The Launch That Didn't Happen

[timmyjoebob]

I've been chomping at the bit to get my new (new to me) boat in the water and today was the day! Temps got into the low 50's but very windy. Took the boat the lake, prepped her at the holding area with fenders, etc., backed down the ramp, into the water deep enough to float the stern, got out of the Highlander (my tow vehicle), went to the back to grab my bowline, undo the safety chain, and unwinch her.

The trailer's too far back. I can't get to the winch and safety chain without getting my feet (and ankles) totally wet. 39 degree water, too.

Pulled the rig a little out of the water, but could never find a happy medium to get her off the trailer without getting wet.

Rigged her back up to head home.

First stop after unhooking the boat: to SuperShoes to get a pair of waterproof, knee-high boots. Live & learn.

 

[pmillar]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

You should have gone for it. 30 seconds and you wouldn't have had any feeling in your feet to worry about

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

If the ramp is not too steep this is what I do when launching alone.

Back down to the waters edges then get out and remove safety chain. Tie a long bow rope from boat to winch mast of trailer. Back boat into water till its almost floating then hit the brakes hard. Boat slides off the trailer and is tied to the trailer. SLOWLY pull trailer out of the water far enough to be able to grab the rope and tie it off to dock/tree/post. Park the trailer then return to the boat. Never have to get your feet wet.

If you encounter a steep ramp, be careful removing the safety chain too soon or you may end up having the boat on the pavement.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

Well, you gave it a shot! Live and learn. Thought for sure that your "first stop" was going to be for a brew.

When I go solo I do like others posted above but I tie the line to the dock, then pop boat off, get out of tow vehicle and walk boat back from dock, tie it off, park vehicle.

Good luck next time!

 

[Mark42]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

Until you get the hang of launching you new boat, maybe a set of waders would be in order!

 

[capt sam]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

if for some reason I really don't want to get wet, I climb on my back bumper, walk down the trailer tongue, undo the strap, climb on the bow and drive it off. I dock it and walk back to the truck and never get wet, big boats would be tough to do that with.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

If the ramp is not too steep this is what I do when launching alone.

Back down to the waters edges then get out and remove safety chain. Tie a long bow rope from boat to winch mast of trailer. Back boat into water till its almost floating then hit the brakes hard. Boat slides off the trailer and is tied to the trailer. SLOWLY pull trailer out of the water far enough to be able to grab the rope and tie it off to dock/tree/post. Park the trailer then return to the boat. Never have to get your feet wet.

If you encounter a steep ramp, be careful removing the safety chain too soon or you may end up having the boat on the pavement.

This is the way to go. if there is no one waiting- fire up the boat while its tied up to let it warm up.
to load you may have walk the trl tounge.
may be open your rear door if you need to keep the feet dry.

 

[grego]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

What capt sam said! most times,if the boat and trailer is in deep enough to launch, the tongue of trailer is dry. you may have to climb over the side of truck bed and tailgate to get there. Been there!

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: The Launch That Didn't Happen

I agree with above posters. Using the trailer tounge to your advantage is the way to go.

Also something I learned the other day. We have a Lincoln Navagator as our tow vehicle. I have always said that the running boards are absolutley pointless. Well the other day I ate my words. Backed down the ramp (very Steep) so I did not undo the strap before we got to the water. Opened the door undo it so the Admiraless could back off the trailer, and woops we were in the water and i did not want to get wet... So walked down the running board stepped on the tire got to the bumper and down the tounge, let her slide right off and then reversed the process. Dry as a bone. Thanks Pointless Running Boards