Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD
When I launch my boat solo I attach the bow mooring rope to the winch stand on the trailer so when the boat floats free the connection keeps the boat from floating away. Most places, by the time the boat floats off the trailer, the winch stand is past the water’s edge and I have to pull ahead several feet to be able reach and remove the rope from the winch stand and tie the boat to the dock.
I quickly learned that using an overly long rope would allow the boat to drift aimlessly until I could get to the rope. That’s very concerning on breezy days. I experimented with several lengths and settled on a bow rope just a couple of feet longer than the trailer. At most ramps, the sides of the center bunks on the trailer keep the bow of the boat from drifting as I pull forward a little. On less steep ramps, or if I pulled ahead an extra foot or so, the keel of my boat would hit the rear crossmember on the trailer. Steel on fiberglass isn’t good.
My solution was to purchase an extra keel roller to mount on the back of the trailer frame. It was a simple job. I only had to drill a couple of ½-nch holes in the trailer frame for the mounting bolts. I used a 12” roller with adjustable brackets so I could adjust the height of the roller. No need to mount it so it’s touching the hull when the boat is fully on the trailer. I got the roller and mounting frames from C.E. Smith Company directly from their website: https://store.cesmith.com but you can find C.E. Smith boating and trailer parts at many retailers and online sellers.
FISHING TOYS 