Launching a 22' Cruiser

Pat Anderson · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:56 am Post subject:

An excellent point! Do NOT under any circumstances try to substitute an automotive compatible spousal unit for a marine compatible spousal unit. While an automotive compatible spousal unit may function marginally in launch / retrieve mode, it will not hold up to the harsh marine environment over time...

drjohn71a · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:36 am Post subject:

Ditto on the spousal unit marine compatibility requirement. My ex hated boats, so I single handedly launched and retrieved for about 25 yrs.

Helping El and Bill launch at one point, I was surprized that most of you do not start and warm up the engines prior to sliding the boat off the trailer. I guess some of my old boats were too unpredictable, but alot of the old engines would cough and die just as you backed off the trailer.

I would put the trailer in to early floating level sternwise, then board and start the engines. After that, back up to launch level and reboard the boat and dirve it off. Depending upon the wind, either beach the boat, or go to nearest dock area, then hike back to truck and tailer and park, then hike back to boat....puff puff , pant pant....

JOhn

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:45 am Post subject:

Let's not talk about marine spousal unit compatibility. My spousal unit doesn't even like to get her face wet when swimming.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:25 pm Post subject:

Besides the standard procedures mentioned already, I'd like to make a few of additions:

A roller trailer, as opposed t a bunk, can make launching and retrieving much easier on shallow ramps where the bunk trailer has trouble getting in far enough to float on and off.

There are a number off additions to the trailer that facilitate easy launching-

1. A good set of guide-ons that are high and long enough are a major need for a boat the size of a 22 or 25. They should be up nearly to the rub rail in height, and run from the forward end of the front window to the end of the cockpit interior to be most effective. They are of invaluable help in currents and wind, but just make the whole launching drill more managable anytime. Pad them well and mount your clearance lights to them to keep them out of the water and less likely to get smashed in the parking lot.

2. Widen the tongue and place anti-skid tape on the surfaces to be walked on. You can also fill in the v-shaped triangle behind where the trailer side members join with the tongue with a waterproofed plywood sheet to be able to walk out on it to retrieve the nose of the boat and clip the winch line hook to the bow eye of the boat. A ladder on the tongue to the area above the winch post that can be used to climb over the bow pulpit, and takes you out of the arena of circus high wire performners who have hung up their aging bodies on the ground tackle.

Here's an excellent example of such a system from David's Anna Leigh:

Be sure you've got a secondary positive attachment hook/chain/device for the bow retention in case the winch fails on the ramp or while traveling on roads (applies expecially to roller trailers). If the winch ratchet fails, you don't want the boat sliding back off the trailer on either the ramp or the freeway. Had a friend who used to get so mad racing sailboats that he frerquently forgot to tie the boat completely down on the trailer before storming off to go home. Planed two boats down the highway, one on the Dumbarton Bridge which was run over by an 18 wheeler(!) And we thought his blood pressure was high when he left the launch ramp!

Just some more thoughts.....Joe.[/list]

El and Bill · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:23 pm Post subject:

drjohn71a · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:03 pm Post subject:

Oh, Bill.... I can't thank you two enough for sharing those hours... I really enjoyed the outing, especially the feel one gets standing slightly below the waterline in those 22's.

I am hoping the Ranger 25's cabin floor is somewhere low or under the waterline like yours.

If I am remembering correctly, it seemed to me you and El have not bottom-painted the Halcyon. I was wondering what your thoughts are on that now that you have spent so many hours on the water?

Good luck at the DDS.... John

El and Bill · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:36 pm Post subject:

John --
I have posted our reply about bottom paint over in the Library forum on Hulls, Fittings, etc.

Yep, that was a special day on the river -- and we have fond memories of our time together. Best wishes

SeaSpray · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:42 pm Post subject:

My dentist has those TV goggles and they are cool!

Bill, would you mind telling me what service you have for email? You showed my the handheld device that can get your email from any phone. I have some friends that are joining the Peace Core and are interested in the service.

Thanks,
Steve

El and Bill · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:26 am Post subject:

Steve --

We have been using Pocketmail for many years -- just good for sending/receiving email. They have many overseas connections and it's good on any phone in US or Canada. Just write the message, hold against a (public) phone, dial the 800#, and you send/receive email.

There are many other devices now -- Treo, Blackberry, etc. -- but pocketmail for a $100 device and $15/month sure has worked well for us.

All well with you?

SeaSpray · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info Bill. I am feeling fine now and I am doing what I can to stay that way.

Steve

Rabbits Hutch · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:02 pm Post subject:

Sadly, I went on a date this past weekend with a wonderful girl. A pediatric nurse. Easy on the eyes and such a sweet girl.

Wouldnt you know she is not a boating fan and tosses her cookies in the smallest of waves.

The bitter irony is that her father has a 75' jet driven yacht and the entire family is a "boating family."

To her credit, she says she'll still go with me.

Chris Bulovsky · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:

Gary- This is good that your buying a boat before a "spousal unit" is obtained. They sometimes keep a fella from pulling the trigger on big purchase like a boat.

Good for you on buying a new 22'. Smart move . I also know that chicks dig C-Dorys. My daughter says its " SWEET" but she is just 6 .

Chris

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:10 am Post subject:

Well, Rabbit, don't give up yet on the girl.... The large windows of the C-Dory allow one to easily focus on the horizon, and you might try giving her the helm if she starts to get queazy. I have sailed/boated for many decades, but I can't handle being in a closed, small windowed cabin without turning green. Just looking at the horizon, or especially just taking the helm makes it all go away. Once she gets the feel of the helm, you may have to pry her away!

While it would be nice to have a mate that loves the water, there are some other perspectives on that. My sons, for instance, keep looking for a girl that would go hunting with them, but alot of guys go hunting as a break from the stresses of family, just as the girls need an occasional break. So, the main thing is finding a mate who will care enough about you to allow you (and vice versa) so you can each be together, yet still occasionally enjoy your own different passions or hobbies. It would not be much fun to marry someone exactly like we are!

John