Auto bow eye mechanism

[wattaway2]

Guess I'm getting lazy or older -- anyone try a automatic bow eye latching mechanism looked on line at the "ramp-n-clamp" wasn't sure if it work for my 23 cc

[tommyg29]

Me too. I have an older floaton trailer, but the original latch mechanism has long since been removed in favor of a winch. I see almost everyone uses a typical winch loading system now, so I wonder why the auto latch systems are no longer popular. I havent tried a ramp n clamp, but I think some people consider them unreliable

[wattaway2]

Mark(livetosea) has an older trailer like yours and still uses the system works perfectly for him !
Had my 20' seacraft and trailer set up to easily launch and retrieve by myself but don't think my arms are long enough to reach the bow eye on my 23 to safely attach the wench
Looking for a better way to handle it by myself so I don't have to depend on others who may not be much help

[JohnC]

For what it's worth, I just raise the motor a little and drive on and leave the boat idling in gear pushing against the winch. Then just walk around and hook it up. Takes about a minute to do by myself. It's just an easy way to do it single handed.

[kmoose]

My wife it the trailer fetcher, backer and latcher. The system has worked flawlessly for decades but it ain't cheep by any means...

[wattaway2]

Originally Posted by kmoose

My wife it the trailer fetcher, backer and latcher. The system has worked flawlessly for decades but it ain't cheep by any means...

Unfortunately Kmoose knot all of us can be as lucky as you! Mine try's but ----- oh well she's got other virtues

[kevmen]

I have one of these systems for my 23 inboard. I like it, but I also have a winch on the trailer. The trick is to set your trailer at the right depth - too deep and the boat hooks up then slides back off - too shallow and you won't reach it to get it to lock on. I usually get it close then winch the last foot or so if it doesn't stay locked. It is more of a convenience for launching to boat. Yes - I can't reach mine by hand either - I use my gaff to flip pice that locks the boat in place. Again - depth of the trailer matters or it can get hung up. When by myself, I disconnect winch, back boat in, jump on boat by way of the bow, start her up, disconnect latch and off to the dock. That being said - it is always much easier with a friend. Also, before you put it back on the trailer make sure the latch is open or you will keep bouncing off the bar and not hook up!

[DonV]

From what I've seen she does an outstanding job!! Just to have her be the "backer" is impressive!!

[tommyg29]

I would love to have the "posi-latch" system reattached to my trailer. Thats what float-on calls it, but I understand without a winch (and the posi-latch replaces it) you might be out of luck if your motor has quit for whatever reason. Your only option then is dunking the trailer even deeper and maybe the rear bumper of your tow vehicle.
I think the ramp n clamp might be a good option because you still keep the winch. I read somewhere though that sometimes the pin sticks and can make it difficult to release for launching. Or sometimes it misfires and doesnt latch when you try to load it.

[wattaway2]

I'lll have to check with Livetosea but I think he does have a winch with his trailer and the posi latch. As I remember the bow eye has a Slotted clasp on it that grabs the bar and a bow eye the winch strap hooks to. But don't quote me on that yet