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Every Boatcatch system comes with a comprehensive installation guide in the owners manual. Should further information be needed, we are only a key click or phone call away.
With tens of thousands of Boatcatch systems operating, most boat shops across the country are now expert fitters.
Should you wish to fit your own Boatcatch refer to our installation video belowand refer to the fitting instruction manual.
Every Part Explained
Not sure what turns up when you order a Boatcatch? This video walks you through the full kit, piece by piece, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy. You'll see the universal mounting bracket, U-bolts, washers and nuts, pull cord, bow eye, spacer and instruction manual, and how they all go together. We also explain the two sizes and how fitting differs for fibreglass, wooden and aluminium boats. Most owners fit it themselves with a drill and a couple of spanners, and this is the quickest way to see if you can too.
Boatcatch unboxing
Each Boatcatch kit comes prepped for instant installation. High-quality components are crafted for easy and efficient setup in under an hour.
The Boatcatch kit comes with:
• An owner's manual with installation and operation instructions
• Mounting arm with a sandwich plate (multi-fit for most winch posts)
• Pivot bracket (connects mounting arm to coupling)
• Coupling (316 marine-grade stainless steel with a four-bolt flange)
• Bow eye (with M12 bolts and big washers for fiberglass boats)
• Nylon V (for creating a strong, flat mounting surface inside bow if needed)
• Aluminium lug (threaded weld-on piece for aluminium boats)
• 5-meter lanyard with clip (used for launch/release lever)
• Lifetime warranty included
These components suit different boat types (fiberglass, wood or aluminium) and sizes (small for up to 5.9m, large for 5.9m+).
How to install your Boatcatch
Everything you need to fit your Boatcatch to your boat trailer, in one place, from unboxing to your first lock-on at the ramp.
Work through the install at your own pace. Pause, rewind and check each step before moving on, so you get it right the first time. Just bought your Boatcatch? Start here.
What the video covers:
What’s in the box: check every part before you pick up a tool
Preparing your trailer: set up so the install goes smoothly
Fitting to your boat: mark, tape and drill cleanly, even on fibreglass
Setting up and adjusting: dial in the alignment for a clean, confident catch
Your first lock-on: test it at the ramp before your first launch
Master your boat launch with marine precision
Every boat demands respect, and every ramp has an audience. Wind, current, a slippery surface underfoot, and the pressure of the queue behind you. Boatcatch takes the hardest part of the day off your shoulders. A positively locked steel pin holds your bow secure until you decide it’s time to go, so you can focus on reading the conditions, not wrestling your trailer. No wading in, no second set of hands, no guesswork.
Read the water
Launch with the precision of a seasoned mariner. Check the wind, tide and current before you back down, and Boatcatch keeps the bow secure until you’re ready to release.
Position with intent
With the winch strap already disconnected and the release cord attached, reverse your trailer down the ramp as usual. Do not to go too deep, as you do not want the back of the boat floating up and changing the angle of the bow.
Start the boat. Then when you are ready put the engine into gear and power forward just a bit. This will take the weight of the boat off the coupling main pin.
Lock with confidence
Pull the release cord until you feel the coupling click open. Drop the cord overboard, then go into neutral or reverse and slip off the trailer.
On the way back in, drive on and Boatcatch locks the bow automatically, with no wading in and no second set of hands.
Load, lock, and leave.
Retrieval is where the ramp gets busy and patience runs short. Boatcatch turns it into one clean run. Line the trailer up, drive the boat on, and let the hull find its own centre. The positive click tells you the bow is locked, so you can pull straight out and clear the ramp without wading in or waiting on a second set of hands.
Set your depth
Position the trailer on the ramp, but not too deep. You need the Vee of the hull to mate with the Vee shape of your trailer bed so the boat centres itself.
Let gravity
centre it
Drive up the trailer and let gravity settle the boat central into the shape of the trailer bed.
Listen for
the click
Keep going until you hear the positive click as Boatcatch locks you on.
No mate to help?
No problem.
With Boatcatch fitted, you launch and retrieve on your own, and you never go near the winch or safety chain. Reverse in and motor off. Coming back, drive on and the pin locks into the bow eye automatically, so you can drive straight up to the car park with dry feet.
Retrieve a full size cabin cruiser in seconds
Watch how two blokes retrieve a full size cabin cruiser fitted with a large Boatcatch in seconds, without setting foot on a slippery ramp. No wading in to wrestle with the bow, no relying on a stranger to lend a hand. Just lock on, winch up, and you’re done.
FAQs
Get quick answers to common questions about your Boatcatch marine system
Yes. We ship to most countries outside Australia and New Zealand by air freight for AUD$390 per unit. We don't currently ship to the United States or US territories. International orders are charged in Australian dollars and don't include Australian GST. Your country may charge import duties, taxes (such as VAT) and customs fees when your order arrives. These are paid by the buyer and aren't included in our prices or shipping.
Can Boatcatch™ fit twin and tri hull vessels?
While Boatcatch™ is highly versatile, certain hull types require a little extra attention during installation.
Multi-Hulls (Catamarans)
Fitting a Boatcatch™ to a "Cat" is common (we have examples in our gallery). There are several minor differences between a cat and a mono hull to keep in mind:
- See our 6 minute “Cat” video in the video list on this web site.
- Trailer Attachment: As seen in the above mentioned video. The coupling mounts may need slight adaptation to suit your specific trailer frame.
The Release Lever: Most cats fit the Boatcatch™ either central or just to starboard of central and so the pull angle of our release lever changes. This means you need a coupling with a different release lever. When ordering specify “Cat” coupling or simply buy on this web site and click on the “Cat / Multihull buy now” tab. There is no extra charge for this option.
While Boatcatch™ is highly versatile, certain hull types require specific adjustments during installation to ensure a perfect fit.
Jet Skis
The small-sized Boatcatch™ is required on PWC and PWC trailers.
- Mounting: The unit is typically mounted vertically off the trailer chassis using our standard kit.
- Check First: Ensure you have internal access to the bow so you are able to tighten the two bolts that secure our special eye.
- See our gallery for pictures
Ski and Wake Boats
Ski boats often feature shallow bow angles (up to 60 degrees) and blunt bow widths.
- The Challenge: Our standard stainless bow eye is designed for 45 to 55 degree angles and there is often limited space for both the coupling and our standard mounts.
- Email a picture to us via our web site and we will suggest the best fitting option.
All trailer beds are suitable for "drive-off" launching, making Boatcatch™ a wonderful addition to your boating experience for the launch feature alone.
Centering Your Boat
Most modern boat trailers are excellent for "drive-on" loading. To get the best results, keep these principles in mind:
- The "V" Alignment: Your boat’s hull has a "V" shape that matches the "V" shape of your trailer bed. As you drive on, the boat will naturally try to settle into this groove to center itself.
- Depth and Speed: For the boat to center automatically, ensure the trailer is not backed too deep into the water. Approach slowly to allow the hull time to settle centrally.
Enhanced Loading Assistance
For even greater ease of use - especially in rough weather - some Boatcatch™ users add a final pair of rollers or Teflon skids in a sharp "V" shape toward the front of the trailer.
- Placement: Position these where the lower bow transitions into the keel.
- Benefits: This is an inexpensive addition that guarantees a central entry every time.
Boatcatch™ has been rigorously tested in both real-life conditions and through state-of-the-art "design and destroy" software. Wear or breakage is not typical under normal use, provided the device is not subjected to gross abuse or accidental damage.
Lifetime Warranty
We provide a lifetime warranty to the original owner of the Boatcatch™. This includes:
- Free Replacement: We will replace any moving part at no cost to you.
- Rapid Support: If a breakage occurs, simply email or phone us. We will identify the necessary components and send them to you as soon as possible.
Our Commitment to Quality
We want to hear from you if a part ever wears or breaks. Our goal is to provide the ultimate launch and retrieve device, and your feedback is essential for continuous improvement.
Because every boat and trailer combination is unique, Boatcatch™ includes a versatile range of bolts and brackets. These components are designed to be adjusted, inserted, or shortened to adapt to most individual requirements.
While it is impossible to provide a pre-set combination of parts for every boat in existence, we provide a robust hardware kit that covers the vast majority of setups. We are committed to helping you find the right fit for your specific vessel.
Some boat and trailer combinations are extremely simple and ready for an immediate Boatcatch™ installation. In a standard case—where you are simply adding the Boatcatch™ above or below your existing bow stop and winch—expect the fitting to take approximately one to two hours.
Custom Setups
Occasionally, the installation may be more complex. If your setup isn't straightforward, we are here to help:
- Expert Guidance: Feel free to send us a photo of your existing bow and winch area. We can review your configuration and offer specific guidance on how to proceed.
- Pro Tip: Extra thought and planning before you begin the physical installation will pay dividends in the final result.
With tens of thousands of Boatcatch™ systems operating, most boat shops across the country are now expert fitters.
Should you wish to fit your own Boatcatch™ refer to our installation video or fitting instruction manual.
Fitting Boatcatch™ yourself is an option if you have good handyman skills.
Many boat and trailer combinations are perfectly suited for straightforward simple Boatcatch™ installation. In a standard setup—where the device is simply added above or below your existing bow stop and winch—fitting typically takes between one and two hours.
Non Standard Boatcatch™ Fit ups
Occasionally, an installation requires a bit more navigation. If your setup isn't immediately straightforward, we recommend you have your favourite boat shop fit it, but we are still here to help.
- Expert Guidance: Feel free to send us a photo of your current bow and winch area. We can review your specific configuration and offer professional advice on the best way to proceed.
- Pro Tip: Investing time in extra thought and planning before you begin the physical installation will pay dividends in the final result.
The Boatcatch™ is available in two sizes, both featuring the same robust design. Selecting the correct unit depends primarily on your vessel's material and length.
Size Guide
- Small Unit: Ideal for aluminium boats and light-duty fibreglass vessels up to 5.9 metres.
- Large Unit: Designed for vessels starting at 5.9 metres, extending to any length with a maximum weight of up to 8 tonnes.
Universal Mounting and Compatibility
Because every boat bow and trailer post varies, each Boatcatch™ includes a universal mounting bracket.
- Adjustable Bracket: The bracket features an adjustable head and arm that can be configured to match a wide variety of trailer bow post gaps and angles.
- Bow Eye Specifications: The special polished stainless steel bow eye is designed for boat bows with an angle between 30 and 50 degrees from vertical (This is 99% of all trailer boats). It fits very neatly and is held on with the two bolts that we provide.
Still have questions?
Our support team is ready to help you get on the water
Lifetime marine warranty protection
Trust the durability of Australian marine engineering with our comprehensive lifetime coverage for every Boatcatch system.