Background:
I've been boating many summers with my family when I was younger, but never in my own boat. I've had my own small boat for under a year now. So I have pretty good operating experience, but owning -- not so much.
Shoreline and Launching:
We have a difficult shore-line with a broad tidal range and shallow approach, but would like to find a good way to easily launch and recover a small boat (16'). This is in a sheltered inlet, so the waves are never much bigger than a large lake (except when someone's 40' yacht or a tug boat cruises by). The tide goes out much too far to be able to launch/recover at low tide, but I'm fine with a solution that works from mid-tide and up.
I am renting this property, so do not need a solution that will last a decade (a few years is fine), but I don't want to rebuild every year.
Here is a photo of the shore line at to low tide:
At high(est) tide, the water comes up to the rock wrap on the right.
I've been looking at the ShoreDocker and Multinautic roller ramps, and think a 30 foot span (2 kits) might do the trick for me, but am looking for input and suggestions. I thought I would be able to find sets of roller-wheels cheaper than in these kits, but haven't found anything yet. I've drawn on the photo a "~30 foot" red line where I would build.
A alternative consideration would be a set of sturdy launching wheels for the aluminum boat. Many of the ones I found look like twigs and I'm worried would break. Beachmaster looked like the strongest/best built option. The main concern here would be preventing future boat upgrades (see below), and perhaps the brute force required for up-hill solo recovery. Thoughts?
The boat:
I currently have a 16' open aluminum Lund fishing boat with a 30hp Yamaha electric start and steering console. I would like to upgrade to something a little faster that is also more comfortable, smoother and more stable in the water, while still able to deal with the shallow approach. The target budget is under $10k (for a used boat). Our usage would be mostly leisure (just to get out on the water and cruise around the inlet), but also some light tubing/skiing and fishing (a few times a year). We are fair-weather boaters, and will avoid days that are really choppy.
I'm thinking of a small Seadoo Speedster jet boat, but have no direct experience with these. Given the type of ramp I'm looking at, my max is 2000lbs. I would also like it to be small enough to fit in the garage in off season; we have an empty spot, but no where else on the property suitable for storage. The 16' aluminum is there now with about a foot to spare.
Boat priorities (ordered):
Thanks for reading. I really appreciate your input!
I've been boating many summers with my family when I was younger, but never in my own boat. I've had my own small boat for under a year now. So I have pretty good operating experience, but owning -- not so much.
Shoreline and Launching:
We have a difficult shore-line with a broad tidal range and shallow approach, but would like to find a good way to easily launch and recover a small boat (16'). This is in a sheltered inlet, so the waves are never much bigger than a large lake (except when someone's 40' yacht or a tug boat cruises by). The tide goes out much too far to be able to launch/recover at low tide, but I'm fine with a solution that works from mid-tide and up.
I am renting this property, so do not need a solution that will last a decade (a few years is fine), but I don't want to rebuild every year.
Here is a photo of the shore line at to low tide:
At high(est) tide, the water comes up to the rock wrap on the right.
I've been looking at the ShoreDocker and Multinautic roller ramps, and think a 30 foot span (2 kits) might do the trick for me, but am looking for input and suggestions. I thought I would be able to find sets of roller-wheels cheaper than in these kits, but haven't found anything yet. I've drawn on the photo a "~30 foot" red line where I would build.
A alternative consideration would be a set of sturdy launching wheels for the aluminum boat. Many of the ones I found look like twigs and I'm worried would break. Beachmaster looked like the strongest/best built option. The main concern here would be preventing future boat upgrades (see below), and perhaps the brute force required for up-hill solo recovery. Thoughts?
The boat:
I currently have a 16' open aluminum Lund fishing boat with a 30hp Yamaha electric start and steering console. I would like to upgrade to something a little faster that is also more comfortable, smoother and more stable in the water, while still able to deal with the shallow approach. The target budget is under $10k (for a used boat). Our usage would be mostly leisure (just to get out on the water and cruise around the inlet), but also some light tubing/skiing and fishing (a few times a year). We are fair-weather boaters, and will avoid days that are really choppy.
I'm thinking of a small Seadoo Speedster jet boat, but have no direct experience with these. Given the type of ramp I'm looking at, my max is 2000lbs. I would also like it to be small enough to fit in the garage in off season; we have an empty spot, but no where else on the property suitable for storage. The 16' aluminum is there now with about a foot to spare.
Boat priorities (ordered):
- Under 2000lbs (loaded)
- Shallow draft
- Smooth and stable as possible for a small boat (able to handle wakes from 40' yachts without stressing my wife)
- Comfortable seating with space for 3 most of the time (and 4 in a pinch)
- Light duty skiing / tubing (no pros here)
- Fishing / crabbing (but no fancy equipment, outriggers, etc.)
- Fit in garage (<= 17ft)
Thanks for reading. I really appreciate your input!
