Loading the 2021 G23 on a Boatmate Trailer

[FireBreathingRubberDucky]

Clearly there are many methods that work. For me.. put the trailer so the wheel fenders are 1” below the surface (after wetting the bunks). Then drive the boat just fast enough that it steers. About 3.5 mph. Once the front of the boat passes the poles, cut power. The boat gets pretty far up, but not all the way. But there is no risk of over doing it and ramming the roller. At this point I usually attach the winch, and tighten (my wife is usually driving the boat). The it is a balancing act to turn the rudder just enough to drive straight and compensate for the prop walk. Usually just a little throttle and the boat lightly taps the roller, and I will tighten the winch.

All that said, we deep water loaded for the first summer as this was our first inboard.


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Thank you again everyone for the insight. I’ve tried every method known to man at this juncture and after experimenting the last week definitely prefer something more akin to what you just described. I just leave the top of the front bunks so they are barely sticking out of the water and approach the trailer going relatively slow. Once the boat essentially stops, I winch the rest of the way. This is quick and ensures the boat stays on more straight. The funny part is when I spoke to the Boatmate guy’s last year they actually told me we are suppose to drive the boat onto the trailer and they aren’t designed back it deep and float it on.

I have actually seen damage from the float method (power on method as well). On one occasion I saw someone not cut the power fast enough and the prop sliced the bunk and bent the prop. On another occasion when they started pulling out of the water the boat didn’t slide perfectly onto the bunks and the bottom of the boat essentially slide down the fender well. There was a lot of yelling from the wife and husband followed shortly by silence. What I would have given to be a fly in the cab of that truck on their ride home lol.

I think each method has it’s merits and pitfalls. Just gotta find what works best for you and your boat. I love having the stern thruster (marriage saver). I’ve always been worried about dinging the prop on the prop guard if you aren’t coming on straight enough and the stern thruster essentially makes this irrelevant.

[Mahnal]

I have never worried about the prop hitting the prop guard. I always assumed the guideposts would keep the boat centered enough for that not to happen. Yes, I will get a stern thruster on the next boat, but now that I am used to not having it, I don't think it is as big of a deal as when we first started. Although turning around to pick up the surfer faster would be great. Driving the boat up will ensure it is centered on the trailer, that is the downside to floating it. I think once you get used to the boat, you will eventually drive it up on the trailer, but no rush.

[Kenv]

Mahnal...For YEARS and YEARS of loading and unloading my Nautiques...I also never thought it could hit the prop guard...but Bingo...yes it can. I went a little too crazy on the back off I guess last summer due to ramp being too shallow. Bent a blade on the BoatMate prop guard. See my post over in the Trailer section. I never EVER gave it 2 thoughts to it ever being able to hit due to the way the bunks take and hold the boat in....but I will be more careful when I get my G23.....

[RDT-G23]

As I note above, I’m still not at all happy with the Boatmate center bunks positioning (or lack thereof) but only put my boat on the trailer once a year (for winter); it is what it is, I suppose. I’m fortunate to rest mine on an RGC 9000lb lift 98% of the on/off cycles which keeps abrasion from occurring to the hull.

[Smindustries]

Yes, I will get a stern thruster on the next boat, but now that I am used to not having it, I don't think it is as big of a deal as when we first started.

In my experience, the thruster isn't for a game of inches. It takes a moment to spool up and move enough water to shift the boat. By the time the boat is moving, you've overshot your target.

[FireBreathingRubberDucky]

In my experience, the thruster isn't for a game of inches. It takes a moment to spool up and move enough water to shift the boat. By the time the boat is moving, you've overshot your target.

If you’re backing in deep I would agree with this. However, if most of the boat is already on the bunks but you’re still deep enough to not have the entire weight of boat completely resting on the trailer, I find that a touch of the thruster has just enough oomph, to slide you one direction or the other without overshooting. I’ve done this quite a bit now (since taking delivery of the new boat I’ve been teaching my wife to back/unload and load quite a bit so there’s been ample opportunity to practice different methods) and love the feature. The wind is almost always blowing (so much so I had considered moving at one point because it’s quite relentless at times) in the spring and fall where I live, so the stern thruster has been a huge plus.

[jensrice]

I would like to say on another bright note the wave this new hull design produces is pretty incredible. I loaded 800lbs of lead for the first trip out and haven’t looked back. The wave is longer, and more customizable than my 2020 and has far more push in the curl at the rear of the wave. The pocket is also bigger and will be much easier for beginners to drop the rope I suspect.

Where did you put the 800lbs? I have 1300lbs (400 in bow, 700 in the hull under the tower and 200 in the rear) I have been moving around and would love to hear what others are doing.

[Mahnal]

Where did you put the 800lbs? I have 1300lbs (400 in bow, 700 in the hull under the tower and 200 in the rear) I have been moving around and would love to hear what others are doing.

There are several threads that help with that question.. Suggest going to the search bar, but here is at least one thread that will align to your question perfectly.

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...21-g23-ballast