"I have this unit on my Mastercraft. They sold this product as being able to drive the boat up onto the trailer, clipping into the buddy and telling the tow driver to pull out.
Not quite. Any wind, rough water, or current will make this process extremely difficult. If you come in at any angle with a larger boat, you will damage the pin and internal parts of the buddy. I'm on my 2nd one. Now, I walk my boat into the buddy to insure a soft clip in with no damage to the buddy.
I've also carpeted the face of the Buddy so that it doesn't leave rubber grey streaks on the hull of my boat. But my boat gel coat is black, so folks that have white hulls may be ok.
And be sure you never pull in without removing the pin. Either mistake will damage the buddy (with bigger boats)."
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Overall Rating:
5
out of 5
go bigger,September 9, 2008
By reelcheck
"I have a 21' center console. I bought the small model. It worked as advertised. Putting the boat on the trailer was a "snap". HOWEVER...while pulling the boat out on a steep ramp, the pin on the buddy bent and popped out of its socket. Had my boat not had the safety chain on I would have had a really bad day. If your boat is heavy, disregard the length and buy the large model."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overall Rating:
1
out of 5
do not buy,September 5, 2008
By gonefishjoefrom Indiana
"I have a standard 18' Lund. I tried every trailer adjustments possible and could never get this product to latch. My last attemt marred the front of my boat!! Please do not waste your time"
What is your gender?:
Male
What type of products do you most often purchase from Bass Pro?:
Fishing
How frequently do you spend time doing outdoor activities?:
Often
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
No
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overall Rating:
3
out of 5
Boat Buddy,July 31, 2008
By Sawbuckfrom Central CA
"I used to work for a marine dealership and have launched and recovered many boats with a boat buddy onboard. Most of the time they work great as I had to launch and recover by myself when testing a boat. Sometimes, however, the boat would not hit squarely and bend the pin. I would like to see it be built of stronger rubber and steel to withstand this problem."
What is your gender?:
Male
What type of products do you most often purchase from Bass Pro?:
Fishing
How frequently do you spend time doing outdoor activities?:
Often
Would you recommend this product as a gift?:
Yes
