Has anyone done (or thought about) doing the following quick launch idea? I typically use busy public boat ramps used mainly by powerboaters. On holiday weekends people are lined up with their boats waiting their turn to go down the ramp. It’s a bit inconvenient to rig a sailboat in these situations. I was thinking it may be possible to take the following simple steps at the boat landing: 1. unstrap the boat from the trailer (except for the bow chain) 2. unstrap the mast from the trailer support 3. place a temporary support where the mast usually goes to raise the forward end of the mast (that was in the trailer support) high enough so the mast won't make contact with the trailer during the launch. 4. put the motor on (assuming this is possible with the rear mast support still in place). 5. launch boat and motor boat to a secluded cove and then raise the mast, attach shrouds, attach boom, etc. I've done this approach on a smaller sailboat (16 footer). I was wondering if anyone thinks it might work for the 216? I just bought a used 216 and am working on getting it registered and titled!!!
quick launch
- Thread starter Jeff Prideaux
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I did it . . .
. . . with my 21' Santana. You have the right idea. While waiting in line for the ramp, my procedure was: 1. Attach motor to mount and install gas tank 2. Attach forward part of mast to pulpit rail with a bungee cord 3. Place the rear part of mast on transom and remove rear mast holder 4. Attach dock lines and anchor 5. Launch and put up mast away from ramp area (either at anchor or on the beach). The alternative I also used about 50% of the time was to do all of the above plus, raise the mast and rig while in line. BE CAREFUL OF POWER LINES AND TREES!! I had the added task of extending the tounge of my trailer before I backed down the ramp (which is always a comedy show for everyone waiting). I've found that everyone appreciates it when they see you put out the extra effort not to hold everyone up (even if it takes you longer than a power boater). Sometimes I'll launch in the early evening when the ramp traffic slows down.
. . . with my 21' Santana. You have the right idea. While waiting in line for the ramp, my procedure was: 1. Attach motor to mount and install gas tank 2. Attach forward part of mast to pulpit rail with a bungee cord 3. Place the rear part of mast on transom and remove rear mast holder 4. Attach dock lines and anchor 5. Launch and put up mast away from ramp area (either at anchor or on the beach). The alternative I also used about 50% of the time was to do all of the above plus, raise the mast and rig while in line. BE CAREFUL OF POWER LINES AND TREES!! I had the added task of extending the tounge of my trailer before I backed down the ramp (which is always a comedy show for everyone waiting). I've found that everyone appreciates it when they see you put out the extra effort not to hold everyone up (even if it takes you longer than a power boater). Sometimes I'll launch in the early evening when the ramp traffic slows down.
We step the mast before getting in line.
Jeff, We have a Hunter 18.5 and trailer each time we sail with the same issues about crowded ramps and power boaters with little patience. When we arrive at the ramp area the 1st thing we do (if it's a new ramp) is check for POWER LINES and trees around the ramp area. Then we find a flat spot (not in the launch line yet) and put on the motor, step the mast, attach and tension the shrouds (turnbuckles pre-marked so this is pretty quick), and attach the boom. I generally take the main halyard under the boom and over to a lifeline support. Then by cleating the main halyard and the main sheet I can fix the boom out of the way over to the side of the boat where it isn't swinging around as I back the trailer down the ramp. Last we put the rudder on, being careful to pull up the kick-up so we don't drag it on the ramp. All set to go! I don't know, maybe this is what you're generally doing as well? This is where we get into the launch line, watching for trees and lines, of course. At this point we can probably launch just as quickly as the power boaters. I put my wife on board and back her into the water until the hull floats off the trailer. She backs the boat out and circles back while I park the car and we're off. Only remaining task is hanking on the jib and raising the sails.
Jeff, We have a Hunter 18.5 and trailer each time we sail with the same issues about crowded ramps and power boaters with little patience. When we arrive at the ramp area the 1st thing we do (if it's a new ramp) is check for POWER LINES and trees around the ramp area. Then we find a flat spot (not in the launch line yet) and put on the motor, step the mast, attach and tension the shrouds (turnbuckles pre-marked so this is pretty quick), and attach the boom. I generally take the main halyard under the boom and over to a lifeline support. Then by cleating the main halyard and the main sheet I can fix the boom out of the way over to the side of the boat where it isn't swinging around as I back the trailer down the ramp. Last we put the rudder on, being careful to pull up the kick-up so we don't drag it on the ramp. All set to go! I don't know, maybe this is what you're generally doing as well? This is where we get into the launch line, watching for trees and lines, of course. At this point we can probably launch just as quickly as the power boaters. I put my wife on board and back her into the water until the hull floats off the trailer. She backs the boat out and circles back while I park the car and we're off. Only remaining task is hanking on the jib and raising the sails.
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