Avoiding that annoying launch fee

[SeaKaye12]

I suppose that there might be areas where such launches are commonplace...but seeing this video was a first for me...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=538478280732158577&a mp;a mp;q=boat+ramp&total=1424&start=40&num=10&so =0&type=search&plindex=7

I think that a lot of farmers are gonna think twice before saying OK to their neighbor's request to "borrow the tractor" for a few minutes...

Chuck

 

[_brad_]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Wow I did not think that guy was gunna make it!

 

[rndn]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

That video is amazing. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[brogsie]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Went to Ninilchik, AK and sat on the beach and watched as fishing boat after fishing boat was launched by huge four wheel drive tractors, it was quite a sight to see. They don't use docks because the tide changes are around 14'. They where all headed out halibut fishing. Wife had to drag me away. I have some pictures but not sure how to post.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

How do they retrieve in seas like that?

 

[Hoss the Hermit]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Like we say in Maine, "Nuthin' runs like a Deere, ayuh"

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

For one thing, I didn't think they make trailer for boats like that and two, it would be a bieotch to load it onto the trailer with that kind of wave.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Wow. I wonder if they recovered it there.

 

[kev_alaska]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

They retrieve the same way. You are given a paddle with your trailer number on it. If you cannot contact the launch via radio, you get in close and hold up your paddle with the trailer number. They go get your trailer and drive into the surf. You time it as close as possible and hang on while they yank you out.

Kevin

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

No launch fee's were I go boating...but have launched much the same way with my truck on a rock shoreline to avoid the ramp lines

 

[pgdignan]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

GOOD GOD, it looked as though the tractor would be plowing the sea bottom as its next occupation.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Can't believe that tractor kept running. Maybe you can't short out a diesel?

One thing for sure, it won't be long before that Deere is one rusted up mess. They'll have to call Don S to figure out how to take it apart.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Can't believe that tractor kept running. Maybe you can't short out a diesel?

One thing for sure, it won't be long before that Deere is one rusted up mess. They'll have to call Don S to figure out how to take it apart.

THink it messed up the Cap.........or plug's........

 

[thurps]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

At Shelter Cove in California the only way to get launched is with a tractor, only it costs you a twenty doller bill.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Ipperwash, Lake Huron.
Many boats launched from the beach with a tractor. Some folk use their pick up trucks.....but there is always water up to and in some cases beyond the doors.
Launch ramps are available about 5 miles up the road but not everyone uses them

 

[brother chris]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Wow, I thought that tractor was going to be an anchor!

 

[RubberDuckie]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Here's how the "pro's" (who charge $45 for the launch and retrieve combo) do it.

'Kevin Hite' and 'brogsie' are discussing this particular place in their posts.

The following video is a bit long and is intended more for this kid's friends, but it has a few clips of boats being launched and retrieved. As the desription says "This was my summer job for 2 years, launching boats into the cook inlet out of ninilchik alaska. This is mostly for all the guys on the beach to show their friends, it probably wont make any sense to anyone else."

I plan to get some good shots and edit them up into a nice vid next year, to show how it really works.

Anyway, here ya go (near the beginning and about 5 mins into the vid are some ok'ish shots of launch and retieve)...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBz2Rf4g6SQ

 

[brogsie]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Nice video duckie. Did you film these? That must be a great summer job. What dates do they start and stop launching the boats?
The mountains in the sunset view is are volcanos. When I was there sunset was at 11:30. Lots of halibut caught out there. Stay warm duckie.

 

[RubberDuckie]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

That's not my vid, I found it on you tube.

I've been meaning to get some good shots of a busy summer weekend there for a while now, but I get distracted and forget.

Here's a couple sample shots of what we've caught out there on the "Rubber Duckie".

ignore the pic's date, it's not very green in January...

 

[brogsie]

Re: Avoiding that annoying launch fee

Nice fish duckie.
How late into the year do you go halibut fishing?
Do you live near Ninilchick? What a neat little town.
Hows the Zodiac go in those waters? I have an Avon inflatable I fish with off Cape Cod. It can get a little rough and wet out there.