New Problem - Cool Solution

[rgranger]

Went sailing today... well actually there was no wind so we anchored in a cove, swam, napped, ate, swam some more and then headed in.

The lake I went to is called Smith Mountain Lake and it was down 4 feet. As a result I backed the trailer off of the ramp. First time I've ever done that. So I dropped the truck into 4-wheel low and .... spun all four tires. Not even budged. Lucky for me an old timer at the docks was entertaining himself at my expense and offered this advice. He said, well how bout you use the strap you tie the boat to the trailer with, and lift your trailer back under the boat.

I have one of those ratchet tow straps and well..... IT WORKED GREAT!

I had to swim under the back end of the trailer to secure it... and to operate the ratchet but.... it really was easy to float the trailer. Then I just pulled forward.

No problem.

Anyway, I wanted to share that with you so you could tuck it away in case you ever need it.


Fair winds,

r

 

[watercolors II]

Water is cold

Late in the fall in northern Pennsylvania when we would visit questionable launch ramps we used old fenders as floats and longer lines tied to the trailer frame directly under our sheeting winches. When the water was in the low 50s grabbing the floats and using the line at each winch raised the trailer without anyone getting wet.

 

[rgranger]

Re: Water is cold

Thanks watercolors.... that is a good trick. Now that this has happened to me. I might start paying more attention to the ramps. This particular ramp I have used probably 50 times but... the lake was low this day and I didn't even think about the ramp being a problem until the truck and trailer stopped short as I was pulling out.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

rgranger;

kWhen Smith Mt. Lake was built, the ramps were mainly designed for power boats. When the lake is down 4 feet, you need to walk the ramp first to see if the concretehas been extended out far enough. I am not sure which ramp you were using but suggest using the one at the State Park as it is long. I recall when there was no fee to use it but there is now. Pelican Point has a long one but not sure if you can use it for launching even if you paid a fee.

Here is a trick I used at Smith Mountian Lake. Carry some treated 2 X6 boards at least 4-6 feet long. If you go off the end of the ramp barely, Slide the trailer back further and then jam those boards under the front tires of the trailer with the other end resting on the end of the ramp. You have four wheell drive and should be able to pull it out.

As for Smith Mt. Lake, I was there when Hales Ford Bridge was dedicated. In fact, I remember no houses on the lake when I first was going there.

crazy dave

 

[Rick Webb]

PVC Pipe Works Well Too

If it is going to be a more permanent arrangement 8"tubes make very good pontoons.

 

[rgranger]

rgranger;

... I am not sure which ramp you were using ....

I was at Lake Haven Marina... the outbound ramp. Normally it is fine but like I said, the water was way down.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I was wondering about that. I had come back from Florida in the winter of 93, ice age weather and got a phone call from a fellow whose boat was sinking. He lost his trailer in the lake at that ramp. Well I got all my gear and when I got there in 7 degree weather, no owner was around. I had to go in my birthday suit to hook up to the trailer submersed in the water and then pull it out. It was cold and I was streaking to the warmth of the truck when owner and wife showed up. I got clothes on, warmed up and then got the sinking boat out, pumped water out and then left being sick over that stunt for a week.

I heard recently the passing of Gloria King as she was a dear friend. I used the boards on that ramp.

crazy dave condon

 

[rgranger]

I was wondering about that. I had come back from Florida in the winter of 93, ice age weather and got a phone call from a fellow whose boat was sinking. He lost his trailer in the lake at that ramp. Well I got all my gear and when I got there in 7 degree weather, no owner was around. I had to go in my birthday suit to hook up to the trailer submersed in the water and then pull it out. It was cold and I was streaking to the warmth of the truck when owner and wife showed up. I got clothes on, warmed up and then got the sinking boat out, pumped water out and then left being sick over that stunt for a week.

I heard recently the passing of Gloria King as she was a dear friend. I used the boards on that ramp.

crazy dave condon

Yes Gloria has passed. The daughter (Jossie ?) seems to be in charge of things now. You can feel a difference in the atmosphere now. It is not worse, just different. Jossie seems to run things in a more professional way but still warm and welcoming. Before it seemed like things always worked themselves out but you were left wondering how....

I kine of miss the magic but I still love that place and think of it as my "home port".