PNW 2022, Columbia River and San Juan Islands

primative · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:09 pm Post subject:

That's trick.
Going back over the photos I can see the gap for the strap.

Is that something that is done at home to customize the trailer for strap lift launching?

colbysmith · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 7:19 pm Post subject:

As Bob said, the trailer I have, is Loadrites, A/B bunk trailer. That means it has the far aft bunk, a short space, and then the remainder of the bunk. (The trailer is made that way.) My target bunks are about 3" below the bow when the boat is loaded level, so that's not a problem either. When I had Midnight Flyer, that trailer did not have the bunk cutouts. In that case, they slightly jack up the stern with a floor jack so that they can slip the straps between the hull and the boat. The bow had enough room in front of the bunks to get the strap there without issue. Colby

colbysmith · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 9:28 pm Post subject:

primative · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 1:47 am Post subject:

Thanks guys for solving the puzzles.
Seriously, I went out to the trailer earlier today and said to myself, looks like I'll need to figure out cutting out a section of the bunk at some point if I want to be sling lifted.
Very Happy

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 3:11 pm Post subject:

On my boat trailer the bunks are two layers high. One 2 by 6 over the top of another . where the straps go the bunk is only one board high. So it makes a notch wide enough for the straps.

ssobol · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:04 pm Post subject:

colbysmith · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2022 12:04 am Post subject:

One of the things I forgot to mention about our tour of Northwest Marine Industries, was a question I asked Michael about the foam in the bow that many of us removed from earlier boats to make more storage space. If I remember his answer, it was simply for more flotation. I believe he said boats under 20' need to have some flotation, so the foam was just sprayed in all of them. It had nothing to do with strengthening the bow. Colby

hardee · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2022 1:27 am Post subject:

1. The Water Speed through the tunnel on the 32 Cat.
The hulls on that cat are asymmetrical, not hull to hull but half to half on each hull, with both inside halves shaped differently than the outside halves It is really hard to see on the photos but looking at them in the factory it is visible.

2. The Air cushion affect.
The underside of the bridge deck, or the top of the tunnel is slopped down towards the water surface, effectively compressing the air as it goes through the tunnel which is providing some of the lift and smoothing the ride.

And the waterline "paint job " on that hull is really a piece of are in itself.

Michael's comment about running in 6 foot seas included that in that trip from Bellingham down to Seattle, there was rarely any sneezing due to the increased tunnel height and efficiency.

Colby, nice job on the photos there. It was great fun to get to meet there and to get to do that tour with you and Roseanne.

On the call to Vessel Traffic, The relevant channel varies depending on position. You did the right thing in calling to cross, especially if there is relevant traffic. When I call them, I also always ask to confirm that they see my AIS signal. That verifies to me that it is working, and also notifies other traffic in the area of my position. One other thing on VTS, I specifically wait until they are not busy. Sometimes they get very busy, and since I'm not commercial, I'm pretty low priority.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

colbysmith · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2022 10:57 am Post subject:

Hey Harvey,
It was great to finally meet you as well! Thanks for a much clearer recount of Michaels comments to us. That would be a very nice boat to own. But wouldn't be able to trailer it behind a F150!
I didn't think about asking Traffic if they could see my AIS, I should have. I guess I just assumed they were. Colby

hardee · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2022 2:00 am Post subject:

Yes, VTS can see your AIS, but I always like to confirm that, so I know it is working too. Sometimes it takes them an extra few second in their response.

Yes those big cats are nice, but first I need to hit on that 100M lottery. Then I could afford the right trailering rig too. Wink

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:10 pm Post subject:

primative · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 6:06 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 8:31 pm Post subject:

Well I have only used the lift 2 to 4 times in over 20 years. I prefer never to use one. boat ramps are best. but of the 3 boat lifts i know of in this area none will jack your boat up. You have to have slot in your bunk one way or another.

colbysmith · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:05 pm Post subject:

Cap Sante has the floor jack sitting right next to the sling. 😉. I think they charge a little extra to use it on the longer boats. Maybe the 22’s now as well. There was no charge when I last launched Midnight Flyer there.