Garage Boat Launch and Recovery

[RCoyne]

Worked on a project over the weekend to safely/easily get my 88 Advance in and out of a tight 3rd garage on a driveway with a slight slope.
Picked up a 110 volt plug in winch with a wired remote from Harbor Freight during their labor day sale. Then using a 2x8 for a strong base I bolted the winch to my concrete floor near the back of my garage plus attached a heavy duty hook to the bottom of my trailer. Now with a push of a button, I can easily guide the boat in/out of the garage door with my trailer dolly with very little effort...basically I just steer it through the door then chock before hooking it up to my tow vehicle.  Getting it in and out with my vehicle was a stressful move every time my wife and I wanted to go out and ski...this new way is a much easier on my vehicle, my garage, and my marriage . 
Something to think about if your having a similar issue...

[backfoot100]

I could never imagine keeping a "toe killer" like that permanently mounted on my garage floor but if it works for you then by all means nicely done.

[Midskier]

cool -

who notched the trailer frame and why?

easier on the marriage - just like perfect pass:)

Dan T

[RCoyne]

Hmmm....I hadn't noticed the difference; but now after looking at a few more Advance trailers online I see what you are talking about. I purchased the Advance and trailer from Ron Tanis earlier this year; it was the "rescue boat" he's talked about on this website many times.  I know during the refurb process he added quite a few upgrades to the boat and trailer that really help/make sense...stuff just works/fits together perfectly...especially the carpeted guide rails you can't see in the picture.  It's a great boat that has given my wife and I many hours of fun over the summer.  I'm sure once Ron takes a look at this post he'll jump in on the reason behind the trailer mod...I'm sure there is a good reason/story behind it...

[Midskier]

Got it - oh that guy 

[RonT]

Dans on vacation now, he should have figured who did the trailer frame offset. The standard trailer has little to no clearance between the frame & prop which is normally not a problem if the boat is far enough up on the trailer. But if the boat is left back a little the spinning prop can strike the frame, that trailer had many scars in the 3" channel crossmember & when I rebuilt the trailer I sectioned the frame to assure that this could not happen. Other mods: side guides, and v-stop notch added in the steel frame to ease the bow eye through.