Abstract: A boat trailer modified to include a dolly and dolly track, the dolly including a hook triggering mechanism, a bow cradle and a slidable hooking mechanism for engaging a watercraft bow ring at a wide range misalignment with the centerline of the trailer. The trailer further including a remote controlled power winch with an automatic shut off for stopping the power winch when a watercraft is fully loaded. The invention enabling a single user to launch a securely retrieve a watercraft to and from a watercraft trailer.

Abstract: A watercraft trailer has a releasable connector for releasably connecting a watercraft to the trailer. The releasable connector has a lever pivotally connected to a connector support and a hook connected to the lever. Pivoting of the lever towards a front of the trailer moves the releasable connector to a locked position and pivots the hook towards the front of the trailer. A locking mechanism prevents the releasable connector from moving to an unlocked position by applying forces to any one of the lever and the hook that would otherwise pivot the lever and the hook towards a rear of the trailer. Unlocking the locking mechanism moves the releasable connector to the unlocked position and pivots the hook towards the rear of the trailer. A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer and a method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular bunk cover apparatus and system for protecting the hull of a watercraft from abrasive contact with a bunk, such as the bunks found on boat trailers, boat lifts, boat storage racks, and the like. The modular bunk cover apparatus and system can be installed on an existing bunk without removing the bunk from the trailer or other structure. The modular bunk cover apparatus and system facilitates easy launching and loading of a boat on a trailer or boat lift. The system is a replacement for carpet systems that tend to degrade over time, eventually falling off the bunk and subsequently creating a hazard for marine life, birds, and mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum trailer bunk having a support housing, a base plate, an aluminum rail, and a protective covering positioned over the aluminum rail. Further disclosed is an aluminum replacement rail for a trailer, including an aluminum rail having a bottom plate and a support member, a plurality of L-brackets, and a protective covering placed over said support member.

Abstract: An aluminum replacement rail for a trailers including all aluminum rail having a bottom plate and a support member, a plurality of L-brackets, and a protective covering placed over said support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting boats to a trailer by using the thrust of a motor in a boat to cooperate with an alignment mechanism to keep the bow in alignment. Similar arms with cooperating rollers mounted thereon are cammingly separated when the bow pushes against one or both of them. The reaction force is proportional to its deflection thereby helping, within certain limits, the alignment of the bow. By keeping the synchronization of the arms movement the boat's bow can be more readily aligned to facilitate the mounting of the boat to a trailer without requiring additional help. The arms carrying the rollers are resiliently biased in a predetermined position that is overcome by applying a force of a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A combined boat and jet ski towing trailer includes a jet ski support ramp on the arm that connects a trailer body to the towing vehicle. The jet ski supporting ramp is inclined and oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the trailer body to facilitate loading and unloading.

Abstract: An assembly for transporting a watercraft, wherein the assembly remains coupled to the watercraft during transport of the craft and during operation of the craft. The assembly is rotatably adjustable through a range of positions including a transport position, a plurality of stabilizing positions, a stowing position, and an emergency position wherein the watercraft may be used as a shelter, wherein each of these positions may be easily locked into place by the operator of the watercraft. The assembly is further adjustable to accommodate watercraft of various widths.

Abstract: A gauge gives a driver of a tow vehicle a visual cue that the trailer is at a proper depth within the water to recover a boat onto the trailer. The gauge has a tubular housing with an open bottom with a float connected to a plunger slidably disposed within the housing. As water enters, the float and its attached plunger rise. Either the plunger reaches a transparent section of the housing and aligns with a band to signify proper trailer depth or the plunger depresses either a first switch for proper depth or a second switch for a too deep condition. Depression of the first switch either illuminates a first light to indicate the proper depth condition or has a meter indicate the proper depth condition while depression of the second switch either illuminates a second light to indicate a too deep condition or has a meter so indicate.

Abstract: A boat trailer for towing behind a vehicle having a frame constructed and arranged in a first portion and a second portion that are pinned together to permit one section to move relative to the other section. The second portion is constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels. A hitch is constructed and arranged to receive the first portion of the frame. A stabilizing plate is mounted to the hitch and has a spring biased buckle mounted on at least one of its ends. The spring biased buckle has a strap capable of extending from the buckle, and the strap has a hooked portion on its end. In order to hold the strap in place, a strap mounting member is attached to the second portion of the frame, which is constructed and arranged to receive the hooked portion.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a boat bow guide system includes a cross-bracket structure adapted for mounting to a boat trailer at a bow location on the trailer, the cross-bracket structure having opposed first and second arm mounting portions. First and second arm support members are adapted for telescopic mounting to respective ones of the first and second arm mounting portions, so that each of the first and second arm support members may be fixed in position at a plurality of positions between an inward position and an outward position. Boat guiding arms may be mounted to the arm support members for guiding the bow of the boat during launching and recovery operations.

Abstract: A boat trailer modified to include a dolly and dolly track, the dolly including a hook triggering mechanism, a bow cradle and a slidable hooking mechanism for engaging a watercraft bow ring at a wide range misalignment with the centerline of the trailer. The trailer further including a remote controlled power winch with an automatic shut off for stopping the power winch when a watercraft is fully loaded. The invention enabling a single user to launch a securely retrieve a watercraft to and from a watercraft trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a body forming a load carrying compartment (16) above a load deck (17), and where the load carrying compartment (16) is of the side loading type. The vehicle has a load carrying structure located in its load carrying compartment, the load carrying structure including a platform support structure that is located along the length of the load carrying compartment (16) along the centre line of the load deck (17). The platform support structure includes support formations that provide for the support of load platforms (42) of the load carrying structure, on which loads can be supported, at different levels above the two side halves of the load deck. The mode of support permits easy manual adjustment of the level of individual load platforms above the load deck.

Abstract: In a boat trailer for hauling a tunnel hull speed boat, wheels revolvably mounted on a cradle on which the boat rests are arranged to allow the periphery of the wheels to engage the overhead of the tunnel of the boat to permit the boat to roll easily from the trailer when released to do so, and to be easily mounted on the trailer from the water when the boat is afloat. The wheels are preferably mounted on stanchions, and arranged to be raised to the overhead engaging position from a position at which the wheels are not supporting the boat.

Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.

Abstract: A structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and may include an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. A substantially enclosed boathouse may form the structure when the structure has only a lower level. The boathouse is separable into sections each of which could be separately rolled over the ground by wheels attached to each section. This reduces the usual operational width of the boathouse into the smaller towed widths of the individual sections to ease the task of transporting the boathouse over the ground.

Abstract: A floating boat trailer for use with an automatic latching device for securing a boat includes a frame constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels, a hinged linkage mechanism having a spring steel extension blade attached to the trailer tongue, a pneumatic cylinder operable from a control transmitter to effect movement of the hinged linkage and a keel guide roller mounted on a spring steel plate located ahead of the bunker rails to keep the boat centered on the trailer and direct the U-bolt into the automatic latching device. A receiver, two pneumatic solenoid valves mounted on the winch stand, and a hand-held transmitter to operate them. A sealed winch stand upright acts as an air system surge tank for a tongue-mounted air compressor or for a compressor located in a towing vehicle. A pair of air springs, mounted in the trailer suspension system, allows the wheels to be raised or lowered by applying or removing air pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, including a snare at or toward a front of the boat, and a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions, a first of which allows for a releasable engagement of the snare by the latch, and a second of which allows for a release from such engagement, and a lever to move the latch between the two positions.

Abstract: An extendable trailer comprising wheels carrying a fixed frame, and a fixed support tube carrying a plurality of bearings that support an extendable support tube passing through said fixed support tube. A portion of a trailer hitch supported on the extendable support tube and a fixed pipe carried inside the extendable support tube protecting wires for trailer lights and accessories. The trailer has a first extended position where the tongue is extended and the length of the trailer is the greatest and a second position where the tongue is collapsed back into the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: A system and method of lifting and transporting a boat. A boat carrier has a chassis supported by wheels and a boat-carrying frame. The boat-carrying frame includes a plurality of outwardly-extending frame members for securing a boat during transit of the carrier and at least one lift assembly mounted thereon. The lift assembly includes at least one vertically moveable lift assembly arm extending away from the boat-carrying frame beyond the outwardly-extending frame members. The lift assembly arm is moveable between a lowered position whereby a boat may be placed on the lift assembly arm and a raised position aligned with one of the outwardly-extending frame members. The boat is placed on the lift assembly arm in the lowered position from a point outward of the outwardly-extending frame members and lifted with the lift assembly arm to the raised assembly arm position aligned with one of the outwardly-extending frame members.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.

Abstract: Important design features and methods of launching a trailerable sailboat are described. The trailerable sailboat is designed to allow transportation on overland highways and to provide a simplified method of raising the mast without the need for a crane.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for transporting recreational vehicles generally includes a base portion having a set of wheels, a holding assembly supported by the base portion and including a first support suitable for holding a first recreational vehicle and a second support adjacent the first support and suitable for holding a second recreational vehicle. The trailer assembly further includes a movement mechanism effective to move the first support and the second support from a launch position to a stow position. The launch position is a position which facilitates launching and loading of recreational vehicles with respect to the trailer assembly and the stow position is a position which is more space-saving than the launch position and facilitates loading of the full trailer assembly into a toy hauler or other limited cargo space.

Abstract: The boat trailer includes segmented bunk board covers, with the segments being of different lengths so that they can be combined to cover different lengths of bunk boards. The bearing surfaces of the bunk board covers include a series of oppositely sloped lifting edges that tend to lift the facing surface of the boat hull so that when the boat is tilted on the trailer, the lowermost surface of the boat hull tends to apply more weight to one of the bunk boards, so that the lower surface tends to be lifted by its bunk board.

Abstract: A boat trailer ladder assembly for entering or exiting the bow of a boat on a boat trailer includes: (a) a generally trapezoidal-shaped platform portion attachable to the boat trailer between a winch assembly of the trailer and a trailer hitch assembly of the trailer; and (b) a ladder portion including a boarding ladder and a brace device, the boarding ladder including two substantially parallel, spaced apart side rails and a plurality of ladder steps extending between the ladder side rails, the ladder steps having a spaced horizontal relationship with one another, the lower ends of the boarding ladder being attached to the platform portion, the brace device having an upper end movably affixed to at least one of the ladder steps or one of the side rails of the boarding ladder; wherein a lower end of the brace device is attachable to a post of the winch assembly of the boat trailer.

Abstract: A trailer of the type being connectable to a towing vehicle so as to tow a small vehicle comprises a structure supported by wheels. The structure has a connector portion, adapted to be connected to the towing vehicle. A pivoting mechanism connects a support frame to the connector portion in such a way that the support frame is pivotable about a first axis between a towing position in which the support frame supports the small vehicle for towing and a loading/unloading position in which the support frame is inclined with a loading/unloading end being adjacent to the ground. Springs are positioned between the support frame and the connector portion to bias the support frame to the loading/unloading position. A locking mechanism locks the support frame to the connector portion in the towing position of the support frame.

Abstract: A system has a boat trailer and a mechanical arm coupled to the boat trailer. The system further has logic that actuates the mechanical arm based upon a user input, such that the mechanical arm applies a pressure to the boat when the boat is positioned for loading onto the trailer.

Abstract: A conversion kit and method of using a conversion kit is provided which converts a metal shipping crate into a transporting apparatus. In one preferred embodiment, the conversion kit utilizes a hinge and locking mechanism to angle the trailer for loading of a cargo vehicle and lock the trailer into a horizontal transport position. In another preferred embodiment, the conversion kit utilizes a locking ramp which is lowered for loading of a cargo vehicle and then locked in a vertical position to keep a cargo vehicle in place. A method for using the conversion kit is also provided.

Abstract: A snowmobile dolly usable with a wide variety of snowmobiles of different sizes and/or designs. The dolly approaches the snowmobile from the front and engages its front bumper. A downward force on the tongue of the dolly raises the snowmobile and positions the front wheels of the dolly under the front of the snowmobile. An auxiliary rear axle is then slid under a rear portion of the snowmobile. A swivel connection on the front bumper-engaging member allows the snowmobile supported by the dolly to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces. An additional feature of the dolly is that it may also be reconfigured for use as a jack stand allowing service or repair work to be performed. The dolly is adapted to be towed behind a riding lawnmower, yard tractor, or the like, further enhancing the utility of the dolly.

Abstract: A boat loading system includes a powered extendable shaft mounted on a boat trailer and including a receiver mounted to a terminal end portion of the extendable shaft. A coupler or insert member is fixed to the bow of a boat and projects therefrom. To couple the receiver with the coupler, the extendable shaft is extended and the receiver aligned with the coupler. As the extendable shaft is extended, the coupler or insert member enters the receiver and engages a locking mechanism provided for therein. As the coupler or insert member is moved into the receiver, a locked condition is realized causing the coupler or insert member to be locked within the receiver. Thereafter, the powered extendable shaft is retracted and in the process, pulls the boat onto the trailer, positioning the boat in a loaded position on the trailer.

Abstract: Towing adjustment and coupling techniques may include a retentive lateral trailer adjustment device of a trailer (1) configured to provide lateral adjustment of the trailer (1). In some embodiments, a trailer (1) may include a coupler element (3) and at least one retentive lateral adjustment device configured to provide adjustment in a lateral direction (8) of the coupler element (3). Embodiments may have configurations directed to couplers such as a gooseneck hitch, a fifthwheel hitch, and a pull-type or tongue hitch. Embodiments may also provide a fore-aft position indicator (44) with or without a fore-aft position sensor (50) through which proper positioning of a source of tow power (54) relative to a trailer (1) may be facilitated in a fore-aft direction (7). Corresponding methods are included as embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The boat trailer includes a housing, for receiving a boat therein. The housing covers and supports the boat for storage or transport thereof. The housing includes an antechamber, an upper wall, a pair of sidewalls and at least one rear door. The trailer includes a front chassis and a rear chassis slidably engaging the front chassis, the housing being mounted on the front chassis. The rear chassis may be secured to the front chassis when drawn fully forward into the housing. The rear chassis supports a boat cradle or the like. A motor is housed in the antechamber and drives a linear translation system to extend the rear chassis from the trailer and draw the rear chassis back within the trailer. The linear translation system may be a chain and sprocket system driving rack and pinion gearing.

Abstract: A boat centering device for a trailer, the device having a lever arm with a contact member mounted on one end and an outrigger mounted on the other, the lever arm adapted to rotate towards the center of the trailer when the contact member is contacted by a boat. The outrigger urges the boat to the center of the trailer and does not contact the boat once the boat is centered. Matched pairs of lever arms are attached at various points on the trailer to cooperate in centering the bow and stern of the boat.

Abstract: A boat trailer washing system is used after a trailer has been immersed in a body of water to cleanse the same from any salty residue which will easily and quickly have a detrimental effect on the structure of the trailer. The frame of the trailer has longitudinal water pipes installed thereon which carry a multiple of nozzles directed to the frame in one direction. The trailer hitch has a water tank mounted thereon which is the source of water for a pump located on the trailer. When the pump is activated, it will draw water from the water tank, pressurize the water and deliver the water under high pressure to the nozzles located on the water pipes. The water pipes may be rotated so that the water pressure may be directed to a hull of a boat located on the trailer.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer has a trailer frame adapted to support a boat or marine vessel, the trailer frame including at least one longitudinal member and at least a pair of transverse members and at least two wheels, the wheels removably associated with opposed ends of a first of the pair of transverse members and marine vessel support means removably associated with the other of the pair of transverse members wherein the trailer frame is adapted to assume a use condition with the wheels attached for supporting a boat or marine vessel on the trailer and a collapsed condition with the wheels removed in which the trailer occupies less space than in the use condition.

Abstract: A floating boat trailer for use with an automatic latching device for securing a boat includes a frame constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels, a hinged linkage mechanism having a spring steel extension blade attached to the trailer tongue, a pneumatic cylinder operable from a control transmitter to effect movement of the hinged linkage and a keel guide roller mounted on a spring steel plate located ahead of the bunker rails to keep the boat centered on the trailer and direct the U-bolt into the automatic latching device. A receiver, two pneumatic solenoid valves mounted on the winch stand, and a hand-held transmitter to operate them. A sealed winch stand upright acts as an air system surge tank for a tongue-mounted air compressor or for a compressor located in a towing vehicle. A pair of air springs, mounted in the trailer suspension system, allows the wheels to be raised or lowered by applying or removing air pressure.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a pontoon boat behind a tow vehicle. The trailer is provided with wheel assemblies that can be moved longitudinally on the trailer's frame to adjust the load on the tongue of the trailer and is provided with rails that can be adjusted in width for receiving the pontoons of boats with different pontoon spacing. The trailer frame can be pneumatically raised and lowered on pivoting wheel brackets and each set of pontoon rails is provided with several pneumatically retractable rollers that can be raised and retracted relative to their associated rails to assist in loading and unloading a pontoon boat from the trailer. When the boat is not being transported, the rails and associated rollers can be removed from the trailer so that the trailer can function as a flatbed trailer.

Abstract: The boat trailer tug includes a primary frame with a mounting beam that is attachable to a boat trailer frame. A primary collar is fixed to the mounting beam front end. A hitch tongue is connected to the collar and extends forward from the collar. A hitch ball receiver is mounted on a front end of the hitch tongue for connecting the tug to a towing vehicle. A vertical height adjustment frame is slidably connected to the collar. A linear actuator moves the height adjustment frame up and down relative to the collar. A power unit frame is pivotally attached to the height adjustment frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A motor, transmission and driven wheels are mounted on the power unit frame. The linear actuator raises and lowers the driven wheels. A steering system pivots the power unit frame to steer the tug.

Abstract: A multi-use, multi-level structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a ballast system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. The ballast system includes an array of hydraulically interconnected ballast tanks that are vented to the atmosphere. A valve may be opened to admit water to the ballast tanks to flood the tanks. A pump is used to pump water out of the ballast tanks when desired.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: A system enables a boat to be loaded from water onto a trailer that is partially submerged on a ramp at the edge of the water. One part of the system is a connector that is mounted on the keel of the bow. Another part of the system is a transversely mounted removable pin that is positioned on the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus is for use with a portable bleacher of the type having a lower framework supporting and interconnecting a plurality of generally parallel longitudinally extending bleacher seat assemblies. The framework includes longitudinally spaced laterally extending base members. The trailer apparatus includes a torque tube rotatably attached to a lower part of the bleacher framework and above the base members to extend beneath and generally perpendicular to the seat assemblies. A torque arm is rigidly attached to one end of the torque tube. A first wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to the torque arm on an axis of rotation parallel to the torque tube axis. A generally vertically or horizontally extendable lift jack is coupled at a lower end to the torque arm and operatively coupled at its upper end to the framework.

Abstract: A semiautomatic visual trailing guide to assist a steerer in backing and loading trailers such as boat, recreational vehicle, or utility type. The device generally consists of a self-boosting self-latching mechanism capable of pivoting an element between a horizontal position and a vertical position while employing a force to hold in either position. The device is mounted on the rear most center of a trailer and will rotate the element to a visual position after being initially urged towards that position. The element is kept vertical by tension from the self-boosting self-latching mechanism until a forward force such as a boat, jet ski, or car push on the element and the element collapses to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and may include an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. A substantially enclosed boathouse may form the structure when the structure has only a lower level. The boathouse is seperable into sections each of which could be separately rolled over the ground by wheels attached to each section. This reduces the usual operational width of the boathouse into the smaller towed widths of the individual sections to ease the task of transporting the boathouse over the ground.

Abstract: A multi-use, multi-level structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. The buoyancy system preferably comprises a ballast system that includes an array of hydraulically interconnected ballast tanks that are vented to the atmosphere. A valve may be opened to admit water to the ballast tanks to flood the tanks. A pump is used to pump water out of the ballast tanks when desired.

Abstract: The aluminum trailer frame and trailer includes aluminum side rails with bowed forward sections which converge on an aluminum trailer tongue beam. A plurality of aluminum cross members are laterally mounted to opposing side rails. Each cross member has a generally C-shaped cross section with an embedded, generally C-shaped bolt head channel near the mid-section of the C-shaped cross member. The channel has opposing tabs which trap a bolt head and the channel extends the length of the cross members. Two bunk rail beams or other accessory supports or beam supports are mounted on the cross members via bolts having bolt heads that are slidably disposed in the bolt head channels. Accessories are movably mounted on the cross members by bolts in bolt head channels.

Abstract: A boat pad may include a planar member composed of an elastomeric, rubber or like material. The planar member may include a plurality of spaced-apart raised features formed on a surface thereof and which are configured to contact a surface of a water vessel hull as the hull is being supported by a boat stand or boat trailer including the pad.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a controller mounted within a vehicle cab and electrically coupled to a power supply source of the vehicle. A trailer hitch tongue section is attachable to the vehicle and provided with an elongated chamber. The tongue section has opposed end portions defining a socket and an opening. An adaptable ram includes displaceable support arms engaged within the chamber. The support arms are upwardly spaced from a ground surface. The assembly further includes a trailer for receiving and supporting a boat. The trailer is provided with wheels and a front end portion attached to the ram. An auxiliary anchor beam vertically traverses one of the support arms and is provided with end portions situated above and below one support arm. A mechanism is included for telescopically adapting the support arms such that a spatial distance between the vehicle and the boat can be biased.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.