Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

If you are not familiar with the Drotto setup, go to this site and check it out.

https://www.boat2trailerhookup.com/product/drotto-boat-latch-3-34-with-roller/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4IPr7KfO-QIVMTizAB0syAjjEAQYASABEgK2ZfD_BwE

I bought one to attach to my new boat and trailer to ease the launch and also the loading again of the boat. As it turns out, my set up cannot use this device. The boat "eye" where you attach the winch rope is also where this device latches to the boat. That "eye" must be big enough to contain both the latch jaws and leave room for the winch hook as well.
Mine could not do that. I spent over $330 including shipping for it. Will sell it for $200 (plus shipping). Let me know at moscooter@aol.com

Ken Rhoads Loc: Peru, Indiana

Dang I just ordered one for my Ranger hopefully it works. They say that if it doesn't work you can return it for full refund.

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

Thanks, I will be checking that out this weekend.

Help Loc: Green Bay WI

Doesn’t the Drotto boat assist replace the winch rope and hook or you trying to use both?

MuskyHunter Loc: Torrington, CT

The boat eye is a standard size. Are you sure you have the angle of the drotto adjusted correctly? This device is great and I would make sure everything is installed and adjusted correctly before I dropped it.

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

This Drotto was mounted correctly as I saw it. I had been going to install it myself, but since I was having a new trolling motor installed and going from a 12V system to a 24V system for it and also the install of a new shallow water anchor........I asked them to go ahead and install the Drotto as well since the original Boat Shop where I bought the boat had the boat too far forward on the trailer and it needed to be moved back to be in the right position.
The damn iron hook on the winch strap is quite large and "meaty", so there was no room left to get it hooked back in place. The Drotto is NOT made nor supposed to be used to hold down the boat while being trailered down the road.

Ken Rhoads Loc: Peru, Indiana

Guys I know recommended that you put the winch hook on after boat is loaded just don't tighten down yet. Release the Drotto then tighten down winch hook and put safety chain on.

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

Well, there is half ass logic in your answer, as if you had reversed those sentences, meaning after loading the boat, then release the Drotto, then OF COURSE you would again then have room to hook the winch hook and also the safety chain up.

However, next time at the lake launch, you now have the Drotto sitting there "unlatched", it is the forward movement of the boat being loaded that "triggers" the drotto jaws to close around the eye. While the Drotto comes with a lever to "unlatch" the jaws when launching, not so sure it provides a way to (relatch) again while the boat is solidly in place on the trailer butted right up against the bow eye.
My Marine Boat Shop source had installed a few of these before with less than good results. He said mine was the last one he would agree to install. Too many problems, by the way he checked the next size up on bow eyes and the bolt spread is wider and thus you would have a hole in the bow where the smaller eye had been and also, the thickness of the eye material is heavier on next size up and Drotto jaws won't accept that larger size.

If you Google Drotto and read all the associated replies, there are several different boat owners that found the Drotto system would not work on their boat trailer and boat hook up.

Ken Rhoads Loc: Peru, Indiana

Didn't ask them about how they handle being unlocked at next launching. Have to ask about that.

MuskyHunter Loc: Torrington, CT

Ken's advice is completely wrong and makes no sense at all. One thing you can do is get a winch strap with a smaller hook. That might just fix your problem. Many problems occur with the Drotto, because their installation instructions leave a lot to be desired, but in the end I know a lot of people who have them and really love them, that's why I encourage people to figure out any issues. Anyway, good luck.

One question, is the Drotto plate flush against your boat as in this photo:

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

Well, they removed my Drotto so I could trailer back home with the winch secured and not the front of the boat bobbing up and down as it was before I realized they didn't hook up the winch strap because it would not fit in the eye along with the Drotto.
So, eyeballing your picture, your bow angle looks very steep and appears to allow for the Drotto to catch hold of the very top edge of the "eye", which leaves room for the winch hook and also the safety chain hook.
My observation was that the Drotto on my boat appeared as flush as could be and as said before, it just didn't/can't/won't allow enough room. The winch hook MUST be used to cinch down the front of the boat for trailering. We looked at optional stainless hooks that could add an extra cinching loop, but the diameter of the stainless hook would also not go thru the remaining space in the "eye".
Thought it would be the "deal" for me as an old guy trying to avoid any extra leaning over the front and other hassles to launch and reload, but it turned out not to be.

I'm now exploring getting a credit to return the Drotto.

MuskyHunter Loc: Torrington, CT

OK, I am truly sorry it didn't work out for you. I did have issues when I installed mine and used their directions. When I studied it and did it my way, it turned out to be easier and very simple. I was hoping that would be the case for you. I, too, am an old guy and the Drotto is helping extend my life on the water!

Good luck and tight lines!
Frank

Ken Rhoads Loc: Peru, Indiana

Received my Drotto today and it's installed. Works great it makes it so much easier to load had plenty of room for winch hook and safety chain.

Moscooter Loc: Sunset Beach, N.C.

Good for you, not all the bow eyes are the same and in my case, not enough room for the winch strap hook once the Drotto latch was engaged and then "barely" room to add the safety chain.