Launching / Retrieving

C

cmcsb

New member
Hi all,
Name is Chuck. I really enjoy reading the wealth of info on this site, lots of great helpful advice.
We live in Masset on the Queen Charlotte Islands (now known as Haida Gwaii). We've owned a 22ft cruiser for the past 3 years and love it.
I'm not sure if this has been covered elsewhere and I've just missed it, if so my apoligies.
Do many of you launch and retrieve your boats singlehanded? I'm just wondering if anyone had any helpful tips. Would like to be able to just nose the boat up to the beach, back the trailer in, then either reboard and drive her onto the trailer or just push her out and guide her on to the trailer using the bow line.
Used to do this with an 19ft double eagle and would like to be able to do the same the C-Dory.
Thanks!
 
I think that the best aid in retrieving these boats is having side guide bunks. I had these on the 22, and it made it easier to center the boat. The 25, I had the guide ons with Aluminum pipe covered with PVC pipe-not quite as sturdy, but again works well.

I have the strap down on the trailer, drive the boat on, and then go over the bow to hook on the strap, and winch the boat up as far as it is possible. Pull the boat out and then crank the last few inches to be snug. Pt on the chain in the front--and tie downs on the transom or a strap over the cockpit.

For me the C Dories have been as easy a boat to launch or retrieve as I have owned.
 
I do it quite often. As far as retrieval, it depends on the tides here. If it's very low I'm forced to crank...and crank...and crank. You get the point. If it's high I can get the boat ~90% loaded without.

I use a long line attached mid-cabin and one shorter one on the bow for both launch & retrieve. I pull them and dump the extra into the bed while I'm backing down/pulling out. Once out of the truck I can push the boat off and jump onto the dock while still controlling it. Has worked fine so far. I also take into account wind; as I want to use it as an ally (push the boat TO the dock) rather than a force to overcome.
 
Just did that today. Long stern line and a reasonable lenth bow line but the big deal is some sort of guide on system that centers the boat on the trailer. I'm a little lazy and don't like to crank the winch much so I float the boat onto the trailer and only crank about 12 to 24 inches.

Develop a system and do it.

Good luck its not that hard.

Chris
 
I am another newbe who is trying to think this single handled launch thing thought. The key seems to be either to back so close to a dock that you can step on or off or else go over the bow. Over the bow seems the most flexible but most difficult and prone to accident. Are there proven, reasonable safe ways to go over the bow and "up onto the bow?" Would a step ladder work or would it be too dangerous/awkward?

Ron
 
I, too, regularly launch and retrieve my CD-22 single-handed.

Typically, when I have guests with me, they want to "help." My stock response is, "Thank you, but it's best if I do it myself. But I do ask that you close your eyes, as it is embarrassingly easy!

The keys for me are: side-bunk rails, and a 30' long bow line.
 
REBEMUP":3sst2pwn said:
I am another newbe who is trying to think this single handled launch thing thought. The key seems to be either to back so close to a dock that you can step on or off or else go over the bow. Over the bow seems the most flexible but most difficult and prone to accident. Are there proven, reasonable safe ways to go over the bow and "up onto the bow?" Would a step ladder work or would it be too dangerous/awkward?

Ron
Click to expand...

Backing close to the dock is key. I find this easier to do with an empty trailer than a full one (due to better visibility). As for going over the bow, it's pretty easy to slip under the rail and hop off, it's a bit harder to get back on but on a 22 it can be done. It's easier to do when the boat is on the trailer especially if you have a spare tire mounted on the tongue. You can use the tire as a step to get on and off.
 
HERE

I launch and retrieve the 25 by myself 100% of the time. Concrete ramp with no dock. Roller trailer. I back into the water far enough to start the engine. Using the ladder and cat walk I undo the winch line and climb back onto the boat and then power off the trailer. If the tide is high enough (+6-9 ft) I beach the boat and move the trailer, get back onto the boat and away I go. If the tide is down below +6 and/or the wind/ surf is coming onto the beach from the south I usually tie the Livingston dinghy to the stern, launch and take the boat out to my buoy, leave the 25, row in, move the trailer./truck, row back, leave the dinghy on the buoy and away I go. Reverse on coming back. I power onto the trailer, leave the engine in forward to hold it in place while I go forward and hook up the winch. I usually get with in a foot of the ladder.
 
Thanks for the replies...
Our launch is concrete with no dock, sometimes wind and tide can be an issue. I like the line from the side cleat idea as I want to try and get her off and on the trailer without being aboard. Also like the front ladder idea, as I could see myself trying to clamber up the front one leg over the rail, stuck while drifting out from shore :oops: :lol:
Thanks again fro the tips!
Chuck.
 
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