Well my floater bar broke in an unfortunate accident...always thought it was a PITA anyways. WHats the pro and cons to the floater vs a winch.
It just seems to me a winch would be easier to take boat out of the water by myself.
Thanks for any input.
Most of the time the floater bars are used because the hulls are so low profile a winch is a PITA...
Winches and vee blocks are better if you go down rough roads and whatnot...Also steep rams and a floater bar will kick ones ass.... :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Floater Bar vs Winch
Post by: patha on July 22, 2009, 11:33:22 PM
ya it sucks trying to line the boat up with the floater cuz it seems like i gotta go so far in the water. But if i switch to the winch it would be easier since i could winch it on somewhat. I can do all the welding myself and hopefully get it lined up in the right spot so it works good.
Title: Re: Floater Bar vs Winch
Post by: IRRebel on July 22, 2009, 11:42:40 PM
I know that most of us who were at Big River in June helped load several of both. I personally assisted, I think with Omar actually, 2 or three with winches and a few more with bars. Didn't notice either one being "easier". Mine was the worst of the bunch of floater bars, backed too far in (Brad got the workout on that one!). But the winches didn't seem to help or hinder, IMO, still the same routine and just as much time.
Launched and loaded mine with the floater solo many times with little problem.
Ray
Title: Re: Floater Bar vs Winch
Post by: sturat 514 on July 23, 2009, 09:10:29 AM
I like the bar myself and 95% launch and load solo. I have no issues every now and then i have to start it to move it forward an inch or so but no big deal.
Title: Re: Floater Bar vs Winch
Post by: rebel on July 30, 2009, 04:55:40 PM
I've used a winch with the big ass 24ft deep v-hull (fishing boat) and love that it would pull the heavy ass boat up on to the trailer if I was not backed into the water enough. and made it easy to center boat. but with the light weight of my sleekcraft rebel I love the bar, one man load and float... trailer is low in water so boat is always floating before I unload or load, the bar pulls her straight on trailer when I pull out of the water, too easy if you ask me. Personal choice ;D
Rebel
Title: Re: Floater Bar vs Winch
Post by: Danger731 on September 09, 2009, 03:18:51 PM
i got rid of my bar because it would not hold the boat down snug on the trailer. The winch makes loading very easy on a 26 foot boat ! One thing tho, last time I was out and got to the ramp I noticed the winch strap was snapped ! I drove a while with only the rear 2 straps cinched down holding the boat on. scary....
Title: Re: Floater Bar vs Winch
Post by: TJS Nordic on September 09, 2009, 03:33:24 PM