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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10803133
04/28/15 02:14 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,063
R.J.E.
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,063 |
Just get a anchor line with a snap on one end and anchor on the other, put the anchor in the back of your truck or whatever, connect other end to boat and slowly back in the water. When boat comes off the trailer get out and take the anchor line and put it on the ground or dock etc.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10803154
04/28/15 02:21 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,767
C Worthy
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,767 |
There are a lot of folks here that talk about docks. If there is a dock, I move my boat to the dock just like everyone else, but Lavon for one does not have a dock at all the launches, or sometimes (like the last several years) the docks have been on dry ground. It is those times when I have to pull the boat back to the launch and anchor. It is those times when I think that the launch cord would come in handy. When I back in and the boat comes off the trailer, I "think" that I will like that it does not get snatched around by a rope but is cushioned some by the bungee. I am definitely with everyone here about tying up a launch when there is a dock right there. "JUST DON'T" I have two power poles and my plan is to back in, let the boat come off the trailer, gently pull the trailer up enough to clear the water at which time the boat should have come up to the ramp, and drop both power poles. Unhook cord and go park. It all sounds great but I am hoping we are talking about a few minute ordeal. That's the plan anyway. I'll just have to see how it works out.
Life is one big playground. Be sure to ride all the rides before it closes.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10804052
04/28/15 06:52 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 241
SkeetP
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 241 |
I use one and have never had an issue. It works just like they say, just pull forward slow and watch your boat. If you are alone it is a great tool. Like anything else you just have to learn how to use it properly.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10804365
04/28/15 08:57 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 425
MikeW07
Angler
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Angler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 425 |
I used to just use about a 25'rope - clip it to the truck and the bow eye. One time the hook on the bow eye just came unhooked - little bit of a swim to catch the boat fortunately not in the winter - but worse is any kind of a cross wind - notice on the video it looks dead calm. Got caught in a crosswind once and it was bad - I've learned just to let out couple of feet on the bow strap but if you don't have a truck with no cover or shell it wouldn't work as well - I've timed it before like this and its less than 2 minutes at most lakes to beach and come back and move the truck.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10804791
04/28/15 11:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 26
basscataholic
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 26 |
I launch by myself most of the time,Z-Launch makes this chore much easier for me.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10804872
04/29/15 12:22 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 39,216
Frank the Tank
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 39,216 |
I would have never guessed the Z-launch would cause this much controversy and such a long thread.
Jesus loves all of us
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: Frank the Tank]
#10805396
04/29/15 03:04 AM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,767
C Worthy
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,767 |
I would have never guessed the Z-launch would cause this much controversy and such a long thread. I would not have guessed it either Frank when I started it. I just wanted to know if I messed up buying it or dun good.  I think overall, I dun good.
Life is one big playground. Be sure to ride all the rides before it closes.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: patriot07]
#10805545
04/29/15 04:07 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 850
Rickmb
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 850 |
I use one. I feel like it is too short. The first time I used it my boat came shooting back before I got the trailerr out of the water and it ran into the trailer. I added another 15 ft of rope to it and now it works more to my liking. I like the shock absorrbing it does and now when it springs back it gently beaches on the ramp. When launching by yourself you have a choice: block the ramp with your boat while you park or block the ramp while you find a place to park your boat and walk back.
In my mind, that's not a choice. I'd be livid if I was behind someone and they left the ramp blocked while they parked their truck. It takes less than a minute to get your boat over to the dock and jump back in the truck. You assume there is a dock. You also assume that a place to dock the boat is closer than parking the truck. In some places I fish neither are the case. One place I launch I can park the truck and get in my boat before the next guy is even lined up. As lone fisherman I try my best to be as considerate and quick as I can while maintaining safety for me and my boat.
2018 Skeeter ZX250 2018 Yamaha 250 SHO
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: Rickmb]
#10805752
04/29/15 11:55 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27,790
patriot07
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27,790 |
I use one. I feel like it is too short. The first time I used it my boat came shooting back before I got the trailerr out of the water and it ran into the trailer. I added another 15 ft of rope to it and now it works more to my liking. I like the shock absorrbing it does and now when it springs back it gently beaches on the ramp. When launching by yourself you have a choice: block the ramp with your boat while you park or block the ramp while you find a place to park your boat and walk back.
In my mind, that's not a choice. I'd be livid if I was behind someone and they left the ramp blocked while they parked their truck. It takes less than a minute to get your boat over to the dock and jump back in the truck. You assume there is a dock. You also assume that a place to dock the boat is closer than parking the truck. In some places I fish neither are the case. One place I launch I can park the truck and get in my boat before the next guy is even lined up. As lone fisherman I try my best to be as considerate and quick as I can while maintaining safety for me and my boat. If I'm launching solo, I don't launch at places without a dock. No matter how you cut it, I think it's pretty inconsiderate to leave your boat on a public ramp while you go park. If it's busy enough that there are people lined up behind you, chances are that the closest parking spot isn't just a few feet away like most docks are. If it's a private ramp or something like that, I guess I understand. Launch however you want. Not trying to be rude. I'm just saying that if I launched behind someone who left their boat on the ramp, I would be pretty upset that they're wasting my time on the water. Do you have power poles also? How do you handle it on days where it's windy? Does leaving your boat on the ramp not create the opportunity for the back end to get blown up on the ramp also (if the wind is blowing into the ramp) or have the whole boat blown away (if the wind is blowing away from the ramp)? With or without a keel guard, I'm surprised anyone would beach their boat on the ramp. I've been fishing around here for about 20 years and can't say I've ever seen that.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. - Soren Kierkegaard
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10805759
04/29/15 11:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27,790
patriot07
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27,790 |
There are a lot of folks here that talk about docks. If there is a dock, I move my boat to the dock just like everyone else, but Lavon for one does not have a dock at all the launches, or sometimes (like the last several years) the docks have been on dry ground. It is those times when I have to pull the boat back to the launch and anchor. It is those times when I think that the launch cord would come in handy. When I back in and the boat comes off the trailer, I "think" that I will like that it does not get snatched around by a rope but is cushioned some by the bungee. I am definitely with everyone here about tying up a launch when there is a dock right there. "JUST DON'T" I have two power poles and my plan is to back in, let the boat come off the trailer, gently pull the trailer up enough to clear the water at which time the boat should have come up to the ramp, and drop both power poles. Unhook cord and go park. It all sounds great but I am hoping we are talking about a few minute ordeal. That's the plan anyway. I'll just have to see how it works out. Same question for you. How do you handle beaching your boat on the ramp on windy days? Do you have power poles? Not trying to start an argument. My original post was trying to figure out what the benefit of this is since it just didn't seem obvious to me, and I never considered leaving your boat on the ramp while you went and parked. Certainly hadn't thought of dragging it up on the ramp with your truck.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. - Soren Kierkegaard
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10806156
04/29/15 02:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,767
C Worthy
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,767 |
No offense taken patriot, I assure you. I appreciated your input, that is what a thread is meant to do. I live a short distance from Lavon. Only a few launches on Lavon have docks and those that do have been beached on dry ground for several years due to Lavon being 12' low. If I thought that my launching would make a line of people wait, I would just wait until they launched and then I would launch. I do have power poles, two of them, and I would ease the boat up to the ramp and before I actually pulled it up onto the ramp, I would just hit the button and put down both power poles to hold in place (which I can do from the truck). When I pull up to a dock, I do the same thing, my boat actually never touches the dock, it stays 6-8" away and the power poles just hold it there. I was interested in this cord because of the shock absorbing features. If it could pull the boat to the ramp without yanking the heck out of it, then I thought it would be better than me having to get out and try to pull the boat back to the ramp with a rope. Not as young as I used to be. Park the truck, which at Lavon is literally a 1 to 2 min process, even at my speed. Get in the boat, crank, lift poles, motor back and head out.
Last edited by C Worthy; 04/29/15 02:50 PM.
Life is one big playground. Be sure to ride all the rides before it closes.
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10809288
04/30/15 05:11 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27,790
patriot07
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27,790 |
Interesting. Thanks for the thoughtful response. Sounds like it's a useful deal for some folks and not so much for others.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. - Soren Kierkegaard
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10813744
05/02/15 06:26 PM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 237
bigjim
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 237 |
I use 2 carabiners 35' of 3/8" dock line on one end of boat.(ciol rope and lay on back of boat you wont run over it) one end on BACK of trailer .Float boat off .Pull trailer out to waterline,not tightening rope. Pull boat to side of ramp by hand. Tie off. Go park truck. I can do this faster than most with 2 people and I am an old slow moving fart!
Jim Britton Granbury,Tx
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: patriot07]
#10813896
05/02/15 08:10 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 850
Rickmb
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 850 |
I use one. I feel like it is too short. The first time I used it my boat came shooting back before I got the trailerr out of the water and it ran into the trailer. I added another 15 ft of rope to it and now it works more to my liking. I like the shock absorrbing it does and now when it springs back it gently beaches on the ramp. When launching by yourself you have a choice: block the ramp with your boat while you park or block the ramp while you find a place to park your boat and walk back.
In my mind, that's not a choice. I'd be livid if I was behind someone and they left the ramp blocked while they parked their truck. It takes less than a minute to get your boat over to the dock and jump back in the truck. You assume there is a dock. You also assume that a place to dock the boat is closer than parking the truck. In some places I fish neither are the case. One place I launch I can park the truck and get in my boat before the next guy is even lined up. As lone fisherman I try my best to be as considerate and quick as I can while maintaining safety for me and my boat. If I'm launching solo, I don't launch at places without a dock. No matter how you cut it, I think it's pretty inconsiderate to leave your boat on a public ramp while you go park. If it's busy enough that there are people lined up behind you, chances are that the closest parking spot isn't just a few feet away like most docks are. If it's a private ramp or something like that, I guess I understand. Launch however you want. Not trying to be rude. I'm just saying that if I launched behind someone who left their boat on the ramp, I would be pretty upset that they're wasting my time on the water. Do you have power poles also? How do you handle it on days where it's windy? Does leaving your boat on the ramp not create the opportunity for the back end to get blown up on the ramp also (if the wind is blowing into the ramp) or have the whole boat blown away (if the wind is blowing away from the ramp)? With or without a keel guard, I'm surprised anyone would beach their boat on the ramp. I've been fishing around here for about 20 years and can't say I've ever seen that. It just depends on what is available. Sometimes there are not docks. On Canyon Lake there are no docks where I launch from. It is a really long walk to the parking lot. In this case I pull up, beach it on the ramp then move the boat to either side, then park. Most times I am the first one there in the morning. Since I mostly fish solo I make it a point to get there early and stay out of the way. On my other home lake it's a pay to use ramp. There is a dock. If I'm the only soul there I beach on the ramp. It's about 100 ft to park. I do not have power poles so I have to beach it and tie up. I do have a keel guard. I can guarantee if you see me at the ramp you are not waiting on me. You are waiting on those other knuckleheads that get their boat ready after they back down the ramp.
2018 Skeeter ZX250 2018 Yamaha 250 SHO
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Re: Anybody using a Z-Launch_Watercraft_Launch_Cord
[Re: C Worthy]
#10814404
05/03/15 01:40 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 443
Pearlandtexan
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 443 |
And what happens when this thing breaks? Boat gonna float off, and rope gonna bust out your back window....
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