Finally! A weekend for myself. I packed the boat, kissed the wife and kids goodbye, and headed for the lake. Instead of going to my usual lake, I chose instead to go to Saguaro Lake. This lake has a narrow river channel at the upper end, that is lined with high cliffs, giving great shade from about noon on. Anyway, I finally got to the lake around 8:00pm. As I expected, it was quiet, and almost empty, with only one other couple in line in front of me. I pulled up to the ready area of this small ramp next to them. I finished my prep first and walked over to the couple to ask them if I could launch in their lane, since it was next to the dock and I was single-handing. They politely obliged. I'm pretty good at this, I've been solo-boating for years on my 23' cabin cruiser. I backed across the three-lane ramp and twisted my boat around into their lane, there was no lighting at this ramp and with heavy clouds on the horizon, it was very dark. As I straightened up the trailer, I tried to keep it at a slight angle pointing toward the doc, to make docking it easier. The ramp was very slippery with algae as I slowly backed in. Suddenly, the trailer stopped. I could not back further, and with the slick ramp, I just spun my wheels trying to pull up. I got out and blocked the truck wheel to see what was up. It was now that I noticed just how close to the edge of the ramp I was, and with the angle of the trailer, it was definitely an "uh-oh" moment. I waded back to the trailer and sure-enough, I had ran it off the edge. It was still too high for the boat to get off, and I was stuck. The couple above waited patiently as I fumbled about and cursed at my predicament. Finally, some people that were loading up offered to help me get the boat off. I powered the boat, while they pushed up on the bow and she quickly slid off the trailer. I thanked them profusely as I tied the boat off. Now, back to the trailer. I thought without the boat, I should be able to drag the trailer back onto the ramp. No luck, I just spun the tires. After more cursing, I waded back to the trailer and assess the situation, and I noticed that it was deep enough, that I could lift the trailer, and with the slick ramp, I just slid it sideways and got it back on the ramp. Keep in mind this is a dual-axle 25' bunk trailer. I'm still a bit sore, and amazed at what you can do when you are stressed out.
Ok, so now I got the trailer on the ramp, boat tied off, and I am ready to go. No way. Truck wheels just spin, and as I spin, it's slipping back. Chocked wheels again. The incredibly patient couple came down and offered to help. standing in the bed of the truck, bouncing, did not help. Finally, he brought his Toyota 4wd down and pulled me free. The trailer was fine, my nerves were shot and I parked the truck.
What's the lesson here? I dunno. Maybe I need to trade up to a 4wd
Maybe I need to pay more attention when I am backing up in pitch black darkness. Maybe I need to stay away from this lake from now on. I pulled the boat out on the second ramp this morning, no problems.
Anyway, just thought I would share this so that everybody can see that it even happens to those that have been doing it awhile.
Ok, so now I got the trailer on the ramp, boat tied off, and I am ready to go. No way. Truck wheels just spin, and as I spin, it's slipping back. Chocked wheels again. The incredibly patient couple came down and offered to help. standing in the bed of the truck, bouncing, did not help. Finally, he brought his Toyota 4wd down and pulled me free. The trailer was fine, my nerves were shot and I parked the truck.
What's the lesson here? I dunno. Maybe I need to trade up to a 4wd
Maybe I need to pay more attention when I am backing up in pitch black darkness. Maybe I need to stay away from this lake from now on. I pulled the boat out on the second ramp this morning, no problems. Anyway, just thought I would share this so that everybody can see that it even happens to those that have been doing it awhile.