Frozen to the trailer!

Dave Diefenderfer

Dave Diefenderfer

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Even when I lived in Vermont, and would flush the motor with RV antifreeze after each hunt did I experience the freezing to the trailer that Brian and I have had the past couple hunts. It has taken a good 30 minutes to finally release, while sitting in the water (floating the trailer). We work it back and forth, bounce it off the ramp, and it won't release. Anything we should put on the bunks?
 
I'm really surprised at that time, it usually takes just 2 or 3 or 5 minutes to release in fresh or salt and I have carpeted 2x6 bunks that fit extremely closely the entire length. Obviously you are submerging completely, other than that I don't know what to say. If it is recalcitrant, meaning it doesn't come off in the time of my normal launching routine of backing in, starting the motor, etc..., I usually back in and float the whole thing until the trailer falls off and that had never taken that long. NOTE, tie the boat to the trailer or ramp. ;).

I do keep the bunks sprayed with silicone spray for slipperiness, but that often is worn off by late in the season.

I've never done any thing with antifreeze, but I do make sure to drain the motor both up and down positions. My Yamaha seems to drain some in both positions, although they should drain completely in the down position. One thing I love is that it has an auxiliary flush hose port and if you blow that out by mouth it gets 100% of the water out of the lines and the motor will piss immediately in the am rather than taking a few minutes to melt all the ice.
 
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I see a lot of trailers using the plastic decking material. They tell me they rip a board down the middle on a table saw and attach to the bunks using decking screws.
 
Dave, I have carpet on one trailer and spray it with silicone from the hardware store. Keep the can in the truck and spray it when needed it. My whaler almost slide off side ways, put guide ons to stop that. Now I have guide ons on all my trailers.
If I did it again I'd try the synthetic wood used on houses and signs.
 
Bunk Slicks will solve that quickly. I use the ones that are individual pads, about 4 per bunk . Less contact means less adhesion from freezing. Also makles boat super easy to load/offload during warmer months.
 
Just remember if you install the teflon or plastic on the bunks, keep the strap and chain connected until in the water. If you unattach it at the top of the ramp, your boat will either stick when it hit the ramp or go sliding all the way down to the water. The ramp/ road rash will be harsh on the bottom of your boat. [;)]
 
Tony N. said:
Just remember if you install the teflon or plastic on the bunks, keep the strap and chain connected until in the water. If you unattach it at the top of the ramp, your boat will either stick when it hit the ramp or go sliding all the way down to the water. The ramp/ road rash will be harsh on the bottom of your boat. [;)]
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Yes Yes Yes
Very important. Your boat will shoot off your trailer and land on the ramp.

Like Tony said. Leave the bow strap on until your boat is in the water, or you are ready for the boat to slide off the trailer to the water.
 
roy brewington said:
Or simply have a firm grasp on bow rope.LOL
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I used to undo the chain and winch strap, then back down to the water.
If I do that now, the boat will come off the trailer and land on the ramp before I have a chance to back the truck up.
They are that slick!
 
I know , i,ve got them on 3 trailers. I simply leave wench strap fastened till boats ready to slide in water. Hold bow rope and unfasten strap. Boat slides off easily . Guess it all depends on how steep ramp angle is as to leaving wench strap attached but even then a simple wrap around wench post with bow rope will stop unintended departures.
 
roy brewington said:
I know , i,ve got them on 3 trailers. I simply leave wench strap fastened till boats ready to slide in water. Hold bow rope and unfasten strap. Boat slides off easily . Guess it all depends on how steep ramp angle is as to leaving wench strap attached but even then a simple wrap around wench post with bow rope will stop unintended departures.
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Exactly I misunderstod your reply. I thought you were not aware how slick they are. I'd hate to see a duck boat crash down on a ramp.

I do the same as you. Thanks Mike!
 
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