Boat loading and launching trailer and method of loading a boat thereon

Claim 1

A boat trailer designed to permit loading of a boat thereon directly from the water utilizing only the motive power of said boat to effect such loading, said trailer comprising A. a wheeled chassis which is positionable at least partially in a body of water during loading of a boat on said trailer, B. track structure on said chassis extending longitudinally thereof, comprising 1. a pair of laterally spaced track members secured to said chassis, 2. each of said track members including an elongated flange extending therealong, 3. at least one end of said track structure being immersible in such body of water when said chassis is positioned therein for loading a boat on said trailer, C. a dolly operatively supported on said track structure and movable longitudinally thereof to be at least partially immersed in such body of water during boat loading, comprising 1. a framework overlying and generally straddling said spaced track members, 2. mounting flanges adjacent corners of said framework, 3. wheel assemblies secured to said mounting flanges including wheels rideable on said track members during movement of said dolly along said track structure, 4. flange extensions provided in conjunction with said mounting flanges underlying said elongated track member flanges to preclude lateral and vertical separation of said dolly from said track structure, 5. a generally upright post supported by said framework and extending thereabove, 6. catch structure surmounting said post to be automatically engaged by a hook member provided on the bow of a boat during loading of such boat on said trailer, and 7. guide structure adjacent said catch structure for guiding the bow of such boat into position relative to said dolly and for positioning said hook member on said boat bow for contact with said catch structure, said guide structure comprising a. a pair of angularly related rigid arm structures projecting outwardly from said post, and D. automatically operable latching means for maintaining said dolly in a predetermined location adjacent the other end of said track structure to preclude back sliding thereof following movement of said boat and said dolly therewith along said track structure under the motive power of said boat following engagement of said boat with said dolly, said latching means comprising 1. releasably interengagable latching members provided on said dolly and on said track structure.