This seems like a heavy fixed keel boat. It’s described as trailerable but I’m wondering if that’s for storage or if it’s realistic to attempt to launch and retrieve this boat on my own with the trailer from a ramp (without a lift). I’m a fairly strong young guy for reference but seems like this one may need a lift.
Alberg 22 - possible to launch / retrieve solo?
- Thread starter Anchored87
- Start date
The Alberg is heavy for its length, at 3200# most 22' boats weigh closer to 2000#.
The issue for trailer launching a sailboat is having a vehicle that can tow the boat, with a trailer and boat equipment you'll be looking at around 5,000#. The other issue is finding a ramp that is steep enough to allow the boat to float off the trailer or have a trailer with a long enough extension. The draft is a little over 3 feet add another foot or so for the trailer height and you will need 4-5 feet of water when the wheels are submerged.
Stepping the mast is the other issue. It can probably be done by one person if the set up is correct. Two people will make it much easier.
While the Albert can be trailed, it is not a boat you want to keep at home and trailer to ramp for a day sail, especially single handed. It will take some time to step and unstep the mast and prep the boat for launch and retrieval. It would be easier if the boat can be kept on the trailer with the mast up, rigging the mast and putting the sails on can be time consuming.
Best bet, keep it in a slip or on a mooring. You will use the boat more.
The issue for trailer launching a sailboat is having a vehicle that can tow the boat, with a trailer and boat equipment you'll be looking at around 5,000#. The other issue is finding a ramp that is steep enough to allow the boat to float off the trailer or have a trailer with a long enough extension. The draft is a little over 3 feet add another foot or so for the trailer height and you will need 4-5 feet of water when the wheels are submerged.
Stepping the mast is the other issue. It can probably be done by one person if the set up is correct. Two people will make it much easier.
While the Albert can be trailed, it is not a boat you want to keep at home and trailer to ramp for a day sail, especially single handed. It will take some time to step and unstep the mast and prep the boat for launch and retrieval. It would be easier if the boat can be kept on the trailer with the mast up, rigging the mast and putting the sails on can be time consuming.
Best bet, keep it in a slip or on a mooring. You will use the boat more.
Three thousand pounds and 3' draft. You would want to check the ramps you would plan to use to make sure they're long enough and deep enough to handle the depth. Depending upon the ramp angle you'd likely need a tongue extender to get the trailer in far enough for the boat to float off. Then you'll need a monster truck to pull it up out of the water. Probably not something you'd want to do more than a couple of times a season. Lining up the boat on the trailer could also be interesting. Can you see through the water 3' down to make sure the keel is in the right place? Not around here.
You have likely explored this possibility, but at my marina they have a dry storage area that makes it possible to leave the boat rigged, ready to be pulled over to the launch ramp. If your marina offers that it could make life easier.
I definitely hear that. Freedom from re-rigging and de-rigging being the advantage, of course.Yes but free driveway storage sounded better
I once owned a 3000# Grady White 20 Overnighter. I trailered it with my 1987 Bronco II which had the 6000# towing package upgrade. The Bronco II was four wheel drive, which I engaged to launch, and especially recover, the boat. If you find yourself on a wet, steep ramp with algal growth, and especially if the rear wheels are even slightly in the water, you should anticipate possible loss of rear wheel traction and maybe even slide further down the ramp trying to recover. A “monster truck” with big wheels/tires might or might not be needed to launch and recover safely, depending. But 4WD is a blessing to have for that kind of work at anytime. Engage the 4WD in lowest gear and just let the truck crawl up the ramp!
The “hassle factor” for what you plan is quite high.
A “monster truck” with big wheels/tires might or might not be needed to launch and recover safely, depending. But 4WD is a blessing to have for that kind of work at anytime. Engage the 4WD in lowest gear and just let the truck crawl up the ramp!The “hassle factor” for what you plan is quite high.
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This is the sense I get. My plan would be to Moore. The local marina shares a reasonable rate to launch / retrieve but are not set up to do it weekly. Seems like the Moore would be needed immediately to really enjoy the boat.I once owned a 3000# Grady White 20 Overnighter. I trailered it with my 1987 Bronco II which had the 6000# towing package upgrade. The Bronco II was four wheel drive, which I engaged to launch, and especially recover, the boat. If you find yourself on a wet, steep ramp with algal growth, and especially if the rear wheels are even slightly in the water, you should anticipate possible loss of rear wheel traction and maybe even slide further down the ramp trying to recover.
The “hassle factor” for what you plan is quite high.
I once had a keen interest in a MacGregor 26M trailerable boat. I found a guy with a 26X who was willing to take me for a sail. We met at his boat ramp, and it took an hour to set the boat up and get it in th water…we sailed and came back to the boat ramp, where we spent another hour and a half getting the boat back on the trailer, removing the sails, dropping the mast, etc.
I learned 2 things that day…
1) Didn’t want a Mac 26M for Lake Michigan sailing
2) I would keep what ever boat I bought in a slip….
Greg
I learned 2 things that day…
1) Didn’t want a Mac 26M for Lake Michigan sailing
2) I would keep what ever boat I bought in a slip….
Greg
Good decisions, both, and this from a Mac 26S owner.
Not addressing water ballast vs. fixed keel issue, but in general: trying to sail off a trailer would be reasonable (IMO) if you were launching for a week or two. To do this every time you want to sail, my god, that's one heck of a lot of work for most of us. With the Hunter 23 we had in 2001 to 2004, we ended up keeping it in a slip, and it was well worth the expense. You do save money on winter storage and haul/launch with a trailerable boat, but the cost in time/labor for regular usage if you don't have a slip or mooring is high.
My recommendation would be, if you can remotely afford it, keep it in a slip during the sailing season and trailer it back to the house for the winter. Of course, you also get to take your boat by road to different locations, which most of us can't do.
My recommendation would be, if you can remotely afford it, keep it in a slip during the sailing season and trailer it back to the house for the winter. Of course, you also get to take your boat by road to different locations, which most of us can't do.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
TRAILER SAILORS ADAPT.
For 18 years I sailed a trailer sailer. 35 minutes to rig or take down. 1.5ft keel plus center board. I changed the mast step so that I could attach the mast and pivot it up on the mast step. It worked easily by attaching the pivot bolt then pushing the mast up from the cockpit. The stays were attached and as it reached vertical, I pulled in the jib halyard that was attached to the bow. This held the mast in place till I could step down from the boat and attach the forestay to the bow.
Back the trailer into the water, float off the trailer and paddle the boat to the nearby dock. Tie up then go get the truck and park the truck and trailer. It was a slick process that allowed me to solo sail. On occasion an interested individual would ask if they could help. I gave them the jib halyard and said "When I say go pull up the mast and hold it in place while I get down and attach the wire stay". It worked easily as well. Usually if they showed interest, I would give them a sail experience for helping.
Trailer sailing is a great way to enjoy the sport.
For 18 years I sailed a trailer sailer. 35 minutes to rig or take down. 1.5ft keel plus center board. I changed the mast step so that I could attach the mast and pivot it up on the mast step. It worked easily by attaching the pivot bolt then pushing the mast up from the cockpit. The stays were attached and as it reached vertical, I pulled in the jib halyard that was attached to the bow. This held the mast in place till I could step down from the boat and attach the forestay to the bow.
Back the trailer into the water, float off the trailer and paddle the boat to the nearby dock. Tie up then go get the truck and park the truck and trailer. It was a slick process that allowed me to solo sail. On occasion an interested individual would ask if they could help. I gave them the jib halyard and said "When I say go pull up the mast and hold it in place while I get down and attach the wire stay". It worked easily as well. Usually if they showed interest, I would give them a sail experience for helping.
Trailer sailing is a great way to enjoy the sport.
John: I think my views on trailer sailing are very colored by the Hunter 23. Raising the mast was really an [unspecified body part] puckering experience - very marginal, filled with fear and loathing - as was launching with a winged keel and a lock-and-key trailer-keel configuration. No doubt there are more friendly boats and trailers.
Oh, no worries. The Mac is a bit of a niche product, but it fills that niche well. For me, the sacrifice of some stability for the sake of portability makes sense for touring other sailing spots besides our local lake.
Go to a keel boat regatta (Star/J-22/24) and watch how fast keel boats on a trailer can be launched. All you need is a crane/hoist!
I advise joining a sailing/yacht club (so equipped) to gain the use of the facility and benefit from hanging out with sailors.
A public launch is usually crowded, which you'll tie up stepping your mast. Typically you won't float off without a tongue extension.
Even then it really depends on the terrain. It's an exercise in masochism.
I advise joining a sailing/yacht club (so equipped) to gain the use of the facility and benefit from hanging out with sailors.
A public launch is usually crowded, which you'll tie up stepping your mast. Typically you won't float off without a tongue extension.
Even then it really depends on the terrain. It's an exercise in masochism.