Front or rear when launching?

[fishntoss]

Re: Front or rear when launching?

I've seen the Extend a Hitch deal before. If you can find one of the sailing forums. You can find homemade ones that work just as well. A lot of sailboats really have to be deeper in the water to launch..

The disadvantage to them is again you have to undo the trailer to hook up the extension. There also might be a weight max.

If you're interested in something like that.. check around as there are a few kinds of em around...

good luck..

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Front or rear when launching?

I agree that your probably better off with the weight on your drive wheels. I could picture a long motor home losing traction on a steep sandy or wet ramp with the leverage of the boat unloading the rear wheels.
There's also the consideration of keeping the engine end away from the water.

Generally, I only ever thought that a front hitch was really appropriate on a four wheel drive.

Also, keep in mind that when backing down the ramp, you do have the use of your mirrors, often when pushing a trailer, you can't see around it since you don't have forward mirrors. I find it actually easier to back a trailer than to try to push it.

I have a small tractor with a ball mounted up front for maneuvering trailers around the yard, I find myself using the drawbar more than the front ball, it's easier to jockey the trailer from the rear and you don't have all the tongue weight on the steering either. A lot has to do with the size of the boat being launched too.