Instructions / Assembly

First you will build the basic fr a mework.
STEP 1: DETERMINE THE LENGTH AND LUMBER DIMENSIONS NEEDED. You will likely want to s t or e
your watercraft all the way out of the water and away from any wave action. Also remember that a few feet of t he
ramp will extend into the water so that the rollers first engage the hull below the bow. For the side rails or m ai n
supporting beams of the Model 1200 it is recommended that you use 2 x 6s with 2 x 4s for the cross members. For
the Model 2000 use 2 x 8s with either 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s for the cross members. Use pressure treated lumber for l ong e r
life. If possible use single length boards for the side rails. If you must join lengths end-to-end, instructions for do i ng
so are included at the end of the assembly i ns t ru cti ons.
IMPORTANT: The dimensions are guidelines only.They will depend in part if the ramp will be spanning more than a few
feet or will be largely supported on the ground. The side rails must be strong enough so as not to deflect much from the
weight of the boat. This is especially important when lowering the boat into the water with longer ramps. If the side rails
deflect, the boat transom may hang up on the rollers directly behind it. NEVER TRY TO FREE A HUNG UP BOAT
FROM BEHIND. ALWAYS TAKE OUT SLACK FROM THE WINCH HANDLE AND HAVE THE WINCH MANNED
WHEN FREEING BOAT! The best way to eliminate deflection of the ramp is by using supporting blocks or installing
supporting legs as outlined below.
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STEP 2: DETERMINE THE WIDTH of the ramp you need. By looking at the shape of your hull at the t r a nsom,
decide where you want the rollers to align. Consider having the rollers fall in line with a flatter area of the hu ll .
Support need not be as wide as on a boat trailer as there are not the same side forces as encountered on the open ro a d.
IMPORTANT: Consider that a narrower spacing of the rails, especially for PWC storage (15” width suggested for
most PWC’s) will help when loading your boat onto the ramp. The bow will be less likely to bottom out on the ground or
cross members as the boat starts to angle up to the ramp.
IMPORTANT: Consider leaving the cross members longer than needed for a couple of reasons. You may want the wider
support especially if on uneven ground and/or blocking is necessary and secondly, you may change your mind and change
the side rail spacing. (In that case you would need to re-cut another winch post base).
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STEP 3: Cut the boards and assemble the cross members to the rail as shown. If you choose to mount the side br aces
on the outside of the rails, the cross members should extend a minimum of 6 inches beyond the r ail s.
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You may want to cut an angle out of the water end of the side beams as shown below, but it isn’t necessary. If you do,
attach the end cross member a few inches from the end so that the top of the side brace makes full contact with the s i de
rail. Attach all of the end cross members first and then equally space the remaining cross members. Use the 2 1/2 i nch
screws prov i ded.
Install the side braces. Hold or clamp them in place to drill 3/8” holes through the side rails and crossmembers. A tt ach
using 3/8” x 2 ½ ” carriage bolts, nuts and lock w a shers.
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Inside or Outside?
Mounting the side braces on the outside of the
rails will provide some additional strength, but
mounting to the inside results in a more
“compact” ramp that will be slightly lighter.