Where to launch a 23' sailboat on Lake Lanier

[PeteSailing]

Hi,

I just tried to get my Dad's 23 foot sailboat in the water and couldn't get it off the trailer. I tried to launch it at the Van Pugh boat ramp, but there wasn't enough grade to get the trailer all the way in the water without getting my Jeep Commander wet. Does anyone know where else I can go to get it in?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[JoyRide28]

I'm not sure of the details of your boat (draft, height on trailer, etc) but often we use either a Tongue Extension or a Strap to launch and retrieve trailerable sailboats...

 

[Ray Bowles]

Pete, A lot of trailers for smaller boats have a removable board/crossmember ditectly behind the keel. When left on the boat won't float off the back of the trailer. It requires a much deeper ramp. That might be part of the problem. See if you can remove that board if your trailer has one. The trailer will retain its rigidity with the board removed.
You can safely back the car into the water until the water comes up to the lower lug nuts on the rear wheels. Any deeper than that and it is possible that water can enter the differential through the vent tube if so equiped.
Good luck, Ray

 

[patrickfarley]

Aqualand Marina has a ramp that is steeper than heck. I floated off before my rear wheels got wet. I think it is available to the public. I guess you have a fixed keel. I have launched at the Van Pugh boat ramp and it was a little shallow but I had no problem.

 

[ggrizzard]

Holiday on Lake Lanier has one I used with a 23 swing keel boat, but it depends on the lake's water level. Don't know the current level on the lake, but it will be higher in about three weeks as a result of Isaac!

 

[mark_swart]

Go to Walmart and buy a tow strap -- about $20 for a 20 foot one. I had to use four of them to launch my boat out here in NM but it works fine!

 

[AnchorDragger]

Google "travel lift Lake Lanier" and you will get several hits. Then call to ask how deep the water is under their lift.