I'm either going to have to get myself a fishing buddy OR get a smaller boat.
Last week while up at Lake StClair I had the bass boat in the water and when
it was obvious I wasn't going to get to go fishing in it, I decided to take it out and
put it back on the trailer, at least that way I could take the bungs out and let the water
drain out as it was entering.
Well Seemes as how we were all jeriactrics and not one of us was fit enough to do much at all,
it took me several minutes to get the boat back on the trailer, I would push the boat to the rear
of the trailer 1st rollers, then have a breather for a few minutes to get my breath back,
then I put the winch hook into the tow eyelet and by the time I crawled back to the winch
I had to have another breather for another few minutes, and few winds of the winch handle
and a rest, etc etc. By the time I had the boat sucured on the trailer, I had to have 5 minutes
to get my breath back before I could drive the car from the waters edge.
All this in pooring rain and 40 k wind.
With better conditions it may be OK and I may be able to manage by myself, but it's simply not
worth the effort and time it takes these days to retrieve the boat, by myself.
Thinking of selling the boat and getting a smaller 3.7 or similar so I can handle it properly.

Powerwinch mate, simply the best.
Solo in any condition, hook the boat on and pull the string...the end.

yep, go the electric winch, then you can stand at the boat and position it and wind it in and not use all your energy.

There are some cheap ones out there now, supercheap and ebay are probably the places to look.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-PORTABLE-12...=item5d31a753ff

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-TREX-12V-50...=item20c0f625e5

god, even thinking of one myself so I can fish solo!

Too slow spud they're just chinese junk and the hand controllers are just another distraction.

Genuine Powerwinch with the lanyard tied to the back of the trailer is the way to go.

I'm using the powerwinch 315 and have used 712s before on my old heavy 21' Caribbean and sharkcat.
The 712 is a far better build quality than the 315 and given the choice I'd buy another 712 even though they are pretty expensive.

I do actually have a power winch still in the box never been opened, but that's not my real concern, once I get the boat sitting on the trailer it winches up pretty easy.
It's all the other associated rigmarole with this size boat, it's just too big and heavy for me to manage by myself.
I have a ride on mower with tow bar I use for getting it in and out of the shed etc, but as I say, there are ways around everything, but the fact remains I would be far better off with a small lightweight 13 footer that I could handle a lot easier.
This boat is terrific for what it is and what I do with it, it's just too big now for my health the way my breathing is.
If i don't have to bend down for anything, I'm right but as soon as I bend down/over etc and compress my lungs, i'm stuffed and have to have a breather to get my breath back.
Everyone calls this boat the poor mans sketta cause it got all that wonderfup casting decks etc, but I can bight the bullett and use a much smaller boat for the same perpose and will catch the same amount of fish as what I do with this one, just be more compact.
I'm going fishing with it up Lake macquarie next Friday, but will have someone with me so will be OK, it's just when I have to do everything by myself ( and don't want to get my feet wet, which is why last time puffed me out so much ) .
I only had one pair of dry shoes left and don't paddle bare footed since slicing my heel open on a broken beer bottle several years ago, another long story.

Drive it on
After all it's a 3/4 boat not a 1/2 boat

I think the only way to avoid getting your feet wet is to drive on from a wharf or walk on water like Jumpy.
The downside with driving on and off is all the in & out of the boat which would probably root you anyway.
I can launch with dry feet but have to get wet in about 20 Cm of water to retrieve.

What size boat is it mate ? something around 4 meters might be ideal for you

I can understand your problems at home Frank I have this tree that sometimes jumps in front of my car. :(

I have thought of driving it on, but the winching part of it is only a very minor part of the problem.
At home I have a pretty long driveway, at the end of the driveway I have a very tight S bend where
I have to go around the back edge of the house and in front of the first 7x4 metre garage ( granny flat ) then I have 10 metres of thick grass I have to drag the boat over and it just bogs down if I don't have a pretty decent run up, then I have the rear shed that the boat lives in ( among other things ), which is next to another 7x4 garage ( workshop ).
I have a ride on lawn mower that drags the boat around, and not a big problem when I have it
attatched.
I have managed to live with it so far and when I get to where I am fishing there is usually someone who wants to come fishing with me, so generally not a problem.
Just thinking IF I sold it and bought a smaller lighter easily manageable boat, I would be better off in the long run.
Danny It's 4.9 metre V nosed punt decked out with front and rear cast decks, side console with 5 times as much stowage space then what is needed, you can hold a dance contest on the front deck.
when bought brand new.
Click to view attachment

Before I cut the stowage compartments in.
Click to view attachment

it's the one on left of photo

Click to view attachment

Thinking of something along these lines. much lighter and easier for me to manage.

Click to view attachment

as long as you can stay on the water you can be happy
u dont need a dirty big cruiser
3.7 in my opinion might be to small 4.1 or 4.2< just a little more room
and as easy to handle and u can also fita buddy in

Yeah mate you'll find 3.7 abit small

Get something around 4.2 and you'll have a top boat which is light and easy to handle

What a bugger Frank, all the time you put into that boat, still remember that visit when you first got it then the next when the alloy frame work was going in then the engine and console........If you do downscale whoever gets the quinnie will be getting a great custom boat.

As far as something smaller goes I'v been out in a few 3.5 to 4.1 size v-nose and square front punts, a good mate I fish with often has aquired a 3.7m v-nose, we have had 3 out fishing from it without a problem-one up front, one at rear of casting deck and no 3 on rear deck, yeah we are all a bit younger than yourself-myself being the youngest @ 39 but the stability of these little boats is billiant.
I expect you will be loading up the boat with casting decks, fuel tank(s), outboard, etc- IMO the smaller the better to save weight especially if you are doing the solo thing or accasionally taking a mate-only time space when fishing 2 up is a factor is when both of you are casting at the same time.
All manufacturers will have something to suit your needs.

concrete the grass