Trailer sailing :)

[c_witch]

Well last year we had a slip and the boat was in all season. This year due to various problems we finally gave up the slip. We finally got a new tow (to us)vehicle, a 2000 ranger. It goes into UHaul tomorrow for the hitch and wiring harness then home to get mated to the boat for an 8 AM launch down in Halifax. I wanted to go in last weekend the Canada Day weekend but it rained all weekend long . This weekend looks a little better with at least some sunshine. I had a look at the ramp on the way home from work and it looks doable with out the tongue extender so I guess we shall see. I need 3 1/2 feet of water at the transom to get her easily off the trailer. So here's hoping for the best. We'll bring her out Sunday night at hightide and I'll spend the weekend on her . Thankfully there are few freighters or container carriers in port at the time. Maybe I'll take the web cam and connect it to the laptop and see about making a short movie of sorts .

Later all,
Brina

 

[31seahorse]

If you have not launched at a ramp recently, let me suggest the following: Take time to look at the ramp and plan your moves. Slow and steady when backing down the ramp. Good communication with a person out of the vehicle to watch your "6" as well as ramp edges and dock corners. Don't be embarassed to pull forward from the ramp and start again. Slow moves. Best Wishes for a successful launch.

 

[Douglast]

I always love a set of eyes that know how to back up and tell me just to turn clockwise or counter clockwise...

not the hysteria and left/right or waving hands or pointing fingers or moving out of site etc and then they think im the nitwit behind the wheel...hahaha..

 

[Griffinroydonald]

I wish you luck and can confirm that Slow and Steady wins everytime. I have found that turning around and looking backward makes my job easier when going down the ramp. The mirrors reverse the direction and can cause some confusion. I had a small group stop and watch me back my little San Juan into the car wash bay yesterday for a hose down. I hit it perfect the first time and was happy to not wind up on you tube.

 

[Winkfish]

One tip re backing a trailer. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand toward the direction you want the trailer to go.

 

[c_witch]

Hi guys,

Thanx for the input. I usually go slow and easy lol but I will be in the cockpit as my partner Sasha backs us down into the water. This ramp has no dock on either side only stone cage things like made up out of chain link fencing. The ramp is concrete and has transverse rough corrugations for traction. I'll take some pics and post them to explain lol. Nearly ready to go had to replace a trailer light tonight which thru the schedule off completely . Now we will have to drop the mast in the morning and finish loading things onboard :cry:. The up side being that the weather looks nice with only a 30% chance of showers late Sat afternoon and chance of thunderstorms. I think I will take an overnight berth at the Bedford Waterfront Marina as its only 20 bucks for the night. I will try and remember the camcorder so I can get some footage of my sailing the Bedford Basin and maybe Halifax Harbour.

c_witch

Geez its already 11:30 and gotta be up a 5 AM so we can be outta here by shortly after 6:30 in order to catch the high tide at 8:00 AM.

 

[txtowman]

The ramps around here have a slope of 1 inch per lineal foot of ramp. I need 36 inches at the axle so I have to have 36 feet of tongue to launch. I use a 20 foot long strap.

 

[Douglast]

One tip re backing a trailer. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand toward the direction you want the trailer to go.

dang...good info