, Clay!! Some of the other comments have touched on a few more things that can be done as well when trailering or launching a boat. I had my class 1 driving license since I was 18yrs old meaning I could drive Highway tractors and trailers and you certainly touched upon a lot of the key things most people miss when towing a trailer of any kind. Aside from all the great info is to make sure you are driving relaxed, and not in a rush, you are not tired or taking medication that makes you tired or have distractions in the cab like dogs or kids that are exited and bouncing all over the place. Trailering is no joke, and I have seen more boats and travel trailers in pieces on the road than I care to. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and follow the excellent example that Clay has shown us!! As most of North America is heading into Summer shortly I know Avail has performance shirts and clothing for activities from boating and fishing to golfing and almost everything in between!! Cheers - Dave
I'm a GMC dealer in Texas... Just watched the launch of the 2024 Denali Ultimate w/ you guys in it... Great job! I already got my Ultimate 3500 in and am loving it. Hope y'all's serves you well! Keep the great content coming!
I can’t believe I’ve never thought of backing the trailer up under the boat when you retrieve it! I recently purchased a Grady White Gulfstream that I often trailer by myself. It’s a little big to drive on the trailer so I’ve been using the dock lines to pull it up onto the trailer. I’ll try the method you showed and that should work much better! Thanks!
Thanks Clay, it may seem simplistic to some or extremely informative to others, but being this is a no-judgment channel you explain things in such a way that everyone can learn something!!
Appreciate the video that was very helpful. Trying to learn how to unload and load by myself. I’ll be watching this video a few times. Thanks for taking the time and doing this
Those built in straps are sweet. I actually have a 21' sailboat so the launching and retrieving is a bit different but I still learned a lot of good stuff. There's just not enough sailboat specific how to's on youtube so I check powerboat videos and this was great. Thanks!
I definitely learned some new stuff! Honestly, I'm not prepared to get a flat and start bringing my breaker bar and get a little ramp thing in case I need to change a tire. I also will start crossing my chains and make sure they are hooked up correctly. I also appreciate the PSA for being prepared and limiting time on the ramp. There have been a few times I have waited while people load or unload their boat on the ramp. Does anyone else rinse down their wheels and apply that stuff to the bunks? I don't have disc brakes. To me that seems a little excessive and not necessary.
Thanks for watching! Rinsing at the ramp really isn’t necessary, it’s something I only suggest doing if you have the time and you’re not holding anyone up.
Very good instruction and tips. I’ve been watching your other videos as well. I like your OCD in taking care of your boats. I’ve been the same and my kids have been raised to take excellent care of our investments. Your trip to Bimini & Tortugas in the pathfinder was excellent as well. I’m looking so forward to my 2400 Open to be ready. I’m selling my Whaler which handles phenomenally in rough weather but the layout for fishing sucks. I hope the pathfinder gives me and my clients a comfortable ride.. Thank you again for your channel..!!!
Awesome video I’ve been loading our boat on our old trailer and new ameratrail now too before I knew how to drive a car lol and I still learned something and that’s using the silicone spray on the bunks which I’ve never thought of and luckily our saltwater boat ramp has a hose that we use to rinse the trailer but good idea mixing salt away in the pump sprayer if a hose isn’t there.
Great video and great advice, Clay, especially ramp educate. I've been in Colorado now for 10 years, so only fresh water for me, but I'm pretty fanatical and wash my boat after enjoying a day on the lake. Then it goes in my garage and covered.
Don't forget to add...have everything ready to go when you get into line to dump and turn your headlights off when at the ramp so you're not blinding others backing up. Very imformative video.
We try to be as informative as we can. We know that a lot of people seek out RUclips to learn things. Trying to be the best teachers we can be! Appreciate you watching! Thank you.
A few tips to add. Before backing the boat up always have a front and back 50 foot rope thrown on the dock. You then backup and release your front chain before it goes in the water. Boat comes off very easy and you have ropes to move it on the dock. This is a little over doing it and slow to launch.
Great video. Can you imagine if even half the ppl at the launch did this? In S. Florida at almost every ramp I’ve ever been to this isn’t how it is lol. This is how I do it, and my friends do it but. We’re in the minority. A lot of ppl have zero skill or respect. Another thing is. A lot of ppl have no idea just how much work owning a boat is. Even if you don’t meticulously take care of your trailer or boat the way he does, there’s still a MASSIVE amount of work to be done just to even get in the water. Anyone who is new to boating I say, go rent a boat for a weekend and do ALL the work necessary to even prep the boat to be launched and pulled outta the water. Do it a couple times. Get your food and necessities ready & loaded. Go get fuel. Strap up the boat and trailer. Get all the things you’ll need to carry to the boat. Then drive to the ramp and unload it. If it isn’t busy, unload, back up about 100 feet and reload the boat. You’ll notice the wind and water have a pretty big effect on the process. Do it a few times to understand the trailer setup, the conditions and how to load boat the 1st try with no issues. Don’t be intimidated or nervous. Be calm no matter what happens. You’ll find things do happen that can be stressful. Always put the parking break on in vehicle when loading and unloading. You’d be shocked how many trucks and trailers end up in the drink everyday. Practice makes perfect with boating and the work you need to put in can be tough. Even if you just have a small 14 foot boat. Once you have it down to a science you’ll find boating to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities on this planet. Took me about 2 weeks to feel 100% comfortable with every aspect of boating. From learning to backup perfectly every time launching, loading and prepping, getting fuel etc. This video is very important and extremely on point. Love this video.
Very new to boating and fishing, so happy I found your channel very informative interesting extreme high quality video. We are planning a trip down to Islamorada just from watching your videos you and your lovely wife are doing an awesome job thank you
Thanks for this Clay. I never have anyone to go fishing with since I'm new to the area, so this gives me confidence to launch my boat and not try and find people to come with me.
Thank you for choosing our dock lines and trusting WavesRx with your boat’s safety! We put our heart and soul into all of our products and it’s humbling to receive such amazing feedback from our customers ❤
Great information Clay, appreciate you & Stephanie sharing those tips! Explains why your stuff always looks great in every video. Thanks again for sharing! Billy D
Yes! All boat ramps are different! I hate going to a new ramp for the first time. It’s not so hard to launch, but when I’m loading, it seems like if the tip of my front guide bunks are barely sticking out of the water, the boat loads like it should. I also bought one of those GenY torsion hitches a few months ago, totally worth it!
I agree with Patrick. Nothing more frustrating than to arrive at a launch, get in line then watch the boat or two in front of you back their boat into the water then start prepping and making trips to their vehicles to get more stuff. All of that including your lines should already be onboard and lines ready to grab.
If your like me always check for wasp nest if you haven’t hooked up the boat trailer in a while. I have been lit up more than once by dropping the trailer onto the ball and smashing a wasp nest while doing it.
It helps to apply some grease inside the coupler. Keeps the coupler working correctly and keeps the ground for the lighting. Iron oxide inside the coupler will give part time connections. The trailer height isn't 13 inches but 13 inches plus the height of the tape measure. Get yourself some dielectric grease for the trailer light and and electric brake connector. I use a Zip Loc bag and store the connector in the bag with a rubber band holding it in place. For a friction reducer on the bunks, instead of using silicone, a bottle of 4:1 dish wash soap is extremely slippery. The silicone spray is frowned on as you're putting a hydrocarbon into the water. Oh, don't forget to raise the engine before pulling the boat out of the water so you're not that guy that drags the skegg.
It's a nightmare on 33rd st in Marathon during Spanish Mackerel season or anywhere in Miami year round . Anywhere else it's a breeze especially in the keys. Stay blessed
Good info, enjoy the channel. Got a suggestion for you, get a good torque wrench, trailer wheels need to be torqued to spec to insure not over tightening. Your wheel bearings take a ton of heat as it is, no reason to over torque the wheels.
Great instruction video. I'm making mine soon for our lakes in Northern California. I am surprised you didn't use a torque wrench.... but then again, your only checking to make sure they're on tight. Great job! Alonso
I have thought that I am putting in perfect load position, but I still have trouble power loading . I wet the bunks and then pull out in good position but still have trouble getting boat to the ring ! I saw you put silicone spray on your bunks . Have you ever had it slip back because of the spray ? What brand of spray do you use? Would appreciate your opinion and experience on this .
check out PB blaster spray. We have not had slip back while the winch is attached. You shouldn't be spraying a lot to where you're worried, a little goes a long way. Thanks so much for the support on the channel!
Another trick when launching solo is to tie a line from a bow cleat around the trailer and back to the cleat. Just like you do when tying to the dock piling. Release the bow strap before going down the ramp. This way you don’t have to jump off the boat to release it once in the water which gets risky as you get older. Additionally, If I have to exit the tow vehicle while on the ramp, I like to place a chuck behind the left front tire.
Clay, what type of cover is on the Pathfinder in this video? I haven't had much luck finding a cover for my T-top bay boat that covers the sides, other than a custom-made cover.
To me, the most important bit of information you gave was stressing the importance of loading and unloading your boat away from the actual ramp. So many people start backing their boat down the ramp only to stop, get out and start doing all of this prep. Just as important as launching is retrieving the boat. Pull your boat completely out of the ramp to do the prep to pull it down the road. It really just comes down to being considerate.
Hey Clay. Big fan of the channel. I'm not sure if anyone has asked this or not. But how long have you been using the Blaster silicone spray on your bunks? Have you had any issues with it eating through paint on the boat? We just bought a new 22' bay boat with "sticky"carpet. And I am really worried about damaging the boat while trying to help it come off of the trailer easier. Thanks.
I've never had any issues with the silicone spray eating through the gelcoat on the boat. I think you’re just fine. However, just make sure that you only spray the silicone on the front portion of the bunks to create some type of friction. That way the boat doesn’t slide off of the trailer.
My biggest tip would be your headlights on in the mornings ir evenings. Turn them off. Where I'm at there's 3 lane ramps and if you get the middle ramp and the two outside guys have their headlights on you cant see anything. Also guys with light bars on their boats turn them on while the boat is still at the dock blinding you as well.
That’s not a breaker bar, it’s too short! Great video on a how to though! Dang!, spot on! We are completely different people, but do about the same preparation, for boat launch/prep. And thank you soooooooooo! Much for the boat ramp edict !!! Nice skills! Good vid! The only that you missed was the fish you brought home that day?
Grew up on freshwater, Pops was a Bass Fisherman, spent about 5 years salt water boating eventually. Man, that salt is no joke, cleaning it off. What a pain. Ramp Campers need to be strapped to those Barnacle pilings for 2 high tide-low tide cycles. If they survive, fine. If not, oh well
Clay, you have any issues with your AC? I've got the same truck (I got mine new end of '20) and I've been having a ton of issues. Also getting rid of my 2300 HPS as soon as Virgil tells me my tender is going to gel. Good on you for making these kinds of videos. A lot of people haven't gotten into boating for fear of maneuvering the trailer and ending up on a boat ramp vid 😂.
I can’t believe that you’re not having to run a drop hitch with that 2500. I pull a 24 Bay & my hitch is about 5” below my bumper to keep the trailer level & yours is about 5” above the bumper
Another complete guide to getting the most out of your boat investment. Today especially, gear is not inexpensive. When you add the word boat to the equation you can double and triple the cost. Add salt and if you take shortcuts before you head out or in from the ocean…. you will have busted gear, wasted days and unfortunately safety issues that can be avoided. Well done Clay…. as an old lifetime boater, I learned the hard way…. Your’s is better!
Outstanding video my man outstanding if more people would at he to Safety in the exact manner in which you have just shown the boating community within itself would be so much safer yes continue on with the next video showing everyone how to go ahead and do the boat after lunch excellent excellent video
Excellent video and very informative. Have no boat to launch but good too know whenever I am blessed to becoming a boat owner Question: at what point did you lower and raise the motor while launching and retrieving the boat 🚤 Again thanks
Another bit of trailer wisdom……..make sure to keep up with the age of your tires. Just because they have a lot of tread does not mean they are ok. Take a look at the 4 digit code on the sidewall. Once your tires are over 4 years old, you better be replacing them.
Hey Clay and Stephanie, I love watching all your videos and finally made it down to Islamorada yesterday from New Jersey. I’ve been boating for years in Jersey so I rented a boat in Tavernier yesterday, we went to the sand bar and alligator reef… MY QUESTION, why don’t boaters wave here? Is it because I was in a rental boat? Everyone was very unfriendly at the Islamorada sandbar! WHATS THE DEAL?!
@@LifeByTheBow Keep up the good work! Hopefully I can get a boat soon. Meanwhile I will keep watching your channel and learn as much as I can about boating and fishing.🙌
Great content. I’d maybe just add the caveat that *some* of this may not be ideal if the ramp is super busy, like moving into the other lane or spraying off the trailer. Awesome things to do though, if it’s not backing anyone up.
Good video, thanks. Do you have a link for those ratchet tiedowns at the rear? I haven't seen them in Australia, They look permanent fixtures, sure would save time. @Life by the bow
![[SOLO] Trailering, Fueling, Loading, Launching a 40 FT boat.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2RJGKU4hoUs/mqdefault.jpg)
![[SOLO] Trailering, Fueling, Loading, Launching a 40 FT boat.](/img/tr.png)
LOL, Trying to back that damn 21' boat of mine in the ramps in Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach made me sell my boat and just go out with friends. Never been more stressed.
Aww man sorry to hear that!
Spraying down that trailer right after the launch is a great tip
Thankyou for showing the Floridian community about crossing those chains on the trailer. Where I live in NY, it is a law to do that ! When reversing while in the truck, one hand on the bottom of the Steering wheel makes it much easier. You put excellent videos out there, finally, Flush the motor which is full of saltwater. Run it with fresh water for at least 10 minutes. You'll need those headset-shaped for the bottom of the engine. Enjoy the Holiday.
Hey Keith, thank you so much for the feedback and the Information. We appreciate you watching.
You always do such a good job of taking care of your boats! Thanks for reminding us to do the same! A little time here and there makes a huge difference in the long run!
Thanks for noticing and appreciate you watching!
he has all new High dollar rigs whats to take care of ?
@@zackriden79 Stop hating dirt bag.
5:52....there are states that actually require crossing your safety chains. This was pointed out to me when I bought my camper trailer. And I think it's a good thing to do, per your reasoning, whether or not it's a requirement where you live.
Thanks for the input and appreciate you watching 👍🏼
Clay I love the content man! As far as the mechanical side goes... I keep a breaker bar in my truck at all times for an emergency, but during maintenance lugs should ALWAYS be torqued to the proper specs. Over torqueing can be just as bad as under torqueing. The PSI on the side of the tire is the max safe cold tire pressure. It is not the recommended inflation pressure as this varies widely based on load. This is a very common mistake and leads to excessive pressures on the road, more bounce in the tires, premature tire wear, and blowouts. Always use manufacturer specs for these values. If you can't find anything from the trailer manual, tire manufactures usually have pressure specs based on load available online.
Thanks for the input and appreciate you watching!
I’ll tell you a couple more really good tips that you missed on would be when your backing your boat or just the trailer down the ramp put your vehicle in neutral instead of reverse. Let the weight of the boat or just the trailer pull you down the ramp cause if your foot were to accidentally come off of the brake pedal and hit the gas pedal then all that would happen is the vehicle would rev up instead of shooting you down the ramp. The second thing you missed is you should always set your parking brake once you stop after backing down the ramp cause for one it’s just for safety and secondly the weight of the boat or just the trailer is on your parking brake instead of your transmission. And the third thing is when you load your boat back up, your D ring should be resting or almost resting against your bow roller that way the front of the boat doesn’t bounce up and down as you are going down the road. Which could potentially beat up the front of your boat. You nailed everything else though big man. Just thought I would throw out there these other couple of tips and tricks to help people out! And what did you say your clothing brand name stands for I couldn’t really understand it in the video. Thank you in advance!!!!
Thanks for the input Mark 👍🏼
@@LifeByTheBow your welcome. And what did you say your clothing brand stands for? I’m sorry I couldn’t really here it in the video. Thank you.
your comment is more informative than the whole video.
@@locksmithjeepguy thank you.
Clay, just to add, what I understand is a tire's “maximum” inflation pressure should only be used when called for on the vehicle's tire placard or in the vehicle's owner’s manual. And you should torque wheel lug nuts to manufactures “torque” specifications that should again be in the trailers owner’s manual. That’s a great trailer. Great instructions. Thanks
Came here to say this
Thanks for the input 👍🏼
I was sitting at the boat ramp on Sunday and some of those people need to watch this video. Great job clay
Thanks Patrick!
My issues at the ramp are inconsiderate boaters. I keep mine in water at a marina now. The stress of idiots was coloring my time on the water negative. Love the tips. I have watched people load the boat while on the ramp. Disembark while taking up ramp space. If more folks would plan ahead and get r done away from the ramp, I would be a happy man. I launch in about 2.5 minutes and load about 2.5-3 depending on my wife’s ability to line up the boat with my trailering. Hook it and yank it.
Thanks for the input appreciate you watching!
they need to use your video for all new boaters you are excellent on getting your message across I enjoyed watching
Thanks Kris! That’s the goal 💪🏼
Excellent information, Clay!! Some of the other comments have touched on a few more things that can be done as well when trailering or launching a boat. I had my class 1 driving license since I was 18yrs old meaning I could drive Highway tractors and trailers and you certainly touched upon a lot of the key things most people miss when towing a trailer of any kind. Aside from all the great info is to make sure you are driving relaxed, and not in a rush, you are not tired or taking medication that makes you tired or have distractions in the cab like dogs or kids that are exited and bouncing all over the place. Trailering is no joke, and I have seen more boats and travel trailers in pieces on the road than I care to. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and follow the excellent example that Clay has shown us!! As most of North America is heading into Summer shortly I know Avail has performance shirts and clothing for activities from boating and fishing to golfing and almost everything in between!! Cheers - Dave
Thanks so much!
I'm a GMC dealer in Texas... Just watched the launch of the 2024 Denali Ultimate w/ you guys in it... Great job! I already got my Ultimate 3500 in and am loving it. Hope y'all's serves you well! Keep the great content coming!
Awesome. Thank you for watching! Its quite the truck.
I can’t believe I’ve never thought of backing the trailer up under the boat when you retrieve it! I recently purchased a Grady White Gulfstream that I often trailer by myself. It’s a little big to drive on the trailer so I’ve been using the dock lines to pull it up onto the trailer. I’ll try the method you showed and that should work much better! Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks Clay, it may seem simplistic to some or extremely informative to others, but being this is a no-judgment channel you explain things in such a way that everyone can learn something!!
So glad you’re enjoying it, thanks so much for watching!
Appreciate the video that was very helpful. Trying to learn how to unload and load by myself. I’ll be watching this video a few times. Thanks for taking the time and doing this
Thanks for watching! We appreciate you following along on our adventures.
Those built in straps are sweet. I actually have a 21' sailboat so the launching and retrieving is a bit different but I still learned a lot of good stuff. There's just not enough sailboat specific how to's on youtube so I check powerboat videos and this was great. Thanks!
Appreciate you watching!
Also most of my friends with boats check /grease the wheel bearings..! (We have seen what happens to those who don’t 😬)
Yeah we have. Thanks for watching!
GOOD VIDEO, GOOD ADVICE, VERY VALUE INFORMATION...
Appreciate that, thank you so much. Glad that you enjoyed it.
I definitely learned some new stuff! Honestly, I'm not prepared to get a flat and start bringing my breaker bar and get a little ramp thing in case I need to change a tire. I also will start crossing my chains and make sure they are hooked up correctly.
I also appreciate the PSA for being prepared and limiting time on the ramp. There have been a few times I have waited while people load or unload their boat on the ramp.
Does anyone else rinse down their wheels and apply that stuff to the bunks? I don't have disc brakes. To me that seems a little excessive and not necessary.
Thanks for watching! Rinsing at the ramp really isn’t necessary, it’s something I only suggest doing if you have the time and you’re not holding anyone up.
Very good instruction and tips. I’ve been watching your other videos as well. I like your OCD in taking care of your boats. I’ve been the same and my kids have been raised to take excellent care of our investments. Your trip to Bimini & Tortugas in the pathfinder was excellent as well. I’m looking so forward to my 2400 Open to be ready.
I’m selling my Whaler which handles phenomenally in rough weather but the layout for fishing sucks.
I hope the pathfinder gives me and my clients a comfortable ride..
Thank you again for your channel..!!!
Thanks so much! Congratulations on the 24 open. We really like the versatility of the boat. Enjoy!
Awesome video I’ve been loading our boat on our old trailer and new ameratrail now too before I knew how to drive a car lol and I still learned something and that’s using the silicone spray on the bunks which I’ve never thought of and luckily our saltwater boat ramp has a hose that we use to rinse the trailer but good idea mixing salt away in the pump sprayer if a hose isn’t there.
Thanks so much!
Great video and great advice, Clay, especially ramp educate. I've been in Colorado now for 10 years, so only fresh water for me, but I'm pretty fanatical and wash my boat after enjoying a day on the lake. Then it goes in my garage and covered.
Thanks so much!
As a newcomer to the boating world I really appreciate the specifics in this video! Thank you 👏🏻
Thats what were trying to do.
Don't forget to add...have everything ready to go when you get into line to dump and turn your headlights off when at the ramp so you're not blinding others backing up. Very imformative video.
Thanks for watching Tod!
Excellent!!!!! I’ve watched several and no one showed removing the rear straps prior to launch and when to do it. Very thorough. Tytyty 😊
We try to be as informative as we can. We know that a lot of people seek out RUclips to learn things. Trying to be the best teachers we can be! Appreciate you watching! Thank you.
A few tips to add. Before backing the boat up always have a front and back 50 foot rope thrown on the dock. You then backup and release your front chain before it goes in the water. Boat comes off very easy and you have ropes to move it on the dock. This is a little over doing it and slow to launch.
Thanks for the input and appreciate you watching!
Great video. Can you imagine if even half the ppl at the launch did this? In S. Florida at almost every ramp I’ve ever been to this isn’t how it is lol. This is how I do it, and my friends do it but. We’re in the minority. A lot of ppl have zero skill or respect. Another thing is. A lot of ppl have no idea just how much work owning a boat is. Even if you don’t meticulously take care of your trailer or boat the way he does, there’s still a MASSIVE amount of work to be done just to even get in the water. Anyone who is new to boating I say, go rent a boat for a weekend and do ALL the work necessary to even prep the boat to be launched and pulled outta the water. Do it a couple times. Get your food and necessities ready & loaded. Go get fuel. Strap up the boat and trailer. Get all the things you’ll need to carry to the boat. Then drive to the ramp and unload it. If it isn’t busy, unload, back up about 100 feet and reload the boat. You’ll notice the wind and water have a pretty big effect on the process. Do it a few times to understand the trailer setup, the conditions and how to load boat the 1st try with no issues. Don’t be intimidated or nervous. Be calm no matter what happens. You’ll find things do happen that can be stressful. Always put the parking break on in vehicle when loading and unloading. You’d be shocked how many trucks and trailers end up in the drink everyday. Practice makes perfect with boating and the work you need to put in can be tough. Even if you just have a small 14 foot boat. Once you have it down to a science you’ll find boating to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities on this planet. Took me about 2 weeks to feel 100% comfortable with every aspect of boating. From learning to backup perfectly every time launching, loading and prepping, getting fuel etc. This video is very important and extremely on point. Love this video.
Appreciate the input thanks for watching!
Your videos are one of the best. I love how you explain things so easily and to the point. It is a joy to watch and learn at the same time!
Can’t thank you enough!
Very new to boating and fishing, so happy I found your channel very informative interesting extreme high quality video. We are planning a trip down to Islamorada just from watching your videos you and your lovely wife are doing an awesome job thank you
Thanks so much!
Thanks for this Clay. I never have anyone to go fishing with since I'm new to the area, so this gives me confidence to launch my boat and not try and find people to come with me.
Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for choosing our dock lines and trusting WavesRx with your boat’s safety!
We put our heart and soul into all of our products and it’s humbling to receive such amazing feedback from our customers ❤
These guys have decently priced stuff. Just order and used Clays code and saved 21$.
Thank you! We love your products!
Great information Clay, appreciate you & Stephanie sharing those tips! Explains why your stuff always looks great in every video. Thanks again for sharing!
Billy D
Thanks Billy!
So many great tips here! I learned a new one with using the pressure sprayer to rinse the brakes at the ramp.
Thanks Brad!
Yes! All boat ramps are different! I hate going to a new ramp for the first time. It’s not so hard to launch, but when I’m loading, it seems like if the tip of my front guide bunks are barely sticking out of the water, the boat loads like it should. I also bought one of those GenY torsion hitches a few months ago, totally worth it!
Thanks for watching Eric!
I agree with Patrick. Nothing more frustrating than to arrive at a launch, get in line then watch the boat or two in front of you back their boat into the water then start prepping and making trips to their vehicles to get more stuff. All of that including your lines should already be onboard and lines ready to grab.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
super helpful! Basic videos help everyone! Ty! Love the port/stern Avail logo!
Thanks My friend!
If your like me always check for wasp nest if you haven’t hooked up the boat trailer in a while. I have been lit up more than once by dropping the trailer onto the ball and smashing a wasp nest while doing it.
Great input!
It helps to apply some grease inside the coupler. Keeps the coupler working correctly and keeps the ground for the lighting. Iron oxide inside the coupler will give part time connections.
The trailer height isn't 13 inches but 13 inches plus the height of the tape measure.
Get yourself some dielectric grease for the trailer light and and electric brake connector. I use a Zip Loc bag and store the connector in the bag with a rubber band holding it in place.
For a friction reducer on the bunks, instead of using silicone, a bottle of 4:1 dish wash soap is extremely slippery. The silicone spray is frowned on as you're putting a hydrocarbon into the water.
Oh, don't forget to raise the engine before pulling the boat out of the water so you're not that guy that drags the skegg.
Thanks for the input 👍🏼
Great video, Clay. I love the attention to detail. Who installed the gate on your house?
New to boating!
Awesome video!
Thank you
Man, I'm talking with AmeraTrail right now to get one of their trailers. Now I gotta sell my current one! Can't wait!
Great to meet ya on the shot! Great content brother man!
Pleasure was ours!
It's a nightmare on 33rd st in Marathon during Spanish Mackerel season or anywhere in Miami year round . Anywhere else it's a breeze especially in the keys. Stay blessed
Thanks!
Great info, love those spring straps. Thanks for sharing.
Love them too thanks for watching!
Good info, enjoy the channel. Got a suggestion for you, get a good torque wrench, trailer wheels need to be torqued to spec to insure not over tightening. Your wheel bearings take a ton of heat as it is, no reason to over torque the wheels.
Thank you for the information. We appreciate that
Great instruction video. I'm making mine soon for our lakes in Northern California. I am surprised you didn't use a torque wrench.... but then again, your only checking to make sure they're on tight. Great job! Alonso
Thanks so much!
Couldn't have explained it any better!!! Great job
Thanks so much!
I love your drive to perfection, Thanks Clay and Stephanie! Take care.
Thanks so much!
I have thought that I am putting in perfect load position, but I still have trouble power loading . I wet the bunks and then pull out in good position but still have trouble getting boat to the ring ! I saw you put silicone spray on your bunks . Have you ever had it slip back because of the spray ? What brand of spray do you use? Would appreciate your opinion and experience on this .
check out PB blaster spray. We have not had slip back while the winch is attached. You shouldn't be spraying a lot to where you're worried, a little goes a long way. Thanks so much for the support on the channel!
Another trick when launching solo is to tie a line from a bow cleat around the trailer and back to the cleat. Just like you do when tying to the dock piling. Release the bow strap before going down the ramp. This way you don’t have to jump off the boat to release it once in the water which gets risky as you get older.
Additionally, If I have to exit the tow vehicle while on the ramp, I like to place a chuck behind the left front tire.
Clay, what type of cover is on the Pathfinder in this video? I haven't had much luck finding a cover for my T-top bay boat that covers the sides, other than a custom-made cover.
It's a custom made cover by Captains Tailor
@@LifeByTheBow - Thanks
Another great video, I definitely learned something. Also we just got our Availgear shipment yesterday!
Awesome thanks so much!
You make a good instructor. Thank you for the video.
Thanks so much!
To me, the most important bit of information you gave was stressing the importance of loading and unloading your boat away from the actual ramp. So many people start backing their boat down the ramp only to stop, get out and start doing all of this prep. Just as important as launching is retrieving the boat. Pull your boat completely out of the ramp to do the prep to pull it down the road. It really just comes down to being considerate.
Thanks for watching! And adding input!
Great tips for loading and unloading your boat
Thanks so much!
As usual, it's a high-quality video. I'm surprised you did not do a boat view video of the Key West air show last week.
Thanks so much!
Great job.
It is also recommend to unplug the lights when submerging the trailer.
Thanks’
Great tip about the silicon spray on the bunks.
Thanks appreciate you watching!
10:45 is rule #1!!! Thank you for pointing this out
No problem!
Do you use a transom support bracket for the outboard when towing?
Sometimes when we trailer long distance, thanks for watching!
Hey Clay. Big fan of the channel. I'm not sure if anyone has asked this or not. But how long have you been using the Blaster silicone spray on your bunks? Have you had any issues with it eating through paint on the boat? We just bought a new 22' bay boat with "sticky"carpet. And I am really worried about damaging the boat while trying to help it come off of the trailer easier. Thanks.
I've never had any issues with the silicone spray eating through the gelcoat on the boat. I think you’re just fine. However, just make sure that you only spray the silicone on the front portion of the bunks to create some type of friction. That way the boat doesn’t slide off of the trailer.
hey bro ur videos are awesome u helped me alot thanks keep up the good work
Thanks so much and glad to hear it!
My biggest tip would be your headlights on in the mornings ir evenings. Turn them off. Where I'm at there's 3 lane ramps and if you get the middle ramp and the two outside guys have their headlights on you cant see anything. Also guys with light bars on their boats turn them on while the boat is still at the dock blinding you as well.
Thanks for the input 👍🏼
That’s not a breaker bar, it’s too short! Great video on a how to though! Dang!, spot on! We are completely different people, but do about the same preparation, for boat launch/prep. And thank you soooooooooo! Much for the boat ramp edict !!! Nice skills! Good vid! The only that you missed was the fish you brought home that day?
Thanks for watching Jason!
Looks like good times. Coming down next week, hope to see you on the. 25 ft cat boat. Clay you're the man.
Appreciate you my friend!
Which solution do you use for your salt rinse off? Thanks again for a great video.
I use salt clean by Starke. Thanks for watching!
Grew up on freshwater, Pops was a Bass Fisherman, spent about 5 years salt water boating eventually. Man, that salt is no joke, cleaning it off. What a pain.
Ramp Campers need to be strapped to those Barnacle pilings for 2 high tide-low tide cycles. If they survive, fine. If not, oh well
Thanks for watching Sean!
I don’t even own a boat and I love this channel!
Thanks so much!
Any advice on how do you back up with an empty trailer? i cannot see the trailer at all (it is too low to see and with no quide poles)
Definitely suggest getting so guide poles, thanks for watching!
Clay, do you have a preferred silicon spray for your trailer bunks? Thank You
No necessary the Pb blaster seems to work 👍🏼
Great video, Can you tell me the name of the boat cover company that makes those covers of yours? Thanks.
We like using Captains Tailer 🙌
Great video bro! Very clear and informative
Thanks so much!
Clay, you have any issues with your AC? I've got the same truck (I got mine new end of '20) and I've been having a ton of issues. Also getting rid of my 2300 HPS as soon as Virgil tells me my tender is going to gel. Good on you for making these kinds of videos. A lot of people haven't gotten into boating for fear of maneuvering the trailer and ending up on a boat ramp vid 😂.
Nice I bet you’re pumped!
Nice video bro. where did you get that boat cover? how much did you pay? i think that will fit my 2012 parker 2320sl
Hey there, we got it from the captain's tailor in Miami.
Great job educating and informing! Much appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Do you unhook your trailer lights when launching?
Never had, some suggest it though, thanks for watching!
Great video Clay. We've been rocking the clothing line up here on Smith Lake in Northern Alabama.
Thanks so much!
Hello. What is the boat cover brand shown on this video?
It was made by captains tailer 🙌
I can’t believe that you’re not having to run a drop hitch with that 2500. I pull a 24 Bay & my hitch is about 5” below my bumper to keep the trailer level & yours is about 5” above the bumper
Maybe a different trailer?
Another complete guide to getting the most out of your boat investment. Today especially, gear is not inexpensive. When you add the word boat to the equation you can double and triple the cost. Add salt and if you take shortcuts before you head out or in from the ocean…. you will have busted gear, wasted days and unfortunately safety issues that can be avoided. Well done Clay…. as an old lifetime boater, I learned the hard way…. Your’s is better!
Thanks so much Lance!
Good video clay . Two weeks to go . Got a long ride coming my gmc the boat and little skipper . She's my dog . And me . Hope to meet you soon
Thanks Alfred!
Nice I wish you would have added the wheel bearings for your trailer. Once you have a tire shear off at full speed you'll never let it happen again.
Thanks for the input!
Outstanding video my man outstanding if more people would at he to Safety in the exact manner in which you have just shown the boating community within itself would be so much safer yes continue on with the next video showing everyone how to go ahead and do the boat after lunch excellent excellent video
Thanks so much!
Great video. Looks like you could use one of those support mechanisms for your trolling motor.
Thanks for watching Cary!
Excellent video and very informative. Have no boat to launch but good too know whenever I am blessed to becoming a boat owner
Question: at what point did you lower and raise the motor while launching and retrieving the boat 🚤
Again thanks
Thanks so much! I don’t lower or raise the engine unless the boat is coming off the trailer
Another bit of trailer wisdom……..make sure to keep up with the age of your tires. Just because they have a lot of tread does not mean they are ok. Take a look at the 4 digit code on the sidewall. Once your tires are over 4 years old, you better be replacing them.
Thanks for the input!
The boat covers ??? Do they do a good enough job protecting interior and how long do they last ? 🤔
Depends on the material based on how long they last but definitely a night and day difference!
How often do you grease wheel bearing on the boat trailer...?
Good information 👍...
That’s a good question I try to do it every 6 months
What kind of cover is on the boat? Looks solid!
It’s made by the Captains Tailor in South Florida. He’s the best cover maker!
Great video! Can you tell me more about your boat and the length of the boat? Thanks
Hey Angle! Sure thing 24 feet! 13 feet high on the trailer. 55mph 3.5mpg fuel burn 👍🏼
Where did you get the trailer pole pads?
You can get them on AmaraTrailParts.com
Hey Clay and Stephanie, I love watching all your videos and finally made it down to Islamorada yesterday from New Jersey. I’ve been boating for years in Jersey so I rented a boat in Tavernier yesterday, we went to the sand bar and alligator reef… MY QUESTION, why don’t boaters wave here? Is it because I was in a rental boat? Everyone was very unfriendly at the Islamorada sandbar! WHATS THE DEAL?!
Lots of egos down here I hate to say.. we always make sure to wave though!
I dream of boating on calm weekdays like this. 😁
Thanks Marco!
Great video Clay!👍. I am thinking about getting a boat and this video was very helpful!🙌
Love hearing it thanks so much for watching!
@@LifeByTheBow Keep up the good work! Hopefully I can get a boat soon. Meanwhile I will keep watching your channel and learn as much as I can about boating and fishing.🙌
Great content. I’d maybe just add the caveat that *some* of this may not be ideal if the ramp is super busy, like moving into the other lane or spraying off the trailer. Awesome things to do though, if it’s not backing anyone up.
Thanks for the input! I figured that’s common sense. I agree entirely you shouldn’t rinse the trailer unless you’re not holding anyone up.
What boat ramp is that? We use Founders Park every time at $40 in/out. Would like to find a free one! Thx
It’s Harry harris but just as expensive.. thanks for watching!
Good stuff definitely good tips I'm applying
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much.
Hey what brand is your boat cover?
It’s made by the captain’s tailor. He’s based in south Florida. Thanks for watching!
Good video, thanks. Do you have a link for those ratchet tiedowns at the rear? I haven't seen them in Australia, They look permanent fixtures, sure would save time. @Life by the bow
Thanks so much Richard! They come with the ameratrail trailer.