Horrible day at the lake! I'm lucky though..

[fiddlebick]

Two of us lifted the trailer from one side, and the good samaritan with the bass boat eased up to the rear of the trailer and stood on his front deck, pulling up on a rope I had tied on to the rear of the trailer. Between us, we were able to get enough lift. I'm really having a tough time getting past this, starting to rethink the wisdom of pulling, and loading a 26 foot behemoth of a boat every time I want to enjoy the water. Its a lot for my truck, a lot for the highway, wider than my previous pontoon...a 20 footer and much lighter! A boat this size is better suited to staying on the water all season in a slip.

[TDJ2591]

Fiddlebick,
All reasons why I keep mine in dry storage at the lake. Costs a little more but given the wear and tear on the boat and on my Tahoe, the fuel costs (at 7mpg) and the launching hassles, it's worth it to just call ahead and have it waiting for me at the dock, gassed up and ready to go.

Did you ever get a chance to check out what size and type prop you are using on your Honda?

[KylefromNJ]

Two of us lifted the trailer from one side, and the good samaritan with the bass boat eased up to the rear of the trailer and stood on his front deck, pulling up on a rope I had tied on to the rear of the trailer. Between us, we were able to get enough lift. I'm really having a tough time getting past this, starting to rethink the wisdom of pulling, and loading a 26 foot behemoth of a boat every time I want to enjoy the water. Its a lot for my truck, a lot for the highway, wider than my previous pontoon...a 20 footer and much lighter! A boat this size is better suited to staying on the water all season in a slip.

I'm in the exact same camp. I used to think that if I get a trailer I can pull the boat to whatever ramp I want, drop it in and enjoy whatever bay/lake I'm at. I did not take into account the possible problems esp. w free ramps, fast moving wind/tide , wear and tear of saltwater on trailer etc. After the last trailering attempt I'm glad I spent $ on a slip. Not to mention it only costs us $500 this year and $765 for subsequent years for a large slip.

[Bamaman]

You had some tough luck. Last time I put my boat into the water, I forgot to untie the stern straps. I figured it out when the trailer was firmly floating with the pontoon boat attached.

My last dilemma was when I picked up a brand new fifth wheel camper a week ago. I got into a tight space, made a turn, and put a roof truss through the slider. It destroyed the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets. Looking for the Progressive Insurance adjuster to look at it today. I expect a very large insurance claim and 2-3 mos. to get it back.