I am looking at a Tangerine 18. It has a small fixed keel, 24" draft. It is on a trailer with front and rear rollers on each side. The rear set of rollers look like they can pivot down. I want to keep it on the trailer and launch at several different sites. How easy would it be to launch and retrieve? Do you really need a lot of water or can just the back of the trailer be in the water and just winched it up or down with a roller trailer? Thanks, Paul
Launching a small fixed keel boat
- Thread starter paulkamprath
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as long as the keel is floating
your set its that easy just make sure you secure the boat to the trailer before pulling out
your set its that easy just make sure you secure the boat to the trailer before pulling out
No sweat
I had one, only by then it was made by Renken and was called a Renken 18. Some folks bad mouth it, but it was a great little boat for me. The trick is to back it in deep enough to float it off (submerge the entire works), and some ramps have a drop-off where the concrete ends, so check on that. Also, make sure the towing vehicle can get back up the ramp - if it is rear wheel drive, there might be problems if the back wheels are in the water, as ramps tend to be somewhat slippery. We used to just tie a rope to the trailer and the car hitch, unhitch the trailer and walk it in or let out ten feet of slack and then ease the car back. Worked fine for us - retrieving too. When retrieving, make real sure the boat is centered so the weight is on the keel board. If you launch it while still hitched up, unhook the lights first.
I had one, only by then it was made by Renken and was called a Renken 18. Some folks bad mouth it, but it was a great little boat for me. The trick is to back it in deep enough to float it off (submerge the entire works), and some ramps have a drop-off where the concrete ends, so check on that. Also, make sure the towing vehicle can get back up the ramp - if it is rear wheel drive, there might be problems if the back wheels are in the water, as ramps tend to be somewhat slippery. We used to just tie a rope to the trailer and the car hitch, unhitch the trailer and walk it in or let out ten feet of slack and then ease the car back. Worked fine for us - retrieving too. When retrieving, make real sure the boat is centered so the weight is on the keel board. If you launch it while still hitched up, unhook the lights first.
Thanks for all the ideas
Turns out I found another boat. I got an Aquarius 21 so it should launch in a lot less water plus the trailer comes with a tongue extension if I do need to get it in farther. Thanks again. It's great to have found all you helpful people. Paul
Turns out I found another boat. I got an Aquarius 21 so it should launch in a lot less water plus the trailer comes with a tongue extension if I do need to get it in farther. Thanks again. It's great to have found all you helpful people. Paul
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