any of you guys have trouble putting your bass cats on the trailer? my buddy just bought a new p4 and has had trouble. any tips would be great for him thanks! ;D
dont be embarrassed to admit it. feel free to vent about it here.
I'm not a basscat boy but most trouble loading is because of trailer placement. To deep in the water and the runners don't help you line up on the nose, to shallow and you can't get it all the way up to the bumper.
Love my BCB trailer but absolutely the worst loading trailer I have ever had. My previous boats were Rangers and Champs. It didn't matter how deep the trailer was in the water or shallow, how steep the ramp was either. It would go on if I completely sank the trailer or if I had it real shallow. The problem with my boat trailer is placement (Height) of the bow roller. If BCB would have placed it 2 inches lower this would solve all the problems. The loading issue with this trailer is the only reason I would think about switching brands.
In order for the bow to clear my roller the trailer bunks have to about 3/4 of the way out of water so that the boat will get the proper angle to clear it. Problem is unless you hit the trailer at a good speed you can't "Power" onto the trailer because your bunks are to far out of the water. So, I have to get the very tip of the bow over the roller, hook up the strap tighten it down then go back to the truck and back the trailer deeper then get out and winch it the rest of the way because there is no way to winch this sucker the rest of the way on with the trailer so shallow.
I've tried every angle to the dangle and there is no cure. I'm seriously considering doing some mods to my trailer to cure this issue. I know what needs to be done and it's a very easy fix.
In my opinion there is no reason that it has to be this way. Only trailer I've had that is an issue with loading.
H2O, I have the exact problem loading my boat onto the trailer. Not a BC. However, I have been thinking of lowering the stop as well. Hoping this would fix the issue. Seems to be approx. 1-3 inches too high. I have seen a stop which catches the bow the springs forward as you power up the trailer. Gonna talk with someone at a local service center to hear their thoughts about this issue.
I have found that backing my trailer in the water until the short bunks are barely submerged works the best. I then coast the boat on the trailer until it comes to a rest and then I power it up the rest of the way. Depending on the angle of the ramp you may have to adjust a little bit but the having a fury really helps too.
Quote from: H2O_Fowl on June 14, 2012, 10:04:23 AM
Love my BCB trailer but absolutely the worst loading trailer I have ever had. ...The problem with my boat trailer is placement (Height) of the bow roller. If BCB would have placed it 2 inches lower this would solve all the problems.
I've seen this happen with some Nitro boat/trailers at the local ramp too...looks frustrating.
one 'fix'...wondering why not have the 'composite' bunk boards without carpeting...they should be slick enough that boats go on without having to back so far down...plus create less harborage for invasives...
always wondered why boat manufacturers haven't made that switch at the plant?
Quote from: coldfront on June 14, 2012, 01:06:03 PM
always wondered why boat manufacturers haven't made that switch at the plant?
$$$$$
Quote from: 18x2 on June 14, 2012, 10:42:39 AM
I have found that backing my trailer in the water until the short bunks are barely submerged works the best. I then coast the boat on the trailer until it comes to a rest and then I power it up the rest of the way. Depending on the angle of the ramp you may have to adjust a little bit but the having a fury really helps too.
This is exactly the way I have loaded any of the three BassCats that I have had. I have never had an issue. If you do the above, no matter how steep or flat the ramp might be, your Cat should load very easily. I know that works for Cougars, Pumas, Baycats and PII's. I can't speak to the other models.
Quote from: Billius46 on June 14, 2012, 03:34:44 PM
This is exactly the way I have loaded any of the three BassCats that I have had. I have never had an issue. If you do the above, no matter how steep or flat the ramp might be, your Cat should load very easily. I know that works for Cougars, Pumas, Baycats and PII's. I can't speak to the other models.
I do the same but leave about three inches of the short bunks out of the water. Also one trick is to submerge the bunks fully and pull trailer back out. The wet bunk boards make it slide a lot easier....
Quote from: Billius46 on June 14, 2012, 03:34:44 PM
This is exactly the way I have loaded any of the three BassCats that I have had. I have never had an issue. If you do the above, no matter how steep or flat the ramp might be, your Cat should load very easily. I know that works for Cougars, Pumas, Baycats and PII's. I can't speak to the other models.
What Billius and 18x2 said. Key is the short bunks just under the water. I don't have issues either (SaberFTD, Eyra and PIV). Let us know if this helps. Also, I do trim up to help with lift on the roller too.
Like others, I really struggled with the loading part initially.
Here are my suggestions:
1. Leave the outer bunks partially out of the water 2-3", ramp angle determines true depth.
2. The center of the boat for loading purposes is not the 'V' in the bow. Look at the offset on your boat from the front, and you will see what I am referencing. Having said this, look at the bow eye and reference something else for the midline of the boat. I use the front and middle pedestals as reference.
3. Once the boat gets on the trailer, let it settle a few seconds before powering onto the trailer.
4. Once the boat settles and the steering wheel is straight, I tend to release the wheel while driving on. This sounds kind of brash, but it seems to work for my PII.
5. Keep practicing. For months, my son and I took turns sitting on the tailgate pointing the direction to head until we figured it out.
Good Luck
Carky
I really struggled with my PII.
Now I just back it up to where the water just covers the rear step platform behind the rear axle. I put the boat on and this "centers" it up immeditately. Then I just have the driver back it a little further (about 3/4's) up the fender and I drive it on the rest of the way. I haven't had any issues since doing this way.
All great suggestions. IMO I think some of this relates to new transition from one boat to another. Keep at it you'll get it figured out.
Quote from: GRR884 on June 15, 2012, 09:22:06 AM
I really struggled with my PII.
Now I just back it up to where the water just covers the rear step platform behind the rear axle. I put the boat on and this "centers" it up immeditately. Then I just have the driver back it a little further (about 3/4's) up the fender and I drive it on the rest of the way. I haven't had any issues since doing this way.
That is what I end up doing as well. I fish alone 99 percent of the time and not only is it a pain but it's a pain for other boaters waiting in line as well. Clearing the bow roller is the only issue. Seems to me BC could cure this problem easy enough. Everything else about these boats are outstanding and well thought out.
Quote from: 18x2 on June 14, 2012, 10:42:39 AM
I have found that backing my trailer in the water until the short bunks are barely submerged works the best. I then coast the boat on the trailer until it comes to a rest and then I power it up the rest of the way. Depending on the angle of the ramp you may have to adjust a little bit but the having a fury really helps too.
Same here, if the short bunks are just barely submerged it helps line the boat up perfect and slides right on without too much force...
I have seen this several times and I live in an area with different angles on ramps.I placed a 10 inch roller on the front cross member flush to the hull and do not have a problem no more .If you want to see a pic go to my profile on the BCB boards
OnebigFish,
Many thanks and appreciate your follow up. Is this the roller you are referring to? If so where did you get it?
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.yuku.com%2Fimage%2Fpjpeg%2Fe033695a4bd2c18db307567789c9d168b14a50da.jpg&hash=5aac9c9de3424280639b8c76680392a3e6ac1331)
Yes,the roller was bought at west marine for 20 bucks along with the bracket.I had to cut the u bolts up top just a tad to get the right fit and make it right.Sam Rush showed me this and it helped tremendously!!I have some crazy ramps in VA and now I can load and unload by myself with no hassels.I have an 09 Sabre and this was a blessing in the bow drop and getting the bow up on loading.
Fantastic idea!!! I may try this one out.
Might head to the lake to snap a few pics in the morning of various trailer depths and see if I can post them here so everyone can see where I'm coming from. So short bunks just under the water huh? I'll try that again. One ramp inparticular gives me issues that I never had with any other boat and thats the ramp I will use if I go tomorrow.
No problems lining the boat up on the trailer. Only time I have to pay close attention to this is in high cross winds and even at that it's not a problem. Bass boats tend to line themselves up on their own once you get them in the cradle.
bjtarr has it exactly right. if you have ever been to the basscat owners tournament, you will see that they submerge the entire bunks, pull up to where the tip of the short bunk is just out of the water, and the boat will drive right up to the stop everytime. i have been loading basscat boats since 1980, and believe me, all of my buddies that own other brands, wish their boats would load as easily.
bo
What is your tongue height ?? does your trailer sit level when hooked to your truck? If your truck sits high you should get a drop hitch that levels your trailer. this will help not only with loading but it will tow better also.
For those interested in the parts that Onebigfish used see below. That's a cool fix for some. You can get them at West Marine. Total cost is around $30.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=434446&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50802&subdeptNum=50814&classNum=50816#.T98RXo6-GlJ (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=434446&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50802&subdeptNum=50814&classNum=50816#.T98RXo6-GlJ)
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=444417&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50802&subdeptNum=50814&classNum=50816#.T98Rx46-GlI (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=444417&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50802&subdeptNum=50814&classNum=50816#.T98Rx46-GlI)
Quote from: Flyswatter on June 17, 2012, 01:34:56 PM
OnebigFish,
Many thanks and appreciate your follow up. Is this the roller you are referring to? If so where did you get it?
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.yuku.com%2Fimage%2Fpjpeg%2Fe033695a4bd2c18db307567789c9d168b14a50da.jpg&hash=5aac9c9de3424280639b8c76680392a3e6ac1331)
Just remembered this about my boat also. All the other boats I have owned I backed in until I saw the back end of the boat just start to float, then unhook, get in and barely give it some juice and off they would come. This boat, I do the same way and when I start to come off the trailer the nose is actually resting hard on the front roller and when it comes off it actually drops down some. If I don't let the back of the boat float some I play hell getting it off the trailer.
Man I hope some one has a fix for this. Mine does the same . Still thinking I may need to lower the front stop. :-\
I think the fix may be the roller under the very front like the pic above. At least an easy fix anyway. Only problem I see with that is a close eye should be kept on the roller for wear.
Cats are new to me. I've ran around in bass boats since the early 80's. Just not Cats. Rangers and Champions. So this trailer deal is frustrating to say the least.
If nothing else this gives us all something to talk about. LOL
Trust me on this,the roller is the ticket,,so far no wear,no scuffs,and the bow never drops,and when loading the nose is always where you want it.
I would be very leery of adding an additional roller. The hull isn't supposed to sit on the rollers. I would think if BCB wanted a roller there...they would have put one there. Just sayin...
I have a roller on my trailer, But the boat has never touched it since I purchased it. I am going to check and see if it is adjustable. If not, I will be purchasing the adjustable one which is shown in this post. Thank you all for the tips and tricks.
This is the exact reason why I became a member. Being a charter member has it's advantages as well.
I am very interested in the roller too but I think it would be prudent to consult with your BassCat dealer or get some feedback direct from BassCat on this one before you purchase anything so there are no potential challenges with the warranty. Just a thought.
The roller does not support the boat at all,it is installed with the boat on the trailer,the bunks carry the weight where as the roller just keeps the bow off the trolling motor bracket when unloading and the bow from dropping when loading.It is just like the roller on the back of the trailer.All I did was slide it to where it is flush with the bottom,had to trim an inch of the top u bolt.
Quote from: onebgfish on June 19, 2012, 04:14:44 PM
The roller does not support the boat at all,it is installed with the boat on the trailer,the bunks carry the weight where as the roller just keeps the bow off the trolling motor bracket when unloading and the bow from dropping when loading.It is just like the roller on the back of the trailer.All I did was slide it to where it is flush with the bottom,had to trim an inch of the top u bolt.
I would still check with BCB before doing something like that. When you load and unload you are putting pressure on your keel when you hit the roller. I can't imagine why you would need it, but I know you said it helps.
Quote from: Shaneomac1 on June 13, 2012, 02:49:22 PM
any of you guys have trouble putting your bass cats on the trailer? my buddy just bought a new p4 and has had trouble. any tips would be great for him thanks! ;D
Short bunks just under the water and my Classic loads very easy. Different brands of boats load somewhat different than each other. I too started with my trailer to high out of the water and had a little trouble but, after putting the short bunks just under the water I have not had a problem since. All I can suggest is trial and error until you find what works with any given rig. Just saying !!
v~
Totally agree with ya Classic242. Short bunks just under the water.
All great points. Will have to get more experience with the loading and unloading process before making any changes. I am still leaning towards lowering the front stop by a few inches. But, I haven't had as many issues with the above problems as I had had in the spring. Maybe I am getting the hang of it. :-\
Ok. Go to the frequently asked questions on the BCB forum on their website. I found out that I am drowning my trailer. Even when I thought I was shallow I was too deep. There is a pic of Rick loading a Sabre. Look at how shallow that trailer is and I think you will find your answer.
One other very important thing I would like to point out is to make sure your bow roller isn't too tight. When I first got my boat the bow roller was so tight it would not "roll" freely and was causing the boat to actually dig into it while loading and I believe that since there was resistance there it caused the bow to push forward to the right a little bit on the side of the roller. I loosened the roller just enough to be able to turn it freely and things worked out better.
Here you go. Great pics and video. ~beer~
http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/21699/loading-boat-pics-and-short-video#.T-Zg_o6-FSU (http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/21699/loading-boat-pics-and-short-video#.T-Zg_o6-FSU)
Good video! This should be posted in the frequently asked questions forum on there maybe.
I went out today and tried that. Short bunks just barely under the water. It helps but the problem with my boat is the small block 200 so I don't have the ummfff to push it up the rest of the way. No ventilation holes in the prop probably contributes to it as well.
Perhaps I need to invest in a new 200 Pro XS! Make that baby really scoot then! But no, I'm gonna be in a bigger and badder Cat hopefully within the next year and half or so.
Quote from: H2O_Fowl on June 24, 2012, 10:34:20 PM
Good video! This should be posted in the frequently asked questions forum on there maybe.
H20,
Great idea and done! I have sticky'd a Boat Loading Thread to the top of our Ultimate Bass BassCat forum. Check it out.
Flyswatter
A 4 Blade Trophy will also give trouble loading all the way to the bow roller.