Drotto Boat Latch and Release

[traderfjp]

I've been watching videos on the Drotto and it looks amazing. The few reviews I found are good. Unfortunately, I didn't find a lot of users on this site using the Drotto. I'm just curious if anyone is using the Drotto and opinions on this cool device. Drotto Site

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

I've also been very tempted to get one. The more I read reviews, the more I want one. I agree with you, all the reviews are pretty unanimous that it works as advertised and well. I'd definitely use the normal strap when towing of course. But to get it in/out of the water...

 

[haknslash]

So it’s basically like Ramp n Clamp? I’ve just never really felt the need for these even though I would solo boat and launch often with my 192. I just prefer things simple I suppose and it doesn’t get much more simple than a strap and bow eye clip. Very little to go wrong that could keep me from launching the boat vs something mechanical. My .02

 

[traderfjp]

I bought one. I'll report back this summer.

 

[Ronnie]

I’ve used both a boat buddy II and ramp n clamp but prefer the ramp n clamp, tougher material and better design. As long as the trailer is in the right position/level in the ramp I thinks it is the fastest way to recover/load a boat. I suspect the drotto is the same way. Almost gone are the days of me walking the boat onto the trailer or standing in the water / on the front of the trailer cranking on a winch. I prefer to launch and recover as quickly as possible.

I have a two speed winch as well but rarely use it to recover my boat and only use the second gear once a year or so just to confirm it still engages.

The drotto looks like it adds a large release lever to to the assembly which can be used from the bow of the boat. I don’t see any reason the ramp n clamp cannot be used the same way, it wouldn’t take much to add an extension to the engage/release lever, not true of the boat buddy because of the way it is designed. That is not a feature I need but if ever replace my ramp n clamp the drotto would be on my short list.

If you never have one of these devices you will never have a problem using one but you will also never know what your missing.

 

[traderfjp]

I've been watching a

I’ve used both a boat buddy II and ramp n clamp but prefer the ramp n clamp, tougher material and better design. As long as the trailer is in the right position/level in the ramp I thinks it is the fastest way to recover/load a boat. I suspect the drotto is the same way. Almost gone are the days of me walking the boat onto the trailer or standing in the water / on the front of the trailer cranking on a winch. I prefer to launch and recover as quickly as possible.

I have a two speed winch as well but rarely use it to recover my boat and only use the second gear once a year or so just to confirm it still engages.

The drotto looks like it adds a large release lever to to the assembly which can be used from the bow of the boat. I don’t see any reason the ramp n clamp cannot be used the same way, it wouldn’t take much to add an extension to the engage/release lever, not true of the boat buddy because of the way it is designed. That is not a feature I need but if ever replace my ramp n clamp the drotto would be on my short list.

If you never have one of these devices you will never have a problem using one but you will also never know what your missing.

Thanks for sharing the video. Just wondering if there is a way to move the boat back, on the trailer, to do the install. Thanks

 

[Ronnie]

I've been watching a


Thanks for sharing the video. Just wondering if there is a way to move the boat back, on the trailer, to do the install. Thanks

I didn’t take the boat off the trailer when I installed either device as there was enough room to install either once the bow roller was removed. However, on the MFI trailers only one bolt holds the bow stop/post in place so it can be easily removed if necessary. Alternatives would be to install the device at the ramp with either the boat completely off the trailer or moved back a few feet, actually inches.

If I was desperate and didn’t want to go to a boat ramp I may consider loosening the bow and stern straps, reversing the tow vehicle at 5 to 10 mph and slamming on the brakes to get the boat to slide back a few inches. After installation do the same thing in reverse to move the boat toward the bow stop. However, no one should ever be that desperate given the other alternatives available. Including spraying the bunks with silicone, letting it penetrate and trying to push the boat back by hand, probably a few pairs of them, while the trailer is attached to a Tow vehicle or otherwise immobilized to keep it from moving instead of the boat.

I recall now that one or both of my devices required that the stock bow eye be replaced with an extended one, I don’t think the drotto requires that, just another thing to consider If your in the market for one of these things.

 

[Scott]

I have the Ramp-N-Clamp. Worth every penny!!!!

 

[traderfjp]

Just got the Drotto today came with a new roller too

 

[tdonoughue]

Pics? Pics or it didn't happen. That's our motto...

 

[traderfjp]

It's still snow on the ground. Waiting for a warm day to get to work then I'll post.

Thanks

 

[TSmiley]

What kind of boats are you guys using these on? I was told by a Boat2trailer and rampnclamp rep that it won’t work on my 18 242SE because of the ridge in the hull just above the eyelet.

 

[TSmiley]

I have the Ramp-N-Clamp. Worth every penny!!!!

What kind of boat do you have?

 

[Ronnie]

@TSmiley , check my post near the top of this page that contains a video the ramp n clamp recovering my 2010 242 LS along with one of my boat buddy ii at work. I was told and think I also read on the manufactures website that it would not work with my boat. Having had and used it for many years now i confidently say the manufacturer is mistaken.

The ridge/step in the bow is generally not a problem during recovery because the ramp n clamp first contacts the bow above the ridge line and “steps down” the ridge as the ramp n clamp and bow eye connect. It’s on launch where the ramp clamp must step up the ridge that it can get a little stuck on the ridge which is easily addressed with a little reverse thrust or by dropping the boat a little deeper in the ramp so the boat does not slide off of the bunks but floats on them reducing or eliminating friction between the bow and the ramp n clamp.

I am now just appreciating that it is a lot easier to watch a video on this than type about it.

 

[TSmiley]

@Ronnie thanks for the info!
That makes me feel better. Although it does worry me that yours is a 2010, i don’t think the ridge on yours is as pronounced as it is on the newer hull boats like mine. I may still order one and give it a shot. It would just make me feel better if I knew someone else had tried before with the same boat.
Thanks for your help and I enjoyed the video as well. Looks like it makes loading/launching much easier.

 

[Scott]

What kind of boat do you have?

2020 212S

 

[TSmiley]

2020 212S

Thanks! Do you happen to have a pic of the bow by the roller, or do you know if your boat has the ridge in the hull above the eyelet like a 242 does?

 

[Scott]

210 & 212 do not have the ridge like the 24’ boats.

 

[ChrisM]

Following....

 

[bolivas]

210 & 212 do not have the ridge like the 24’ boats.

The 210 FSH has the ridge and the drotto will not work. I have not tried the ramp-n-clamp. I am hoping to find a fellow 19' 210 FSH owner who has successfully used any similar product.