Loading Your Boat Easily (Avoid The #1 Mistake)

Don't let your day on the water get ruined by not knowing how to load your boat back onto the trailer. Learn all the steps so you can be on your way, safe and sound and avoid the number one mistake that boaters make when putting their boats back on the trailer. In this weeks video Chad Ferguson from Catfish Edge shows you everything you need to know to learn to load your boat properly at the marina or boat ramp and covers some awesome tips to make the process faster and easier.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Don't move when others are on the ramp
01:15 Backing down the boat ramp
01:40 How to make the boat easier to load
02:06 The biggest mistake boaters make
03:00 Driving the boat on the trailer
03:56 The number one tip for loading a boat on the trailer
05:49 Securing the boat and using a transom saver
==========
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[@Catfishedge]

Should I make a boat ramp fails video?

[@timothymcvay7286]

Can you please make a video using the solix

[@OutsidewithTom]

Yeah, that would be good.

[@Catfishedge]

Timothy Mcvay lots of videos I’ve posted already

[@hulkhuggett]

Hell yes! And make sure to put staging at the boat ramp part of the fails! That's the worst!!!

[@OldTimerGarden]

Make a loading video in high wind conditions please. thanks

[@dualactionriffdevice]

Great video, thank you for the no nonsense, no over production and senseless dramatic filler. This is how you make an educational video folks.

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@joes.1945]

I wish everyone with a boat would watch this. Thank you!

[@Catfishedge]

LOL.. me too!

[@fike301]

should be law to actually demonstrate like car licence....cant pass, no boating licence

[@kevinphillips150]

This process seems logical but the use of common sense might be used; in ideal conditions.

[@kevinphillips150]

@@fike301 The driver's license does not say the driver can drive. It allows the driver to operate the vehicle they are in.

[@awalt26439]

Followed your trailer part submersion advise. Worked quite nicely and I did not have to wade in the barely above freezing water to secure the boat to the trailer. Thanks.

[@pineywoodskennel9354]

Good job multitasking. Filming, backing, loading, droning, talking. You da man! :)

[@jbsimmons1]

Great video. When you are learning from trial and error, it’s nice to get some wisdom from others. Saves a lot of years of doing it wrong. Thanks!

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@r.thomasguth2420]

If you have to deal with tides and wind, getting your boat straight on the trailer is a lot more complicated.

[@tommymont23]

Perfect.. I have had my boat for just two years and your video solved the problem I was having getting my boat on the trailer. It's no fun trying to get your boat back in line when it's stuck on a fender. Great job. thank you.

[@BobSmith-kz6jo]

Going to pick up my first bass boat soon. Tracker 170. Of the many, many videos I've watched, this was the most valuable and informative I've seen. Thanks. (Wish me luck!)

[@TexasLady220]

Great info. We took our deck boat out for the first time on Lake Travis and had a hell off a time fighting the wake to drive up straight onto the trailer! I do think we probably had the trailer to far in because the boat kept slipping back. So thank you so much for the guidance. Going to practice this week when there are less people out!

[@robbyddurham1624]

there's a good video on youtube on how to pull about onto a trailer in the wind. You drive perpendicular then turn when a right angle will put you on. That way you don't drift one way. Look it up, it helped me a lot. My dad thought I was crazy. He was waving at me with a sour face, then I went right up on the trailer.

[@staffordindiana]

Excellent video about putting boat on trailer correctly at launch ramp. DO NOT put trailer in too deep as you covered several times! Good job.

[@marianne56able]

Great video! I’ve also learned if I look where I want to go, when loading, that’s where I’ll go!

[@rickrife9636]

Now that was an informative video. Thank you. I have found the #1 mistake putting your boat in the water was. Forgetting the bottom plug. I have rescued more boats then you can imagine at the marina. And watched far too many leave the launch to start sinking 100 yards from shore. En joyed the video

[@markcahill117]

Great straight forward advise, good job 👌🏻

[@russelshackleferd4140]

Well I guess it will go wherever you want by putting your hand at 12 but the same thing aside for putting your hand at 2:00 or 9:45. It's going to do whatever you tell it to go. But to take all of the guess work out of backing up, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel or at 6 o clock and move your hand left to go left or right to go right. Another big thing is don't go crazy cranking the wheel from stop to stop, little inputs is all it takes.

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@ralphjr7000]

Thank you Sir,I was definitely doing it wrong an putting my trailer to deep when loading.I'm only in a John boat and could straighten the boat after I pull out and never knew what I was doing wrong, I sure wish someone would have told me this when I was loading my boat wrong at the ramp. I will practice what you showed in this video and when I'm doing it right maybe I can help someone struggling loading their boat onto the trailer. This information will definitely help if the wife an I get a bigger bass boat because I won't be able to lift and move the boat after I pull out of the water and that was what I almost always had to do with my John boat. Thanks again for sharing and helping fellow boaters to not end up on boat ramp fail videos on youtube!

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@jasonkittelstad5423]

Thank you so much for this video as we are new to boating and can use all the tips we can get.

[@Catfishedge]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@zildian1983]

As a new boat owner, I have been making this very mistake the past 6 months (backing too far into the water). Boat always loads crooked. Thank you so much!

[@Catfishedge]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@rainysunday6186]

That’s why you need alignment rods on the back of your trailer so that you won’t be pulling your boat out of the water crooked

[@RobD4588]

Great video, thank you so much. Going to start practicing this week

[@gfour20]

Good video. I see a lot of people that need this info. Thank you for sharing.

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@randallwigley6387]

One of the better instructions on getting a boat on and off the trailer, precise and to the point without a lot of what I call 'salesman talk". That being people who just like to hear their self talking before actually getting to the point.

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@TheTimothycook]

Thank you that was very helpful for me and ready to give it a shot next time I take my boat out

[@alexcurrie3233]

I'm brand new just got my first 89 basstracker 60hp I found this to be a great video..I enjoy the edicate at the beginning as well...they seemed common sense but just great overall pointers.. thank you "tight lines"

[@fike301]

nothing wrong with being new and learning....and maybe taking longer time, its the ones who dont care and are not looking to improve and learn more are the real problems

[@geoffbeers8380]

Thanks for this. As a first time boat owner, loading is the one thing I am still struggling with. My bunks are clearly too far in the water.

[@arciefan]

And normally when I am backing up I have plenty of room to "once I get close to the stopping point of backing up, I jackknife my truck slightly so now I can see those bunks with my side mirror , I use the driver side one so I jackknife that way ,(I don't have a backup camera )to pinpoint them where I want to be about the water line" not the bunks obviously on the side of the trailer but the ones you are using for lift" ... Another thing if you are not real familiar with the ramp go ahead and slight trim up a little while your coming on the trailer in case of a shallow ramp. Every thing this man said I spot on agree with and he made a really good video!

[@jonesingfortheque3530]

Great video! Super helpful for a new boater!

[@alexb.9114]

Great video my man! Helped a lot! 👍🏻

[@stevensmith1881]

I've been doing it this way for years except I wasn't backing it all the way down first and then pulling up. No wonder I have trouble getting the boat to drive up on those dry boards. Duh! Good tip.

[@Catfishedge]

You'll be amazed how much it helps

[@Brownfam27]

great point, I wasn't doing that either

[@greenrasta5789]

You made it real simple and to the point with no bullshit! Thank you

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@bogdankowalski770]

Thanks so much. As a new boat owner I found your video informative and a great review for me as I am bringing my boat in tomorrow. Thanks again.

[@tomchesebro4471]

Amen brother !!! I have seen SO MANY people make the mistake you talked about, backing too far in, then struggle to get the boat lined up square on the trailer (especially when it's windy)....common sense people !!!

[@Catfishedge]

Yes, it's a major issue.

[@andrewfalik2504]

Very helpful. It was easy loading my 15’ skiff on the trailer until I painted its bottom with super slick paint. Now I have to leave the engine running to stop the boat from slipping back into the water while I go forward to reach the strap hook. Unfortunately it sometimes still slips back into the water when I move forward to attach the strap hook. From your video I’ll try to leave most of the bunks out of the water before loading so it grabs the hull better.

[@redzoom7857]

Thanks so much for this sir! As a near future first time boat owner, loading the boat gives me the most anxiety, but after watching this I feel more confident I can do it without completely embarrassing myself. Lol

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@Riddlemethisgaming]

Lucky you..It was super windy today on my first solo load and i ended up sideways on my trailer bc i backed too far in the water🤦‍♂️ was so embarrassing

[@redzoom7857]

@@Riddlemethisgaming everyone has to start somewhere, so it's just a learning experience to do better the next time.

[@davidstradtman8232]

I wish I had seen a video like this year's ago . I have always struggled with loading. Thanks.

[@Catfishedge]

Glad to help

[@motorv8N]

Super impressed by your multitasking with the drone etc. Also your tips on being considerate for other ramp users are much appreciated. I will say though what you’re doing is power-loading (using engine thrust to push the boat up the bunks). This erodes ramps that are hard packed soil and hastens the degradation of concrete ramp foundations. Sure it was just a little burst of throttle, but if thousands of people do the very same thing it reduces the life of the ramp and eventually folks are struggling to get their trailers level on a ramp that’s cracked or has deep gouges in it. Your trailer placement was about perfect and the concept of wetting the bunks is smart. Once the boat noses against them and rides up a bit (engine in neutral) get out and use your winch to come up the last couple feet. That’s what it’s there for.

[@richerwin6397]

I cover my factory bunk carpets with a layer of the "old style" grass carpet to ease loading, its slicker than the carpets from the factory these days.

[@motorv8N]

@@richerwin6397 smart!

[@kenschretlen3171]

yup, DON'T power load!! But he has some great pointers too, such as not moving on a ramp when others are moving (I've been guilty of this), and turn off headlights if at night, really great pointers. I dunk my bunks as well, learned this early on, and it's really helpful esp w/cranking on.

[@michaelcowan6254]

A lot depends on the ramp angle. But the main thing is to have the bunkboards to guide you on the trailer. I also installed some short side guide boards to help even more, especially in windy conditions.

[@ladislopez5832]

Thank you for this information, very helpful 👍🏼

[@fryedward1]

Yes sir it shows that you’ve done it once or twice before everything in line good job thanks for the video

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@jsboucher1883]

Very usefull thank you I just purchased a 21' crownline I have alot of experience with 14' and 18' aluminium but never with a 21' fibrr glass boat. Im sure thanks to this video I got this 👍

[@mitchellhelms7238]

I see this every weekend everything you said I see people do and they seem amazed at how quickly I get out or launched by myself. Some don't get ready to go until they are on the ramp then its 20 min wait somedays it's an hour cause people have trouble getting on the trailer. Great video more need to watch this

[@Catfishedge]

LOL

[@ozzarks]

Thanks for the info... well done, the drone footage helped tremendously, not enough experts share the VERY BASIC INFO like you do.... as if everyone should just know, well if you've never seen it or been taught ? how are you supposed to know ? WAAAAAAY to many "arrogant experts". THANK YOU FOR NOT BEING ONE of those !! Nick

[@d1nx2]

Excellent instructions. Thanks Chad, liked and subscribed!

[@davesenor3146]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing

[@ltolleson1]

Very nice instructional video. I know exactly where this ramp is located and have used it many times. I need to schedule a trip with you!

[@TandemAdventures]

Thank you for those great tips!

[@davidsanders1991]

Thank you, Catfish. Great video. Very good info.

[@Catfishedge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@promaster185]

Thank You Thank You Thank You. It is very frustrating having to wait on someone who has no clue what they are doing. Also Boat ramp etiquette is something that should be taught with Every boat purchase. Maybe you could do a video on that also.

[@Catfishedge]

Good idea!

[@ozzarks]

Grest video.... I will subscribe so i can see more... THST is one seriously SICK BOAT... totally envious. Thanks

[@markpaskett3696]

Great info. You mentioned that you may need to adjust the depth of your trailer depending on the steepness of the ramp. I would add that you may need to be deeper or shallower depending on the weight of your boat as well. Error on the side of too shallow. You will learn just the right depth with practice as you get to know your rig. Pro tip...mentioned in video...back in deep enough to wet the full length of bunks then pull back up to the appropriate depth. MOST trouble while loading happens because trailer is too deep!

[@Catfishedge]

Correct

[@tinagoulet3898]

Thanks, your video helped me a lot with loading my boat!

[@edwinrcorbin2579]

Excellent! Great reminder!

[@herkloader34]

Excellent video and nice work with the drone!

[@michaeldelrossi4487]

Great Job, easy as pie! Thank You!

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@patmcdonald2381]

Thanks for the video and especially your consideration of other boaters. An additional safety comment; after your final winching up onto the trailer, an additional safety chain from the winch mount to the bow eye is needed. I believe here in NC, it is a requirement. At our local ramp, saw the winch come loose as the boat / trailer was coming up the ramp. Severely damaged the motor and lower part of the transom. Had the additional chain been there it wouldn't have happened.

[@jeffrubinstein998]

Thanks Chad!! Great info

[@timothymcvay7286]

Great video buddy thanks for sharing

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@whitbyretreat145]

Nice, I will be doing it for the first time in my life this thanksgiving day... some great tips right there

[@Catfishedge]

Good luck!

[@jpelishome]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@zachwentworth9704]

Never thought of getting the boards wet the pull back out a bit, great idea thanks for the video

[@Indylimburg]

Great video! The drone shots were a nice touch.

[@johntinnemeyer6416]

Just bought my first boat, usually use my canoe. Thanks for the good pointers.

[@thercattrainer]

Chad, you did an excellent job of explaining on how to properly trailer a boat!

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks!

[@sepiusolutions]

This helped a lot, especially how much to back in the trailer so I can put it on the trailer.

[@lemuelpowell882]

Very good info...Thanks

[@georgetullis7216]

Great instructions for loading a boat. Just got a new one and loading is always a headache for me

[@TheTechDuke]

WOW. Your amazing. great video chad.

[@Catfishedge]

Wow, thanks!

[@bazshooter7688]

The boat needs those guides to line up! It took me one season to master that. If the trailer is too deep the boat floats all over the place. Just makes it harder to line up. Great video.

[@ivanbronfield1714]

Thanks that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for im a kind of new on this

[@Catfishedge]

Awesome!

[@titusthegreat7434]

You’re a pro man. Flawless. One day I’ll hopefully reach your level

[@rayo1371]

Thanks ..good advice especially going solo .. I am starting up again and needed to see this before 1st outing

[@Catfishedge]

You got this!

[@cooperbrown1]

Good info, thanks.

[@tomh.8267]

Thank you! Great advice..

[@stevemeldrew]

Great vid 👍🏼

[@kile167]

Thanks for your advice.

[@trinaaeen595]

Super helpful video!

[@pwelch5944]

Good advise about wetting the bunks and not putting the trailer too deep in the water at the ramp. These are the tricks that make it safe and easy to load a boat on a trailer. Thanks, PW

[@vincebeneke1615]

Awesome vid chad!!!

[@Catfishedge]

👍

[@welderusa9063]

The folks at that Florida boat ramp need to watch this. Great video.

[@morganghetti]

Our ramps have tidal currents. If you line up like he did you're going to miss by 10 feet.

[@omgdbwhatadb5586]

Theres alot of boat owners in Florida that hit the water 2, maybe 3 times a year. They should never own a boat in the first place.

[@johnbumpus7138]

@@omgdbwhatadb5586 Why should not being able to use your boat as often as you would like preclude you from boat ownership?

[@omgdbwhatadb5586]

@@johnbumpus7138 Because they don't know how to operate them nor do they have manners/boat ramp etiquette. They show up at boat ramps and behave like a-holes and sometimes endanger other boaters. Its similar to gun ownership, if your gonna own one know how to operate it and the rules that come with it.

[@johnbumpus7138]

@@omgdbwhatadb5586 I don’t think it has anything to do with how many times they’re able to take their boat out on the water I think it has more to do with the type of people they are I’ve owned a few different boats over the past 20 years because I have other hobbies and responsibilities I don’t get to take mine out nearly as often as I would like but that certainly doesn’t mean I should forfeit my right to own a boat

[@mpfjaxmpfjax3046]

I went out with friends and family in my teens and early 20s, and would help with loading and unloading. . Bought a nice boat 2 years ago at 48. Have been struggling with this... Also when the current is strong, it is more difficult and I have been backing down too far. THANKS for the tips.

[@kirkrhatigan2575]

Great tips

[@zfrantz01]

Great tip on getting the bump boards wet first . Thanks

[@Catfishedge]

Thanksn

[@ellisherring4288]

Great information thanks

[@Riddlemethisgaming]

Thanks man..I was looking for a video like this bc it was super windy for my first lauch/load solo and I ended up sideways on my trailer in front of ppl ..had to push my boat back and try again..now ik what I did wrong..if i hadn't been so far in the water i would have had it.

[@Catfishedge]

Glad I could help

[@supporter8792]

you did not do anything wrong. it was the wind that fd you over. you were a little bit off and the wind then took it. next time you will have to come in at even a more perpendicular level. and yes once you get it in, having some help from the hull in holding the boat on the trailer at that point is helpful, too.

[@dubbys]

I heard about 20 #1 things lol. Great video thanks.

[@AnnexF]

Perfect video tutorial!

[@babble244]

I have been sitting here thinking of a creative way to say what a nice quality boat ya got there... Seriously tho Props!

[@Catfishedge]

Lol thanks. I’m blessed more than I should be!

[@brianmurphy1000]

That’s a beauty, truck too.

[@salvatorediiorio800]

Very Nice.........Thanks

[@robjennings9565]

Excellent tutorial

[@tamiwhite1707]

Great video. I recognize that marina. Lake View Marina on Eagle Mountain Lake!

[@usmarinecorps05]

Great 👍 thanks!

[@richardwinson2318]

Transom saver! yes!

[@jimbauer5560]

Very good video!

[@JJ-bm2jj]

Thanks for that info

[@thermallkill]

awesome love it

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks!

[@dalegraenser7542]

Thank you so much. I honestly never loaded a boat and that really helped.

[@Catfishedge]

Glad it helped!

[@Catfishedge]

Launch video coming soon!

[@elwoodneener4800]

Jack you are absolutely right. I know from past experience LOL

[@Catfishedge]

LOL

[@davidfrank2824]

That is a pretty good tip on not putting the trailer too far in. To be honest I really don't know how far I put my trailer in. I use my mirror and when I see a certain spot on the trailer that's when I stop. I do remember one time after loading the trailer I'm pulling off the ramp that the boat was not completely straight. It was so busy at the ramp that day that I could not go back into the water to center it perfect. So all I did was when I came home was to take a block of wood and a floor jack and move it over a couple inches. After that incident I pull partly up the ramp check the position and pull it the rest away out if it looks good. Great advice thanks for sharing.

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@johnbobetich6388]

Great video! Thanks

[@Catfishedge]

Glad you liked it!

[@wekeepsitreeloutdoors]

Great tip! Thanks! Like the drone angle👍🏻

[@Catfishedge]

Thanks

[@tonywilliams4066]

Third comment: Nice trailer! I went with Rhino transom straps, but I really like those ratcheting, permanently mounted transom straps. Much quicker.

[@halfbakedDIY]

Fantastic. I've been loading consistently too deep and stern always drifts on me. Such a simple fix, wish i'd thought of it.