Hello everybody.
We have recently bought a 26X and we have just today joined the associatìon.
We are in South West Scotland but hope to trail about a bit.
I thought I saw a reference to a slipway guide but I can't seem to find one on this website. Any ideas?
Our most local slipway at Annan is good concrete and good access for getting lined up. It is 11.6 degrees in gradient. Is that too steep?. What are the practical limits for launching?
Thanks in advance.
David Kirk.
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David Kirk
26X Glissando
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Hello David,
Welcome to the association and congratulations on your purchase - a wise move for sure.
I spent some time in Kirkcudbright recently but not with my Mac. Love the area and well placed for sailing options. There have been several Mac meetings that have launched from Largs in recent years and I suppose you are not too far from my stomping ground on Windermere.
Someone more technical than me will answer your question more precisely but if it's a concrete slipway it will probably do the job, whatever the angle. It's always helpful if there is somewhere close by to moor up to.
If you search the forum and past newsletters you should find most of the info you need. The best way to learn of course is to join one of the gatherings. We went to Ireland last year and this year the 'Big Mac' is down on the Blackwater - a long way for you.
Are you new to sailing or an old hand?
Hope you get a better answer than mine to your question about the slipway angle and hope we cross bows at some point in the future.
Regards,
Quentin
Commodore
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
Welcome to the MOA.
Any angle might not be too steep if your tow vehicle can handle the gradient and there is enough grip.
My favourite slipway in Scotland is at Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway at the south end of Loch Lomond. The national park rangers keep it free from weed and algae and the angle is such that your Mac floats off the trailer when the rear tyres of the car are barely wet.
The slip at Largs marina is also acceptable. There was a Mac meet based there in 2015. Have a look in the magazine archives to see some stories about it.
Fair winds and good sailing,
Pat Saddler
GladNick 26M
Hello Pat
I have a vivid memory of Jim Rotheram losing his cool and his jockey wheel on the slip at Largs. The angle is good but it is constructed from hexagonal blocks that misalign, rut and scruddle your progress - if you are not careful.
There is always the helpful tractor chap who will take all the stress out of launching, at a price. He certainly saved Jim's bacon, as the tide was flooding with some force when he had his mishap. Not the only mishap of Jim's that I have witnessed.
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
Hello and welcome,
As I'm sure you realise A lot depends on the tow vehicle, wet/dry/weedy slipway, Front/ rear/ four wheel drive, use of winch or rope, gravel or hardstanding at the head of the slip etc. but my gut reaction is to say slipways steeper than 1 in 8 (about 7 degrees) are going to be challenging for lighter/ less able tow vehicles and those less than 1 in 12 (or 5 degrees) will need the use of a hauling rope otherwise the back end of the vehicle will be well submerged before the boat floats free. I think 11.6 degrees (about 1 in 5) is going to need a heavy 4x4 vehicle, tractor, or winch.
When hauling out remember to open the ballast drain and if it's a struggle give it time to drain as you haul.
On anything that looks steep or slimy I keep the wheels dry and use wedges under the vehicle wheels and a winch to make light work of the haul out.
Don't always believe the gradient quoted for a slipway, plenty of people don't know a radian from a sexagesimal measure ;)
Regards
Dave.
To save you all dusting off your slide rules:
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
Oh well, tables never come out the way they appear in the preview.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
“Slide rule”...Dave, you are just not that old :)
Being an East Anglia sailor, I avoid the slip at Suffolk Yacht Harbour. I use my Ranger pickup, so no worries about pulling ability, but I did snap my winch strap once, and I feel you have to do much more of a “Mac Bump” after recovery. I like slipways which allow me to launch and recover single handed.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Thanks all.
I first sailed with my Father when I was a teenager but that was way back in the early 80s. But then a big period away from the water as careers, kids, houses etc all came first. I have only been back involved with boats for the last few years.
Before the 26X We have been sailing a "Leisure 23", Bilge keel. Not a trailer sailer so we have kept her in Whitehaven, Cumbria for our first season and then Greenock on the Clyde for the last couple of years. These are our nearest marinas but still 2 hours drive to get to them!. It is quite frustrating as we can actually see the sea from our house, just this bit of coast is rather bleak when it comes to yachting facilities. Hence we decided on a trailer sailer as it means we have a bit more freedom.
As for slipways... I will be using a Land Rover Defender for the boat towing. It should be well capable as it also has a winch fitted on the front - actually an ex Eon electricity repair truck. Although I've sailed a reasonable amount (Not an expert at all!) I have not really slipway launched before so I am sure that will be exciting the first few times. Our plan was to go to Loch Lomond as I have heard the staff are friendly so would be a great place to learn but just this weekend we looked more hopefully at the new slipway in Annan. Hopefully, this Saturday will see us try it for the first time!
Nice work on the table of gradients. quite useful.
Be prepared for a few more questions from me!
Thanks, David.
David Kirk
26X Glissando
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
I tried the 'Mac bump' last year, first go not hard enough, yes second go too hard and bent the trailer ladder slightly, fortunately not a problem. I will increase the bump more gradually next time.
Jonathan,
Try spraying lots of silicon on your trailer bunks right before you recover...works a treat for me.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Silicone spray is a good idea.
I'm thinking of converting to rollers. Any thoughts anyone. I have a roller trailer for my Privateer 20 and it is so easy to launch and retrieve, I can even winch it off onto the ground and pull it back on again, admittedly she only ways about 700kg empty.
Jonathan
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