www.rope-a-boat.com

patrick and linda · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:04 pm Post subject: www.rope-a-boat.com

a month or so ago, there was a discussion regarding the launching and subsequent loading of a boat onto and off of a trailer. there were several pictures of ladders attached to the trailer leading to the bow, thus helping the captain both on and off the boat.
yesterday i received my monthly issue of trailerable boats and found an advertisement for an automatic catch/release system, that, if it works and is available for the c-dory, would make our launching and retrieving a little more enjoyable.
i would be interested in your thoughts regarding this system. you can check them out at www.rope-a-boat.com .
thanks
pat

lloyds · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

Looks good in the movie. Somehow I think my own experience would end up being less agreeable than what shows on the surface. I would have to see one in actual use to actually decide. Bet it is fairly expensive. And if you are alone you would still have to climb off the boat.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:51 pm Post subject:

Patrick-

Looks like a pretty clever system! I looked up the patent and studied how it works.

It looks like they don't list a price, but want you to contact them with your specifics, then the quote you a price for your type of installation. It would be nice if someone would get a quote for one of our typical C-Dory models and trailer.

The one thing that sticks in my mind is that no one system like this works for all situations. This goes for anchoring, boat launching, and any other situation which can vary a lot in terrain, facilities, weather, human factors, etc. How easy would this system be to use if you had to hand launch and/or retrieve the boat in a situation where it wouldn't work? Would it present problems itself that would have to be overcome?

For example, what about a very steep or shallow ramp? How about launching from a beach with a tractor and no electrical hookup? Suppose you had to put the boat on another trailer than your own because of weather complications? (Remember that the bow eye is replaced by a latch mechanism.) Does the rope system interfere with picking the boat up with a sling system or a forklift?

Maybe I'm just blowing smoke here, but some experience with this system will tell if these type of situations will present real problems or not.

Joe. Thumbs Up

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

It looks interesting but I have concerns of the ropes rubbing on the hull. I would have to see it working on more then a video.

patrick and linda · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject:

hi guys,
i emailed the manufacturer earlier today and as of this moment have not heard back from them. i asked if their system would match to a 22' c-dory. also asked about pricing.
will keep you informed.
thanks
pat

thataway · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject:

I agree, it will be interesting to see what they have for a boat the size of a CD 22 or 25. If you are power loading and there is significant wind there can be considerable load on the side bunks.

Also many ramps do not allow power loading.

I wasn't too impressed by leaving the handle in place on the winch--could be a flying projectile.

patrick and linda · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject:

hello,
today, i spoke with the manufacturer of this electrical power launching system.
their current product is designed for smaller, lighter, boats, however they have stated their design department is putting together a larger system for boats up to 3000lbs. should be on line by april, 2008. cost is believed to be $998.
they recommend that you email and request that they contact you when product is available. i have complied and will keep anyone who has an interest, updated.
best regards
pat