One-person retractable boat-launching device

Abstract

A device for assisting one-man launching of boats from boat trailers is provided. A tensioned rope is retained and secured within a reel attached to a boat trailer or other location. In use, the tensioned rope is secured to the trailered boat and retains the boat after the boat is floated free of its trailer. The reel may be removably secured to a number of locations to enable a multiple of uses such as a boat attached line for towing a bait container or sea anchor. The invention includes a trailer having a tensioned rope to allow automatic controlled release of a boat during launch.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device for maintaining control of a trailered boat when the boat is removed from the trailer during launch into water, comprising: 
 a rope reel;    means of securing the reel to a boat trailer;    a rope retained within the reel;    means of allowing release of the rope from the reel while maintaining tension;    such that the reel may be secured to a boat trailer and the rope secured to a boat on the trailer and the boat removed from the trailer while the rope limits the movement of the boat.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , and wherein: 
 the means of allowing release of the rope includes a spring connected between the reel and rope, the spring biasing the rope into the reel.    
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , and further comprising: 
 means of removably securing the reel to the boat.    
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , and wherein: 
 the means of securing the reel comprises a means of removably securing.    
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , and further comprising: 
 a brake for increasing the rope tension.    
     
     
         6 . A trailer for controlled release of a boat from the trailer, comprising: 
 a trailer body having a boat wench;    a rope reel removably secured to the boat trailer;    a rope retained within the reel; and    means of allowing release of the rope from the reel while maintaining tension.