C25 Boat Launch and Retrieval using a trailer

[David Smith]

I have moved my boat to the Mississippi and my marina does not have a boat hoist. I purchased my C25 fixed keel 8 years ago and I have only seen the trailer used once to retrieve the boat (when I first purchased it). I wanted to take the boat out this year before the cold winter sets in. How far do I send the trailer into the water? Do I remove the two rear pads that support the boat or do I leave them on. If I leave them on, how far below water should I submerge them? The Harbor Master has informed me that he has seen several fixed keel boats launched and retrieved from the ramp. Any information would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance, David

 

[fox]

ramp launch

I just pulled my capri22 fin keel (4 ft draft)boat a few weeks ago along with 2 other deep draft boats. This was the first time I had used a ramp instead of a hoist. I had many questions but slowly got them worked out. I use a tow strap and tongue wheel to get the trailer deep enough in the water. Sink the trailer so the font pads (or front of bunks) are just under water. Float boat to trailer---hook up winch and pull boat to bow stop. If you can't get the boat to the bow stop move the triler back a little more. Alternatively, a J22/J24 sailor told me to sink the trailer deep enough to easily get the bow to the correct location on the trailer---hook bow eye and pull out. Keel guides are a must to get the boat on trailer correctly. The other 2 boats we pulled out the other day did not have guides and it was tough to get the boat centered on trailer.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Tongue Wheel?

Fox: What do you use for a tongue wheel? I bent my adjustable one on last pull out on a rough ramp and need something stronger for next year. Dick

 

[FOX]

caster wheel

I use a 12-inch pneumatic caster. These are rated at 500 lbs. (you can get these at tractor supply store). I would recommend that you use 2 casters (non-swivel). I used 1 caster and when I pulled the boat we had the tongue weight (200+ lbs), and 3 adults (500 lbs to 600 lbs) on the tongue/bow. With all the weight we did exceed the capacity of the caster, however, it did not get damaged. We put the 3 people on the bow/tongue to ensure the boat/trailer would not tip backwards. To be safe I will be adding a second caster to the set-up so I know I will not have a failure. For the caster mounting---I used a steel ‘channel section’ and U-bolted it to the tongue. A channel section is used to help resist the bending---you will need a thick plate if you don’t use a channel. When your ready to launch---mount the caster to the channel with 4 bolts. I have also heard people using other types of wheels but with a caster your wheel is ready to bolt on.Hope this makes since.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Thanks, Fox

Many thanks for your description of the 2-wheel castor and channel steel post. Sounds like that is stronger than the normal tongue jack that I damaged. Dick