Noob C Dory question #4 – boat ramp launching

pluscount

I’ve never had a boat longer or heavier than a 14 ft. aluminum.

What are the real world difficulties in launching from a decent ramp with larger and larger C Dorys?

I’m not too worried about a 19 Angler, but the 22’s and 25’s seem a bit more challenging.

thataway · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 3:23 pm Post subject:

Figure that the Al skiff weight is about 300 to 400 lbs. (I have used them as dinghies on my larger boats.) The C Dory 22, is going to be well over 4,000 lbs, and the 25 in the 6,000 lb range. The windage is a multitude more than a skiff, which has a wind profile of 18"--the pilot house, and rest of the hull will give a profile of 5 to 7 feet in height.

There needs to be planing, a proper angle at the ramp, and some one skilled to help--both backing the truck, and hooking up the winch cable. A lot has to do with the trailer. Guide-ons, side bunks and various rollers help to center and be sure the boat goes on properly. Wind and current can make it a challenge.

I have single handled launched both 22's and 25's (and Tom Cat) behind 30 to 42 foot RV's--but don't recommend this. The more you do it, the better you become.
You can get an electric winch. I am over 80, with both heart and back problems, and still manage to launch and retrieve C Dorys.

DavidM · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 3:30 pm Post subject:

A lot depends on what you tow with. A full size SUV or truck with 4WD should be able to launch and retrieve any C-Dory. 4WD is handy with wet ramps.

David

pluscount · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 3:39 pm Post subject:

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 3:54 pm Post subject:

pluscount · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 4:02 pm Post subject:

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 4:17 pm Post subject:

pluscount · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 4:28 pm Post subject:

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 4:33 pm Post subject: towing

I towed my 22' with a 3/4 ton power wagon with fat tires and racing slick type (wide) tires on the single axle trailer. I could tow it anywhere including over the bank and down onto the sandy beach to ocean launch. It also retrieved w/o problem.

I tow my 26' with a one ton dually diesel 4x4 w/o problem but use the ramp. Boat is too heavy for the beach launching.

Jack

Peter & Judy · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 4:51 pm Post subject:

I tow with a F350 one ton 4x4, so towing my 22. Even with the camper on the truck, is like the boat isn't even there. The problem that I have encountered a couple times now is launching in shallow water or ramps. On Teslin Lake, Yukon I could not float my boat because the water was not deep enough on the shallow angled ramp with the low water last summer. The guys with 16' aluminum fish boats had no issues. So consider where you are planning to launch, is the water deep enough?

thataway · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 6:29 pm Post subject:

We had a 3/4 ton diesel for our first 25, and towed all over the US and Western Canada/Alaska. About 2 years ago, I towed my son's 25 over the "Grapevine" in 110* temperatures, and the transmission got up to temperatures beyond where I was comfortable, so we did a cool down period, and the Yukon XL handled the boat in heavy Los Angeles traffic OK.

I just got back from towing a 25 from N. Carolina to Pensacola with my Yukon XL--1/2 ton 5.7L,, with heavy duty tow package. Not ideal, but in 90* weather the tranny temp never got over rated temps. The load was stable, no sway. I towed at 55 to 57 most of the time. I averaged 10.8 mph over 860 miles. I do have 4x with dual ranges and diff. locks/traction control, , but rarely use it on the ramps--probably more for the low gearing than the traction.

For the West where you live, I definitely would go 3/4 ton, with diesel, just because of the grades, if you want to tow to Powell often. For example I did tow a 22 once to Powell, with a Honda Pilot. (5,000 capacity "boat", 3500 for "house trailer". You are wise to have electric over hydraulic brakes. (Colby is one of the brats who touts the electromagnetic brakes --as used in travel trailers, and horse trailers--Many of us worry about the rust and corrosion. If you stick to only fresh water, they may be fine. I suspect Colby will weigh in on this subject.)

The 26 Venture will weight a little more than the 25.

pluscount · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 6:59 pm Post subject:

jbdba01 · Joined: 18 Nov 2014 Posts: 172 State or Province: FL

I solo launch/retrieve a Glacier Bay 2670 - call it 9k pounds 26' somewhat frequently on a Toyota Tundra 2wd 5.7.

On a not so good ramp I would want electric over hydraulics.on the brakes...but as it is it works fine.

My normal commute to the ramp is 15-25 miles.

Always easier with 2 people, but I like the second to be seasoned. Otherwise it's easier just to do it by myself.

With a seasoned crew we can launch in probably 60-90 seconds. When my buddy and I are on our A game we can retrieve in 30-60
All hand signals. Normally as he's backing the trailer in I'm pulling the boat up.

Good crew makes a big diff...to me size is just a question of going a bit slower...once you have the hang of it it's a well oiled machine

colbysmith · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 10:41 pm Post subject:

I frequently launch solo. Currently tow my CD-22 with a Ford F150, but before that, towed with a Toyota Highlander. While the F150 does feel more solid/stable, I had no issues with the Highlander. I also have pure electric trailer brakes. You asked about launching. The 22 is fairly easy to launch and load. Assuming you have a good ramp. However, I've also launched/loaded on shallow ramps. If you had no problem backing your 14 foot in, you'll have no problem with the C-Dory. Current and wind is a hassle with all boats. If you are good at backing, that's half the battle. Finding your trailers sweet spot of how far to back it in, is the other half. I just don't really think the size of the boat matters, as long as you have enough water under it. (I've trailered a pontoon boat, a 12' fishing boat, a 27' cabin cruiser, and now my 22. I had a roller trailer for a while under the 27' Searay. Bunks ARE much better! ) Colby

C-Green · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 10:44 pm Post subject:

I also went from a 14' open al skiff (still have and use it) to a CD22. Launching and retrieving became no more difficult than the skiff; there was a small learning curve and did the 1st launch and retrieve with an experienced CD22er. Wind is the challenge with the CD22 whether docking or loading on the trailer.

Jay