boat size

[paulg]

I'm being told there is a great amount of difference in launching a 17'6" boat as compared to a 18'6". I'm looking at a yarcraft 1785 millelacs and comparing it to a yarcraft storm. I fish mainly on larger water, but like to go to smaller lakes and I'm being told the 17 foot boat will be much more manageable. I find it hard to believe 1 foot and roughly a few hundred pounds would make a considerable difference in lauching. Any thoughts or expierences on this would be appreciated.

Thanks

[perchjerker]

I dont have either boat, I have had a 17 ft old fiberglass boat and a 23 ft hardtop, now I have a 18.5 ft Crestliner. As long as the trailer is setup up right, and you have a little time (I sugggest an out of the way ramp) to practice your launcing loading you will be fine.

[Calif Bill]

I have both a 14' and 21' boat. The 21 is actually easier to launch as the longer trailer backs up better. Other than that, I see very little difference in launching.
Bill

[Blazeorange]

I agree. Have launched everything from fourteens to seventeens and prefer to launch and manage the seventeen foot boats better. Like the fourteens for loading by myself but if you have one other partner to help you, seventeen at least is the way to go. Good luck. Blaze.

[Jack G]

I had a 17 ft Lund with a bunk style trailer from 1986 until 1997.
In 1997 I got a Lund 1850 with a roller style trailer. I very often launch and load by myself. There are differences between the two for launching and loading but I considered it a breeze with either boat.

I surely would not make a boat purchase decision based on launching and loading considerations, at least not for "normal" launch sites for walleye fishing.

Jack

[Craig]

I went from a 16" Sea Nymph to a 17'8" Ranger. If anything the Ranger is easier to launch. Didn't really make much difference.

[T-Mac]

Hardly noticeable, if each is matched with a proper trailer.
The trailer is more a part of loading and unloading easily than the boat size.

[bluelund]

Paul,

I went from a 1750 Tyee to an 1850 Tyee, both were sitting on identical trailers, Shoreland'r, and didn't notice any difference whatsoever. Like T-Mac said the trailer is more important for launching and loading than the size of the boat. If anything, the 1850 is easier to unload because it rolls off the trailer better with the extra weight. Haven't noticed much difference cranking it onto the trailer, just as easy as the 1750. Hope this helps.

Take care and Happy Holidays to all,

Bob M

[GetReel2]

The boat does not seem to really matter. I had a 16" Smokercraft and thought it was pretty easy to launch and retrieve. Now for the past 5 yrs have trailered and launched a 21' Proline. No comparision in the two boats but as far and ease at the ramps my Proline and
EZ Loader roller trailer is faster and easier. One person can do it.

I believe your experience and skill make the difference not the boat size. Proper trailer set up also it a big factor.

Buy the boat you like the best. Bigger is better usually.
Go for it. Any new rig will take a few sessions at the ramp to get the hang of. Be patient with yourself the first few times.

Chris