This is our firsnt year with our 23.5 . We had an h23 for 15 years before this boat . The mast stepping and launching process with this boat is a dream compared to our h23 although it was a great boat . Today for the first time we put the boat back on the trailer . We were at a ramp that we have used on numerous occasions , the water level is within 2 inches of what is normal . I have a hard time getting the boat to float on the trailer . I think initiallly I had the trailer in the water too deep . The bow eye seemed to be way above the the spot I wanted it to be in order to capture the winch strap . I know it varies a great deal depending on the grade of the ramp but is there a general rule of thumb for how far beneath the top of the water you want to have the front of the bunks ? We did a lot of pulling forward and then backing down to get things lined up the way I wanted . I thought without that keel dragging on the boards it would be a piece of cake . Thanks in advance for your replies , Mike
23.5 Retrieval
- Thread starter mmsailor
- Start date
Assuming the process is similar between the 23.5 and the 260, I put the roller near the front of the trailer just under water. Pull the boat up till it stops, tighten the strap then back the trailer down so the trailer basically slides under the boat. Snug the strap up, rinse and repeat. Crazy Dave should have good insight into this.
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Kermit , I have no roller . Our old set up had a roller that sort of guided the boat on its way but when it was on the trailer if memory serves it was not touching the bow ot the boat . Does your boat rest against this roller when it is in placee ?
Take a photo of the forward section of the trailer and post it so I can comment. What Kermit is talking about is a roller sitting on the middle of the frame so when the bow of his boat comes up onto the trailer, the bow will not hit the trailer. You will have a similar device which may be delrin plastic vs. roller. This is why I need a picture as that was changed several times on the 23.5 trailer.
Usually when your rear car tires are about 3-4 feet away from the water is a good start to figure how far you need to go back with the trailer into the water
Usually when your rear car tires are about 3-4 feet away from the water is a good start to figure how far you need to go back with the trailer into the water
Dave, I need to go back to the lake for some things that were left on the boat . I will take a picture and send it or post it . Hows the new house ?
In place of that roller I have a piece of flat white plastic in about the same location of your roller . It would be easy enough to install a roller in that spot .
I got mine from overtons.com. Actually, my trailer guy ordered it. He originally had it turned on its side but that made it too tall. Now it's on its back and works perfectly.
http://m.overtons.com/modperl/produ...ler-12-Rubber-Roller-Bracket-Assembly&i=25664
http://m.overtons.com/modperl/produ...ler-12-Rubber-Roller-Bracket-Assembly&i=25664
MMsailor;
When the trailer is emersed into the water, the bow should generally not hit that brace. You advised what I thought was there. I found that was sufficient due to my involvement with that boat plus I introduced that boat in August, 1991 at Smith Mt. Lake.
The next question, are you launching at one ramp and is it steep or shallow?
When the trailer is emersed into the water, the bow should generally not hit that brace. You advised what I thought was there. I found that was sufficient due to my involvement with that boat plus I introduced that boat in August, 1991 at Smith Mt. Lake.
The next question, are you launching at one ramp and is it steep or shallow?
Looks like you can get the roller here, too. But if you don't need it, don't get it. Crazy Dave certainly knows his stuff.
http://shop.hunterowners.com/prod.php?15234/
http://shop.hunterowners.com/prod.php?15234/
launch
I typically launch and retreive at the same ramp . With our 23 I launched at the ramp we are discussing and took out at another deeper ramp across the lake . This ramp is relatively shallow and rather than use a dock which has all of those power boat wash outs I try to go between two ramps to avoid as much power boat wash out as possible . So it is a pretty shallow ramp . Neither on lanuch or retrieve this year did I need to extend the tongue . With the 23 I always used the tongue extension .
Reteval
Dont know if this will help but I added this to my trailer for my 23.5.It centers boat on trailer.I snug it to roller,pull out ,empty ballast,close valve,back in again.Boat wiil raise up because of less ballast and is easier to winch up.Also before backing in put a little dish soap on bunk carpet,slides easier.Also added 6 in pipe on trailer to store boom,mast raising pipe.Saves wear and tear on interior
Dont know if this will help but I added this to my trailer for my 23.5.It centers boat on trailer.I snug it to roller,pull out ,empty ballast,close valve,back in again.Boat wiil raise up because of less ballast and is easier to winch up.Also before backing in put a little dish soap on bunk carpet,slides easier.Also added 6 in pipe on trailer to store boom,mast raising pipe.Saves wear and tear on interior
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mmsailor;
Take a photo of the ramp which may be the issue here. If the ramp is shallow, you have to go further into the water with the trailer and sometimes I had my tires in the water but not on the rims. Fresh or salt water will not hurt the rear tires but as long as you do not allow the rims (metal of course) touch the water.
Take a photo of the ramp which may be the issue here. If the ramp is shallow, you have to go further into the water with the trailer and sometimes I had my tires in the water but not on the rims. Fresh or salt water will not hurt the rear tires but as long as you do not allow the rims (metal of course) touch the water.
Looking at the photos posted it appears that the centerboard is resting on the centering plank. The weight of the boat should not be on the centerboard and center bunk. It can cause damage to the hull while trailering. That plank or as what my trailer came with, (2 center planks with space between them) are there to guide the boat onto the trailer with the board in the full raised position. Once the boat is on the trailer, the board uphaul line should be released allowing the back/bottom of the board to rest only on the rear cross member of the trailer. Remember to raise the board "full up position " when relaunching the boat.
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