My first attempt today could really have done with another pair of hands. Someone in waders to recieve the bow would have made it much easier. Power on and tie off single handed like u tube not so easy. Am I missing something because it will be a two person operation from now on for me.
Tue, 22/03/2022 - 6:34pm
#1
Help with trailer loading
Never tried it single handed. Normally two of us can manage ok although three is easier. It mostly depends on the quality of the slipway. If it is a fairly steep slip then the boat floats off quite easily.
I used to launch at Cobb's Quay in Poole which has an excellent slipway but they've closed it to the general public. The alternative is the public slip at Baiter Park which is way too shallow and I would think is almost impossible single handed.
Over my years with an X and later a 19, I've mostly always launched and recovered single-handed.
My tips for recovering are to line up for a nice long straight run at the trailer, though cross winds and currents can sometimes make this quite difficult. Keep centre-board partway down and lifting rope easily reachable while at the helm (it helps to have a bowline loop in the end of the line for an easy grip). Approach with engine on min revs, then just before reaching the trailer put engine into neutral and raise centre-board. The boat should run on to the trailer under its own momentum up to the bow vee. Can take a bit of practice to judge this just right.
As soon as the boat comes to a stop, re-engage forward on the engine, this will stop the boat sliding back. You can then walk forward, climb over the bow and secure the winch strap. If necessary, pull the boat tighter on using the winch. I also tie a secondary safety line to the bow loop. Winch strops can break!
Then go back to the cockpit, cut the engine, and raise it and the rudders. Open the transom ballast valve and the air plug, so the water will drain as you haul out.
Launching is the opposite, but generally easier. In particular, use the trick of engine idling in forward gear when untying the bow before going to the cockpit to drive off.
A key part is getting the trailer just the right depth into the water. When launching you want the hull to be almost floating off the forward bunks. Make a note of where the water comes up to on the trailer, then when you recover, put the trailer back to exactly the same depth.
Keep practicing, it's very satisfying when you get it right (and you'll get admiring looks from spectators!).
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Well Rick sounds like I need a lot more practice but I will remember your advice next time.
Good advice Rick. We launched today in Poole and had plenty of spectators but wouldn't say they were admiring!
As I mentioned earlier this is a very shallow slip so the trailer has to be unhitched to get it into deep water. This leaves the problem of one of us holding the boat while the other struggles recovering the trailer.
Frankly I find it disappointing that the only public slipway in Poole is so poor. No pontoon, too shallow, and the carpark is full by 10.00am in the summer.
Does anyone know of a better slipway?
We launched at Redcliffe farm campsite near Wareham on the river Frome as when we had planned to go, the Poole Harbour boat show was on and there was no space to park at Cobbs Quay. The Slipway was pretty good and we could park car and trailer at campsite for reasonable price. It was a bit of an experience coming back as I had timed the tides wrong and had to wait a while for enough water to get out.
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'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
Check out Cobbs Quay. We had an event from there one year . A number launched by I sailed there so I don't know how good the slip is . However it's popular with motor launches so might be good. Poole Yacht Club also has a reasonable slip but they are not very helpful to non-members . Alternatively for once a year you could find out how much it costs to be craned in by one of the yards right the river near Wareham. I think it's Red Cliff.
Roly
Thanks Roly. Cobb's Quay slipway is excellent but they have now closed it to the general public. Will give Redcliff a try next time.