Boat / Jetski Launch with 2WD ranger

[suprapsu]

I just bought a seadoo challenger jetboat and wanted to know if anyone have had any problems at the boat launch. I've seen some horrible things where the truck is 2wd and it dips in water just a little bit to lose traction and it gets stuck.

Anyone have any suggestions? I have a 1994 Ranger XLT 2wd 5speed.

 

[Chance]

I'd say just put some weight over the back end for traction. I've pulled out from launching boats in two wheel before (kinda a waste of time though, it's family habit to put it in 4wheel when launching... then again we always seem to not be at those fancy paved boat launches)

If you're at a paved launch, you should be fine. Just don't back all the way in like that one video of that tacoma two wheel drive that floated it's ass end in the water.

Dirt launch... I wouldn't recommend even trying. It can be done, but not even close to always.

 

[feellnfroggy]

You'll never know if you dont try. I am curious though, why did you buy the boat if you didnt have a sure way to launch it? Do you have another vehicle?


If you keep it in first and go easy on the gas you should not have a problem if its auto, then your fine.

 

[suprapsu]

I bought the boat because I know it shouldn't be a problem to launch. Worst comes to worst I have a tow rope with another vehicle towing my truck out.

You'll never know if you dont try. I am curious though, why did you buy the boat if you didnt have a sure way to launch it? Do you have another vehicle?


If you keep it in first and go easy on the gas you should not have a problem if its auto, then your fine.

 

[racsan]

weight in the rear, and a carefull job of releasing the clutch. i pull out of ramps in 4low but with the hubs unlocked, the lower gear reduction helps me out alot and saves on the clutch. if possible, dont let the rear tires into the water, not always possible, but if do-able, dry tires will help. this is one of the few times a automatic is more desireable than a std. keep your tow strap handy, at least there will be plenty of other vehicles around with a hitch to hook up to if you need help. and dont forget the parking brke, i know of someone with a 2 y/o (at the time) S-10 who lost the whole rig at the ramp.

 

[pocket-rocket]

Don't do like these guys:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5330936_stop-sinking-suv.html

http://www.thejump.net/humor/pwc.htm


And remember, when you submerse your rear axle, you should change the lube.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Does the trailer have rollers? if so you probably won't need to get the truck in the water at all.

It also depends on the ramp you are going too. like a shallow fairly flat ramp will be worse then a steeper ramp.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

3. If at any point the SUV starts to disappear from view, you may be fairly certain that the operation is not going as planned. However, this is a viable alternative to crowded parking conditions at most ramps.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Luanching a boat is fairly easy with two people. But for just one person, it can be somewhat a challenge. Depending on the boat, what I mostly do is park the truck on the ramp with the rear tires just at the water's edge. Then get out, start the outboard and back the boat off the trailer. Dock the boat and then park the truck. With two people, it is safer. Since one person stays with the truck and the other is on the boat. And all we have to do is go backwards just fast enough and the boat slides off the trailer gently. Then one docks the boat and the other parks the truck.

A few tips:
When using a manual, get where speed up to pull the boat & trailer out. Don't ride the clutch. An automatic helps.
If using a manual with 4x4. Use the 4x4 Lo. More traction and gearing. But disengage it when on flat ground.
If there is algea growing on the ramp below the water line. DO NOT let the rear tires go into the water. Algea is slimmy SOB stuff. Like ice, except underwater.
Luanching a boat is better and safer with two people.
When luanching with one person. Be sure the boat is tide to the trailer. And only go far enough to be able to push the boat off.

 

[EnglishDan]

Simply extend your trailer so as the back wheels of your truck do not go passed the water line. Harbor Freight tools actually sells a hitch extender that includes a step - it only extends the hitch by a foot or so but that is a foot further from the waterline!!
I've launched my boat on some of the best concrete state ramps in KY and as soon as you go passed the water line it is as slippery as hell!!