How do you make a boat "latch" ?

Question

For want of a better word lol,I want to drive my boat (4.3m tinny) up onto the trailer at the ramp and have it hook on automatically at the winch post so I can get straight into the car and drive out of every ones way,tying the boat down properly later.The commercial ones cost too much $200 >.

Answer 1

If you have anyone with you, have them hook up the winch to the boat when you get it to the stop point, make sure you have the winch strap close to being all the way rolled up.  That will keep it on the trailer and you can fully strap it down when you get out of the way.  If no one is available, start being nicer to people around you so they will want to go boating with you. ;-)

Answer 2

You don't need a latch. When you get ready to back your trailer into the water, back your winch hook off about a foot. Back the trailer, and drive the boat onto it. When you are climbing out of the boat by the bow, take the winch hook and put it onto your bow eye, and tighten up your winch cable. This will only take about 10 seconds, and will secure your boat to your trailer. No gimmicks, just good procedure.

I do not trust gimmicks. If you have a latch and your stern gets carried off by a  sudden gust of wind or wave, and your bow is latched to the trailer, where are you?

Regards,

Dan

Answer 3

Flote on trailer makes 1 but if your to deep in the water and it misses than it won't work> And don't have a winch>So they have issues tieing them down> And the trailer only good for the boat with the bracket on it> Best the old way drive up the trailer and hook on crank up drive out> If the self locking 1 comes lose the boat slides off the trailer coming up the ram>Or when taking off>