Ramp and clamp or boat buddy 2 or just the strap?

[bronze_10]

So I went back and was reading the threads about the rp and clamp and boat buddy 2. Most of the threads of a year old atleast. I was wondering what the current opinions are for either product.. if we go boating... we trailer! We have the loading and unloading almost locked down but I am all for anything that makes it easier. Thoughts, oppinions... all are welcome.. well. ... most all!

 

[Gym]

I am also interested in this product @bronze_10. I was almost ready to pull the trigger last July but it seemed there were a few minor issues that the developer was trying to iron out. It will be good to hear from the early adopters to see how it has performed.

 

[0627Devildog]

Why don't you revive one of the old threads and pose the question there? Will likely get more eyes on. Just a thought.

 

[CAM212SS]

i have had zero issues with my RNC. i silicone spray it every time so that it glides nicely on the bow when loading. Also i will silicon the bunk boards about every other time for easier loading. I often load by myself on our steep ramp. I would never want to go back to the roller

 

[Ronnie]

No experience with the rnc but have had a few boat buddy IIs. The bb II works, however the cover is made of a thin plastic that is easily cracked if the boat hits it at the wrong angle and If the locking pin does not fully engage (go through the other side of the bb II) it will bend under the pressure of the boats bow eye. A replacement cover is $30ish but a bent pin usually requires replacement of the entire BB II. Rnc seems to be tougher and less prone to damage but the last time I checked its price was around $300 compared the the $100 a BB II goes for. Still, if I ever need to replace my bb II again it will be with an rnc.

Two other options are the red snapper which looks like an rnc but has a wireless remote which is used to engage and disengage the pin $500 and an automated system called rope a boat. Here is a video link of it. These are more than I need or would be willing to pay.

 

[jarozi]

The RNC a year or so ago would tear up the 24 footers, I returned mine before it happened but it was well documented on here somewhere. I haven't checked if there has been a new design since.

 

[bronze_10]

Mine is a 2008... I have not read where there have been any issues with the 23 footers

 

[Julian]

I looked at these and just never saw the value as the problem it was solving just wasn't a big issue for me, leaning over and clipping the strap wasn't hard to do.

Now..with the 242X....it is different! That bow eye is so much further down, it is nearly impossible to reach from within the boat. So I'd see more applicability to one of these for a 24' boat. That said...I'm just not sure I'd trust it to lock...I'm anal....and I prefer to pull out with BOTH a tight winch strap AND a safety chain...but that is just me. So what I do now is deploy the bow ladder, climb down and winch and safety chain her - or the driver of the vehicle does this (if this isn't me).

 

[OperationROL]

I had the Boat Buddy II at one point on my last boat (SX230). I ended up removing it. It was not worth the trouble for me. The hard plastic case scratched my boat a few times. Half the time it didn't trip and I got in the habit of looking over the bow to determine that. At that point, it would be the same as my standard procedure which is simply leaning over and clipping the strap and safety. Also, at some point the pin got a tiny bend in it and after that it was not reliable at all. On my new 242 the bow eye is lower, but I can still clip it by leaning over the bow so that is what I continue to do. It works for some, but I don't like it.

 

[lashburn1]

I have used Ramp and Clamp on my last 3 boats.
They were all MCs, so I can't speak to the Yamaha lineup.
I wish I had it on my 242.
It makes single person recovery so much easier and confident.

I have heard some people complain about the Rash from the device on the hull.
My bow roller was doing that too.
Wax on the device is supposed to help cut down on that. Acetone followed by wax will rid most of it.

The most important thing is your trailer launch angle. Too steep will cause it to hit or rub harder.
Try pulling trailer up higher in these situations and powering on the trailer a bit more. The bunks will help change the attack angle.

If this is too hard, spray some liquid rollers on the fwd bunks.

 

[bronze_10]

Due to trailering each and every time we go somewhere I think I may try one... put it on my winter mod.list.

 

[Master-Spud]

I've had ramp and clamp on my 212x for 2 seasons... You have to be able to power load, but besides that it's great! You just have to learn where you need to have the trailer positioned, once you have that figured it's quick and easy, I'd recommend.