I own a Catalina 18 and due to its fixed keel I need to launch at ramps that are steep enough to get the boat into deep water quickly or that have enough pavement to allow me to use my trailer extension. I’m interested in finding ramps generally in the Chesapeake Bay, Eastern NC, Charleston, and Jacksonville FL regions. What is the best approach to identifying suitable ramps? Presumably finding ones where other keelboats have launched without any specific mention of my boat model.
Identifying suitable ramps for keelboat launch
- Thread starter majorkong1
- Start date
I think your approach of looking for small keelboat fleets is the best chance of finding a suitable ramp. There are hundreds of ramps in the areas you are asking about. Trial and error would likely be a Hugh waste of time and effort.
Unfortunately, I don't think the contractors who build municipal ramps know or care about power vs. sailboats. Most ramps I've used are too short to get even a centerboard sailboat to float off.
Unfortunately, I don't think the contractors who build municipal ramps know or care about power vs. sailboats. Most ramps I've used are too short to get even a centerboard sailboat to float off.
I use to be a Catalina dealer located in Zebulon, NC. what ramps are you talking about as North Carolina is a big state. I know you’re problem. Mfg of the trailer please
It’s a Performance Trailer. With a detachable extension and extendable tongue it extends 16.67 feet past the jack wheel.
I’m interested in launch points near Southport (1) Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach, Beaufort/Morehead City (1, 2, 3), Oriental, New Bern, Edenton (1, 2, 3), Roanoke Island (this one, this one, or this one), Albemarle Sound (1, 2, 3), Rodanthe (this one), Charleston (1, 2), Chesapeake Bay (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Thank you, that’s a good idea. I could also contact sailing clubs to see if they can assist with local knowledge. I live at least 2.5 hours drive from most of these spots so I want to avoid the hassle of towing only to learn I can’t launch my boat.
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Most ramps are at 12 degrees slant. 16 feet of extension is more than you need to launch your boat. Ramps have a line marked on the dock to indicate where the ramp ends. Be sure not to back up so that the trailer wheels falls off the ramp. Launch your boat during high tide and on outgoing tide.
I wonder if an inflatable salvage recovery bag attached to the stern would help add temporary buoyancy
Thank you, that is good to hear. I started to doubt whether most ramps would be suitable when I saw the specifications for the launch in Rodanthe (which is in a location that I’d be very interested in using for a variety of reasons). Below excerpt suggests the paved part of the ramp is only 17 feet long. I figured that area is shallower so probably would need to use my extension. Given that extension + trailer is roughly 30 feet, I thought my wheels would go off the ramp before I could float it off.
There are 2 state ramps on either side of Edenton, both on the west side of bridges. Both are good ramps, no overhead obstructions, face directly on to Albemarle Sound with bulkheads to block the worst of the waves. There is also a commercial ramp at Edenton Marina, and they might/probably have a lift as well, given the number of larger sailboats.
Fred W
Fred W
Is the fixed keel a wing bulb keel or just a straight keel? I will ask for several more poctures. First remove whatever is stored on the trailer starboard side of the keel tray. Now take photos from the side and aft of the keel sitting on th the keel tray. Your first issue is dealing with a fixed keel sitting that ca be considered as a deep fin keel. This is why the request for more photos
There was a book for NC ramps suitable for trailerable sailboats but I can’t remember the name. However, the best suggestion of contacting sailing clubs as well marine yards is the best suggestion already suggested. Pick the area you would like to go and call the local clubs and/or yards for baby suggestions. Tell them your sailboat is a Catalina 18 with a fixed fin keel. You will need to know the depth. Keep a notebook on the ramps. A good example of a yard in Oriental NC to call is Sailcraft.
send me the photos please
There was a book for NC ramps suitable for trailerable sailboats but I can’t remember the name. However, the best suggestion of contacting sailing clubs as well marine yards is the best suggestion already suggested. Pick the area you would like to go and call the local clubs and/or yards for baby suggestions. Tell them your sailboat is a Catalina 18 with a fixed fin keel. You will need to know the depth. Keep a notebook on the ramps. A good example of a yard in Oriental NC to call is Sailcraft.
send me the photos please