How to Load a Pontoon Boat

[@tonyalcuri9039]

Yes when I retired I all ways wanted a boat. I went and got me a nice pontoon boat that could manage. I take everything slowly and I got to know my boat and friends and family have enjoyed it. But you are right loading was hard for me. Until one day a game warn saw and the loading my boat. My wife had passed away and I was only me. And it like I never loaded my boat before. He came over to my campsite and sad he would like to help me learn to load my boat. The next day he got on my boat and we spend hr. Loating my boat. It was a 3 dock ramp so some boaters got my because I was learning to load my boat. The gamewarn told me to on pay attention to my boat and don't think about the other boaters and people who was laughing at me. That gamewarn made me feel good about myself and gave me the courage to enjoy my boat. I'm 69 and now I feel when out on the water that wife is with me. Thank you so much. My texting is not the best

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

She is with you Sir and always will be. Thank you for this story. Sometimes the little things we do can mean alot to someone and we never know how much. God bless you.

[@richarddiaz8248]

Tony this put tears in my eyes as I know one day I or she will be alone

[@ericearle6780]

Old men rock !! I hope you enjoy your boat for many more years and I’m sure your wife is watching.

[@ChuckHolland-i4b]

Thank you for your story.

[@richardsb3606]

I just bought my first pontoon boat and I can't wait to get it on the water, I've been searching "how to load your pontoon" videos and this is the best most informative video on loading a pontoon boat. Thank You! I love the tip about the marker on the rail over the center of your right pontoon.

[@chrissanchez5345]

I’m going to buy one today I load my ski boat like nothing

[@pentaxfotog1767]

As a first time pontooner, I REALLY appreciate the section of your video where you talked about ignoring land lubbers and all others.

[@jhun9577]

I've seen lots of videos on loading Pontoons. This is the most thorough and helpful.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

I really appreciate that Sir.

[@TerraFirmaX]

As a truck driver, I always tell new drivers to take your time backing, no one is going to remember how long it took you to back, but they sure will remember you if you his something. That same logic applies to loading your boat. Great video.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Yes Sir. It's not a race. Looking like a pro can take patience. Thank you Sir.

[@peted7687]

Everything you said was dead on man. It really helped. Ppl nowadays just dont have the common sense to get out of the way. Thank you, Great information!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you. I'll try to make more videos on different topics when I can. I'd like to focus on fishing tips eventually. Thanks again.

[@brianwilson5932]

just bought a Pontoon and trying to learn all I can before I head out. Thanks for the great video!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Enjoy Sir, and be safe.. Thank you for the comment.

[@spencercolgan]

Me too!

[@danconlan8735]

Definitely great advice to have some Marina manners, most people don’t care about anyone else now a days! Thanks for sharing that! Slainte, DC🍀

[@MaryRoberts-mt5cp]

I’ve watched about 5 videos on how to load/unload a pontoon/tritoon boat and this was by far the most informative(and hilarious) one out there. Wouldn’t want to get boat advice from anyone other than a fellow South Carolinian wooooo!!!!!!!

[@mikefinch5624]

Nice! No nonsense. I love it. Love the zip tie idea. I personally just drape a fender line over the railing. One bit of advice for folks that may be nervous. Find the most oddball, low usage little state fishing pond and go in the middle of the day when literally no one would likely be headed out and practice, practice, practice... alone! Do that as much as you need to get comfortable. Don't go to the most popular place in your area on a holiday weekend. 😆 Enjoyed your video... especially our auto-hold trolling motor. Sweet. 😀

[@chrisboardwine6859]

I want to buy you a beer. I bought a pontoon a few weeks back and struggled the first few times out getting it lined up to the trailer at the end of the day. I watched your video twice and it just put me at ease and calmed me down a lot. I lined up where the starboard pontoon was and it matches with stitching on the front seat. Since then I’ve nailed it first time the last four times we’ve gone out. And me and my girlfriend have laughed like crazy at your comment about what’re you gonna do if you miss…”I’ll tell you what you’re gonna do- you’re gonna slam that thing into Re-Verse and try it again!” She wants to start some Catfish merchandise for your channel. Haha. Hope you put out more pontoon videos too. Thoroughly enjoyed your laid back approach.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you so much for this comment. This is exactly why I made the video to help out. I havent always benn laid back. I learned over the years sometimes the slower we go the faster we can get done. "To act in haste is to make waste" I once heard. Weird how that's works lol. Thanks again.

[@dwaynegraham2706]

I used to live in those condos across the water there. Nice to know this video came from a local. Thanks for the video!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

That's awesome. Small world. It's a nice place. They cleaned the neighborhood up alot around the condos.

[@mikeherring3860]

Thanks for sharing! I am new to pontoons.This information is a big help.

[@rhettlyerly545]

This is the best tutorial on KZbin about loading a pontoon boat. Nice job!

[@ralphpereda]

Thank you buddy. You hit it right on. I have been having trouble and sweating trying to get right and berceo is not to p-off anyone else. It’s funny because I am very compassionate and always helping others. I know once I nail this, thanks to you, I will see someone struggling and pass on your info. God bless my brother in Christ.

[@caryatkinson3808]

Aight big dog...you are THE MAN....I did a lil different in that I used a lil piece of black electrical tape on the top rail instead of zip tie....I put my brand new boat on the trailer for the first time looking like a boss thanks to you.....and yep...people were asking did he just do that??? lol

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

That is great! This comment made my day. Thank you for letting me know the video helped you. Enjoy your new boat and congratulations on your purchase.

[@caryatkinson3808]

@@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624 First throttle up on my brand new 2021 Bass Buggy XL select 50 hp mercury kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXbTqH-nrbSlapY

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

@@caryatkinson3808 I just saw your video. That is awesome I subscribed to your channel. I couldn't comment on the video. Enjoy Sir, be safe.

[@ronniekotler9265]

Just no better gift than to be blessed with common sense. I am Trying to decide between a high end catfish boat (SeaArk Dynasty, or Angler Quest Tri toon catfish model) Thank for sharing your knowledge and video

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

I think you'll be happy with either you choose. They both will have their pros and cons. Thank you for your comment, enjoy the water.

[@MIKSTA321]

New to poontoon and hands down my favorite vid I have watched. Great job.

[@engaling]

Zip tie is a good idea. My pontoon is stored at that same marina. Through trial and error I figured the great advice you just presented. Too bad I didn't see your video last year when I got my pontoon boat. Would have faced me a bunch of frustration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you for the comment. We all live and learn.

[@sfcrashley]

Need more videos!. :) I've searched now for over 2 months to find tips and tricks, advise etc. You are hands DOWN the best!, and only with 2 videos.... Send us anything, I'll watch.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you. That comment means more to me than you know. Have a great day.

[@richardhowe6218]

I've had a pontoon boar for about 3 years. Excellent video!!!!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you very much Sir

[@moondog5553]

Brother you helped me out!!! I wish the best for you and all of yours!

[@chrisrodems7028]

Thanks for the tips I never had a pontoon always had a john boat getting one next week !

[@mikeherring3860]

Great job!! Thanks for helping.I am new to pontoons.Look forward to your next.

[@pattiwerthen6653]

Thank you very much. I did find the middle of the toon. But didnt think about using the zip tie. I'll go put it on now. Lol. Thanks again.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

I'm glad it could help. Enjoy the waters and thank you.

[@spencercolgan]

This video was excellent! Thank you for posting this.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you as well. I hope you enjoy and it helped.

[@marktaylor4879]

Awesome man. We just got our pontoon a couple of months ago and I watched the hell out of KZbin videos. This is awesome advice. You got another fan.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Enjoy Sir. Thank you.

[@bubbagip6238]

Nice I got a 22' and it be kicking my butt. Gonna try the zip tie this weekend.

[@BlackDogAdventures]

Great video. Nice pointers. Very entertaining. You need to make more videos!

[@rayobrien2188]

Excellent video and thank you for the tips. I like your approach!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you very much. I hope it helps. I've seen a lot of people struggle on the last few years. I was taught by one of the best. Thanks again.

[@gatlinman8192]

I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you for the comment. I'm glad it could help in some way.

[@grecords88]

About to get my first 20' pontoon. you did a great job explaining in the video. I had a 13' one now i'm going up to 20'. You need to make some more videos on fishing and pontooning!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you very much. I'll try to get more videos made.

[@GeorgeBonez]

Heck you taught me something. It never occurred to me that I could jump from my back bumper to my rear tire like that at the boat dock. I guess I’m a lil new to trucks too because I’ve always had SUV’s until I got my pontoon. Thanks man

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you for the comment. Yes Sir it is definitely a little different using an SUV. I usually take a set of muck boots at particular ramps when I use our SUV.

[@GeorgeBonez]

@@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624 Yup I got done cheap little water shoes from Walmart that keeps me from busting my ass in the water. Lol I’ve only put my new Tritoon in the water once and I did pretty good but had my trailer too far in the water. If it doesn’t rain I’ll be giving it another shot tomorrow. Anyway,,, Thanks for the cool vid man! 👍

[@andrewsee7022]

Great video thanks I am nervous every time and I think you help me a lot

[@Sullivanserves]

Thanks for the boost of confidence brother

[@sparkychewbarky]

I'm taking mine out today... Thanks so much for this!!👍

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

I hope you had a great time. Thank you for letting me know the video was helpful.

[@agodwin2011]

Great tip I have a pontoon wondering if the rubber bunks helps with unloading instead of carpet Im looking at going with rubber covered ones. I also watch videos where people put their trailer bunks under water . In to deep with trailer makes it a night mare loading. Happy pontooning..

[@quintinhester1970]

Great video, i got to try the zip tie trick that is smart thank u

[@chicagorandy]

Thanks for the GREAT tips - so.... line up the center of the right pontoon with the center of the right ramp? Easy-peasey! And at 8:35 the observant will note why it is unlikely anyone is stealing your stuff anytime soon - LOL

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

That's it. Just focus on one side of the boat. Everything will naturally happen on the left side. This is being said wind is near calm with no current. Adjustments will need to be made if it's a "rough environment" for lack of better words. The key is practice and patience. A deeper ramp in a nice cove will be much easier than a shallow ramp in a river channel. You don't need to back the vehicle up as far at a deeper ramp like you do at a shallow ramp. Thank you very much.

[@willieglover4794]

That was an awesome tutorial. Very funny too. God bless

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you. God bless you as well.

[@AB-ul7hc]

Great video. Thanks!!

[@MrVasile]

Excellent video...thanks!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you.

[@richarddiaz8248]

Hi thank you for your experience and knowledge

[@SKR-iu8nm]

Good video. Good perspective. Thank you , sir.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you very much.

[@mayi01mart]

great video .. thank you so much

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you very much too.

[@briannance9927]

LOVE the sidearm!

[@MrGsxr10001]

The ZIP TIE! love it! what kind of iron is that you packing?

[@billymullis9785]

Very great video man God is good all the time and all the time God is good👍🏻

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Yes Sir, God is good. Thank you for the comment.

[@EF111A]

The zip was a great idea, Thanks....

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Yes Sir. Thank you for letting me know it was helpful.

[@jeremiahmcguire1463]

Best piece if advice, to me, in that video is ignoring the noise. Everyone starts somewhere... it's your turn to load/unload... taking a minute to do it right is faster than doing it wrong and closing the ramp forna wrecker or whatever.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Sometimes if you slow down you can get more done. "To act in haste is to make waste". Thank you for the comment.

[@adamjohnson654]

Great video! love the advice and love the rod holders! Where did you get them?

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you for the comment. They are made by Driftmasters. I have the 3/8" models they have a 1/2" model as well. Either one is fine just be sure your bases match of course. Think about the pitch you want as well. I like my rods slightly pointed up. You can by them from Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, or offline.

[@tashawaters2879]

This helped me laugh because I cried Sunday after trying to load the pontoon.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

I hope this helped. Enjoy and thank you.

[@debradeuell8402]

Love the zip tie idea!! Often difficult for me to see over the front to see the tips of the toons. How do I know the back end of the pontoon is going to land on the bunks as I pull forward? I am lucky enough to always have someone with me, but would like to do this by myself as you do. You make it look super easy!!

[@kwalser1970]

Great video appreciate it!

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you as well.

[@monahumada7535]

Do you need to have a 4X4? Or can i use my 2 wheel? Awesome video!

[@ugabd57]

Good video! Thanks!

[@jasenhenry]

silly question. how do you get your truck on the ramp if you are out on the water?

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

You'll have to park at the docks and go get the truck if you are alone. I've considered making a video showing this process but I don't know how well it would help out due to each ramp being different. The biggest problem will be other people. The less crowded the easier of course but sometimes you will have jerks that will want to cut in line. If you can... choose a ramp where you can park the boat right over the ramp when there is noone using the ramp. This will hopefully prevent any boats from getting in your way and any trucks pulling up will see they can't launch there. I hope this helps. For example the ramp I'm using in this video....if it was crowded there could had been issues due to I couldn't park over the ramp here. Expect to have confrontations just try to keep respectful. People will be people, can't change that.

[@jasenhenry]

@@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624 appreciate your insight. most of this seems pretty logical, just want to make sure when i start getting out on the water im not "that guy." just trying not to disrupt existing ideologies and flows if i can help it. appreciate your insight

[@dantebernardini428]

This is so funny and straightforward. I live in SC as well and I thought I was a great loader with my runabouts, but I have a really hard time with my pontoon. The current kills me. Where are you when I need you to help load, lol? Quick question. I have heard good and bad things about trailer guides. Are they good or bad? I have the outside taller guides and the inside short guides between the pontoons. Do they really help? They don't seem to help me at all. Thank you for this video.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Do you mean like the easy loader guides that stick up in the back? I would imagine they would help but I've never had them. Yes, the current can be bad, timing is key. The worst is a current with unpredictable wind then add a few wake borders shaking the boat around can make it worse. Like I said. It can take several times, if it takes ten times that's ok. Sometimes you have to go nice and slow, sometimes you have to commit. My toons have plenty of battle scars and I'm sure they'll be more to come.

[@ernestodelao1601]

Oh they help!!

[@Falcon47-47]

Great video. I’m in the market for a 23-23’ tritoon and am wondering what size truck to haul it. You have any advice?

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Any 1500 series truck would be fine and most common. Something as small as a v6 F150 but a 4.6 F150 v8 will do much better. If you are looking to save money now Dodge 1500 5.7 hemis come a dime a dozen and are fairly dependable. If you are looking to spend money and for it to hold value GMC or Chevy 5.3 Truck, Tahoe or Burban. GMC Denali has a 6.2. Any thing will pull it really just don't buy something like a Ranger or Envoy, people around here use them but for how long, idk lol. If you know the weight of the boat and trailer find a vehicle where it meets 70% of the towing capacity or much less and it will pull and stop much better. 4x4 is always a plus at sandy ramps but very rarely needed. If your trailer has electric breaks think about finding a vehicle with brake controls already installed from the factory. If it doesn't have electric breaks don't worry about it, just use caution until you get the feel of slowing down. Mine doesn't have electric breaks. I used a Durango for many years. The 5.7 Durango pull great and are cheap used but they are a Dodge, is what it is, hey Al Bundy drove a Dodge lol. The Durango has small breaks and doesn't stop great at all with full coolers, gas tanks and gear. Never had an issue with a 1500 or bigger.

[@helihoot]

Like your style

[@markeithfarmer1202]

Thank you very much never even drove a boat and brought a 24 foot party barge lol

[@brianwojtas6396]

Great advice

[@wiliegreenjr7577]

Good information

[@daveLU323]

I have a “ladder” style pontoon boat trailer. Very narrow. So I definitely can hit my motor on the bottom of I don’t put the trailer in enough. I like your style of trailer better, though.

[@SuperAudiowizard]

Nice, I have a question about the carpet on the Trailor. For a pontoon, is it better to take the carpet off so it can slide better or keep it on? Thanks in advance.

[@jamespetty9545]

Yes sir. Tell you a story that happened to my father in law. He backed his pontoon boat in the bait ramp to far and there is a huge drop off. Yeah you know what happened. Ole man walked up and said SON don’t cry we got to get it out. He took the front winch and said tie this rope to the hook and tied it to the beam above the back axle. Now go to winching and it picked up that boat and trailer and my father in law just pulled it right back out of the water. This was my father in law’s second time putting the pontoon in the water.

[@pentaxfotog1767]

"You drop it d**n reverse and gun the h**l out of it." LOL!

[@jamesbaucom9538]

What lake are you at in SC?

[@chucktodd3068]

What size electric motor is that on your pontoon thanks

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

It is a MinnKota Ulterra 112lb Sir.

[@boandme52]

Very Nice in deed.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you.

[@savagenomore]

folks with poor boat ramp etiquette are a huge pet peeve of mine...another is, if someone is gonna pull a boat trailer they need to learn how to back it before they come to the boat ramp so they're not the person causing everyone else to wait 20 minutes....

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

I agree, lol. Thank you for the comment. Stay safe.

[@spencercolgan]

Please do a launch pontoon boat too!

[@edwardgrier7096]

Thank you !!

[@HSeaward3]

What a legend

[@bradmishawaka]

As simple as it is I think you should of told people to remember to shut off the motor once they lock her down. I see it all the time at the marina where people are pulling out their boats with the outboard still running...

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

There's a few things I meant to mention but overall it turned out OK I think. Hopefully as soon as they pull the boat out of the water they'll know it's running due to the sound like a drag car pulled out with them haha. I've been there myself.

[@mikeclassing5263]

I let my motor run in gear with a little gas when winching , you use less effort and I have to get wet because I have a cap on my truck.I do the same as you by using my one cup holder to line up with the trailer.

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Letting the motor run in gear is a great idea. Thank you. I could had used that the other day. I left my trailer out a little further than I should had and needed to winch it about three feet lol. Thanks again!

[@mikeclassing5263]

@@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624 Your welcome glad I could help thats what we are to do is help one another out . Enjoy and be safe my friend .

[@RolandoWitherington-pv2fm]

Push my 14ft boat like nothing. Comes with a breaker so that’s a plus. What more can I say.

[@seanoregan998]

Loves himself...... doesn't he?

[@Vikingsmoke]

Disappointing to find a great channel, subscribe and then realize they don't upload anymore content🤣

[@markcraig4479]

Awsome

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you.

[@brents1643]

Pretty damn good to me

[@fishingwithcoolcatfishclay1624]

Thank you.

[@JanetMoore-h7f]

Loading pontoon boat

[@brentbaker4463]

good job for a young a spry guy. Us old fat asses cant do it with that finesse..lol

[@janegillespie7913]

You thank god for this day and i do to but it"s not pleasing to Him to curse after .James

[@michaeldonahue5417]

" make ready" ! Cardinal rule at the boat launch! So many people dilly dally and clog up the whole damn operation! Get out of the way!! Common sense will never prevail!!