OK, here goes. I just bought a 17 ft Mako CC. It's been a long time (20+ yrs) since I've launched any boat from a ramp and then it was a 14 jon boat. I'm looking for advice on the best boat ramp on the 35E side of LL to launch this one for the first time. Grapevine is another option. Required criteria would be: 1. Enough water to launch (stating the obvious)
2. Wide ramp (I'm pretty good at backing a trailer but more room is always good)
3. As small of an audience as possible! (Might rule out the weekend and definitely don't want to hinder others launching if I run into any snafus)
Thanks for any suggestions. I just really need to get this first launch under my belt!

I don't know the name of the ramp, but if your headed south on 35E, take the first exit south of the 35E bridge. I think that is the exit for highland village road. Just before you get to Highland Village Road take a right into that park. It will cost you $10 to enter so have a $10 bill ready for the machine. Almost never more than a couple people there. Wide Ramp nice secure area and plenty of water. You might even catch some fish under the 35 bridge. Good Luck. You can buy an annual pass there for $50 at the highland village parks office on Highland Village Road.

Congratulations on the new boat!

Keep in mind that trailers do not need to be that deep to load your boat. If you back it in too far you will find the boat will float over the trailer and make it difficult to load. I'd try it first with the tires about 3 inches under water, it may not need that much. You'll be surprise how little water has to be over the trailer for the boat to load properly.

Thanks Dutch. I know where that is. Wasn't sure if there was a ramp there though. That's pretty close to home too.
Thanks to you too Dave. That's going to be the great unknown, how much water will it take to get the boat light on the trailer, until I've done it a few times. I was present for one launch when I test drove it and the owner backed in deeper than needed IMO. Good to have a definite target depth to start with.

Usually back it to where you can see the tops of the fenders. Each boat is different though. That should be a good starting point.

Yep every trailer is different. After a couple times on the water you will find the sweet spot for your trailer. I look at the water level on my fenders. My fenders being 6 inches over the water is my sweet spot.

Reggie

Thanks for the good advice.

Didja try it out today? Results?

I'll second Bobcat1 on that suggestion. I use the same approach. Dutch is also correct--I believe the name of the Park is Copperas Branch and it's a good location. There is plenty of room and it should offer you the chance to get comfortable with the new ride. I also like to have a friend along for the first few times in case I get into a bind. Good luck and good fishing!

@sbump26 >Didn't go Saturday. I'll let you all know how it goes, however, there will be no video! Well, I hope there won't be!
I did prepare a laminated checklist so I don't forget the plug, safety gear, etc.

Well, Copperas Branch is a great ramp for the first timer. Trailer tires were just under the water when the boat started to float.

I did learn that even though the motor cranked great 3 weeks ago, it's not a bad idea to throw the trickle charger on the night before JUST in case. Never got the boat off the trailer.

Charger is on now and I'll try again tomorrow.

I got home to find a PM from a member volunteering to provide some guidance. I really appreciate that. I'm not too old, or dumb, to think I can't be mentored.

My last two trips to Tawakoni resulted in a corroded boat plug and a dead battery. It happens to be the best of us.

Reggie

Finally got the boat off the trailer today. The boat ran well but I'm going to get some trim tabs. Ran around LL and enjoyed being on MY boat. Rode around for 2 hrs and then decided to attempt the first trailer loading event. That went well too, even with a breeze off the starboard side. Now I just have to figure out why the fish finder wouldn't power up.
Thanks for the assist guys.

Let me know what you find out about trim tabs - I need some too!

I try to concentrate on the running boards. I back them all the way in the water (to wet the boards) and then pull the trailer back up till the front boards are approximately six inches out of the water. Everyone s right though...it just takes time to figure it out. best wishes.