Launching/Retrieving H23

[Jack Kelly]

Looks like we've decided to trailer our "new" 1986 H23 this summer vs. a mooring. Have't had her in the water yet... Curious how easy it is to retrieve the 23 on the trailer. Do you use your motor and drive it on or get it close and winch it? Also, have any owners added some form of guide-on "goal posts" to make it easier on windy days? We had a Catalina 14.2 prior to the 23 and just based on the size, the 23 looks a bit scary!! Am thinking about the goal post idea and marking how deep to back in the trailer for a smooth retrieval... Your thoughts? Thanks!! Jack.

 

[mmsailor]

launch retrieve,

Jack, there is a wealth of info on launching in the archives here , lots of people have built trailer guides, I think there may be some pics, I think you will love the boat,good luck with a great boat, Mke Bacome

 

[Kevin Keen]

Lauching/Retrieving H23

Jack:It is easy to launch and recover an H23.I have done both exactly once. The H23 must be "floated" onto the bunks. Make sure that at least the lower third of each bunk is wet. Launching will require just releasing the winch cable and pushing off as the stern of the boat will already be floating. Don't use the power boat trick of releasing the winch cable before backing down the ramp and then slamming on the brakes. Recovering will require light effort with the winch. Do not use the outboard to push the H23 onto the trailer like you would with a power boat, because the H23 isn't a power boat. Although 23 feet is a lot of boat, remember that the H23 is very light, weighing in at barely one ton.- Kevin.

 

[Frank / MD / H260]

Launching/Retrieving

I have a new H260. When we test drove the boat the dealer showed us how to power the boat off of the trailer and how to center the boat while returning the boat to the trailer. A little wind was blowing and he had a heck of a time getting the boat centered on the trailer. We dreaded it! So...We backed the trailer as far as we could into the water and pulling the boat with a rope, my wife floated the boat onto the trailer. So easy!!! We had to laugh at the problems our dealer had. So, I recommend floating her on!