Single handed off and on.

[CampCook]

I am new to sailing and even newer to the Mac. I store my Mac on the trailer and solo sail a lot. This means single handed launch and retrieval. I usually tie long dock lines to the boat's front and back cleat and lash them to trailer ladder while I back in the last few feet, The boat floats off, I untie the dock lines and coax the boat to an empty space at the dock, tie up, go park the truck and trailer, and get ready to sail. The retrieval is essentially the reverse. Always looking for a better way, I have been thinking about adding a cleat or two at the ladder to help with attaching and dressing the dock lines during launch. I know many others on the forum also solo launch and wonder what clever ways you have discovered to make this whole exercise easier and safer.

[opie]

Your methods are the same as I have been doing for 4+ years now. I have two suggestions. First, several folks here have built guide post systems that make life easier. I made my own as well.

Second, find the sweet spot on the depth of the trailer into the water where the Mac can be cranked all the way to the post. I do it slowly so that the water can drain out as I go. Don't try this slow method when boats are backed up waiting. I go to the ramp in "off" times if possible. I read about others who can only get the Mac within 6 to 8 inches of the post, but I can go all the way. (I have an aftermarket LoadRight trailer.)

[c130king]

I have solo launched 50-75 times and I do what you do...tie off my bow line to the ladder. Now I have a new trailer and no ladder so I just hold the line. I keep my boat pole handy just in case the boat gets away from me. Tie up to the dock and then go park the truck/trailer.

When recovering I always walk the boat on the trailer and hold onto the bow line as I walk down and attached the winch strap.

The ramp/dock configuration can make this a lot more challenging. My current situation is pretty easy to use and well protected from wind and waves.

I almost always empty the ballast before heading up my channel to the ramp.

I can get my trailer in far enough that it is very easy to get the bow up into the bow roller. And my new trailer does have PVC guide poles that are probably 6' high to help guide the boat in.

Good luck.

Cheers,
Jim

[nchogberg]

I feel your pain. This is what you need.

I think they are called "Wife". I got one about 23 years ago, they are rather expensive, and It seems they require a lot of maintenance, but they are priceless.

Perhaps West Marine or some other some such place you can find one.

Regards,
Nels

[K9Kampers]

This mod solved the issue of off-center retreival. Too much off-center resulted in hull touching fender and/or tire.
Four years ago I fabricated fender guides as a short version of what some people add between their fender & goalpost. Carpeted board & support bracket are thru bolted to the top of the fender with carriage bolts. The low profile bolt heads reduce chance of nicking the tire if too close. To accept the square shoulder of the bolt, I drilled an oversize hole, then using a triangle file, made four notches in the hole to fit the corners of the bolt square shoulder. Now I have about 1/4" of space between the hull and fender guides. Much easier than having to re-dunk to get the 1" clearance on both sides without the guides, hang boat cushions as spacers, or to have an extra person watching the spacing.



EDIT: picture add

[Phil M]

I feel your pain. This is what you need.

I think they are called "Wife". I got one about 23 years ago, they are rather expensive, and It seems they require a lot of maintenance, but they are priceless.

Perhaps West Marine or some other some such place you can find one.

Regards,
Nels

Some single-handed sailors are married to a spouse who would rather not go sailing. I think the older you get, the less inclined you are to go hopping about in a sailboat under challenging conditions. Sooner or later, even with the best intentions, the weather is NOT going to cooperate, with the result of the admiral deep sixing your next few excursions.

Phil M

[CampCook]

Thanks for the ideas. I seem to be thinking along the lines of what others do. As to the wife part, I am one of those whose better half would just as soon forget the boat (sigh) Anyway, I have the extended guides and they are well marked to show the depth necessary to float the boat. I have the stock steel trailer and the boat seems to settle nicely centered on the rear bunks. I have decided to mount a large cleat on the boat side of the winch tower. I will still loop dock lines over the ladder but the cleat will serve to help keep the extra line tied up to help prevent tangles and snags.

Again, Thanks for the help.
Dave

[dlandersson]

Wife 1.0 - be sure to read ALL the instructions.

http://www.esculape.com/textes/wife.html

I feel your pain. This is what you need.

I think they are called "Wife". I got one about 23 years ago, they are rather expensive, and It seems they require a lot of maintenance, but they are priceless.

Perhaps West Marine or some other some such place you can find one.

Regards,
Nels

[Erik Hardtle]

I launch mine single handed everytime... (with and without the wife present).

I have guides in the back and upright poles in the middle... I usually have it pretty easy floating it on.

Here are some pictures... hope this helps.

[coolchange]

One thing I try to get is the wind, and current, where I want it....some docks no choice, but if possible to have the wind taking the boat away from the dock on return...this way the dock lines can hold the boat in place relative to the trailer where if the wind is pushing against the dock it is harder to get aligned. On launch I like the wind against the dock to "pin" the boat as it floats free and I am in the truck.

I also tie the bow and stern lines to the dock with enough slack to get off the trailer but not get in someone elses way.

I try to not let others (strangers) have too much responsibility since many are well meaning but don't know squat about what to do on the dock....higher the wind higher the risk.

[Divecoz]

I have had one issue, one time, and it was wind and current in the wrong direction.. For me, coming back in , it was wind coming off the dock at a 45 degree angle.. ( pushing me back.... and off...... the dock..) After several tries and, failures a fellow boater ( feeling my pain and sympathising with my embarrassment) GRABBED MY LINES... that I had tossed him and while I powered up against the dock he tied me off.. These boats have a Lot of Free board..
A really nice guy..once situated and tied off I tossed him one of my cold beers..He asked to "come aboard" commented that with all the headroom they seem to be a pain to land in big wind but he bet it was sure nice to have that kind of cabin space... He was a power boater with a cuddy cabin..

One thing I try to get is the wind, and current, where I want it....some docks no choice, but if possible to have the wind taking the boat away from the dock on return...this way the dock lines can hold the boat in place relative to the trailer where if the wind is pushing against the dock it is harder to get aligned. On launch I like the wind against the dock to "pin" the boat as it floats free and I am in the truck.

I also tie the bow and stern lines to the dock with enough slack to get off the trailer but not get in someone elses way.

I try to not let others (strangers) have too much responsibility since many are well meaning but don't know squat about what to do on the dock....higher the wind higher the risk.