I finally launched my boat(Ventue 24-4?) for the first time . . . ever, after towing my boat for the first time ever.
The ramp was intimidating. It was steep and I was very concerned when I found myself looking at the sky.
BUT, now I've extending my sailing range considerably and I'm glad I fnally did it(the towing & launching).
Now that I'm about to look to new horizons, I find myslf wondering(worrying), about steeper ramps down the road.
I towed with a Ford Explorer V6. The owing was smooth, but I noticed, at slower speeds(below) 45 or so, the boat kinda "shimmied".
RAMPS & towing
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Beam's Reach
- First Officer
- Posts: 310
- Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2005 1:25 pm
- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada 97X, 50HP Mariner 4 Stroke
I had the same concern the first time I launched my 26X at my local marina. I watched all the small fishing boats pull in and out while I was rigging and thought it looked easy. Then I backed my boat down the very steep ramp and realized just how much bigger it was.
The next day I backed the trailer in and loaded the boat with ballast in, and, like you, while looking up at the sky thought "there is no way I'm going to get up this ramp". I had visions of putting the van (05 Montana) back in gear and having the boat pull me right into the lake. It actually pulled out quite easily thanks to the deep perpendicular grooves in the concrete ramp.
The second time was at a smaller, less steep ramp on another lake (we have 3 large lakes within about 1/2 hours drive from our house) but it was gravel and the tires spun quite a bit coming out.
The third time was at another lakea with a concrete ramp that was not grooved. The ramp was not steep at all, but tt was on a Sunday evening and dozens of boats had been in and out all weekend leaving the ramp covered in sand and my wheels just spun and spun, even with the traction control trying to over come the sand. As several people waited in line to retrieve their boats, I emptied the cooler and started pouring water over the ramp to wash the sand away.
I heard a few "that boat is way too big for that van" comments as I spun, but I also had another boater help me rinse the ramp with his bait bucket and two others give me a 'thumbs up' as I pulled the boat up and out.
Once you've done it a few time, you get less nervous, but I've done it several times now and I still wouldn't say I'm comfortable. As for steeper ramps, I've found that it's easier at the steeper ramp because they've taken the trouble groove it and make lots of room. The less steep ones are often just gravel and one local one requires you to turn a little part way up instead of pulling straight out.
I keep a tow strap in the back of the van just in case I need help. And I've also found that most boaters are friendly, sympathetic and helpful. The best remember their first season and are happy to lend a hand.
I came into my slip on Sunday night after a very rough crossing, got completely turned around in high winds approaching my slip (I didn't think I could that large a boat could turn in that tight a radius!) and somehow managed not to clip any other boats on the way around. When I got turned back around the right way, two neighbours were already at my slip ready to catch me. As soon as we got tied up, the three of us headed out to catch two more boats coming in behind me.
I still approach a launch with equal thoughts of "I hope nobody's around in case I screw up" and "I hope there are lots of people around to help in case I screw up".
Good luck, stay calm and have fun.
The next day I backed the trailer in and loaded the boat with ballast in, and, like you, while looking up at the sky thought "there is no way I'm going to get up this ramp". I had visions of putting the van (05 Montana) back in gear and having the boat pull me right into the lake. It actually pulled out quite easily thanks to the deep perpendicular grooves in the concrete ramp.
The second time was at a smaller, less steep ramp on another lake (we have 3 large lakes within about 1/2 hours drive from our house) but it was gravel and the tires spun quite a bit coming out.
The third time was at another lakea with a concrete ramp that was not grooved. The ramp was not steep at all, but tt was on a Sunday evening and dozens of boats had been in and out all weekend leaving the ramp covered in sand and my wheels just spun and spun, even with the traction control trying to over come the sand. As several people waited in line to retrieve their boats, I emptied the cooler and started pouring water over the ramp to wash the sand away.
I heard a few "that boat is way too big for that van" comments as I spun, but I also had another boater help me rinse the ramp with his bait bucket and two others give me a 'thumbs up' as I pulled the boat up and out.
Once you've done it a few time, you get less nervous, but I've done it several times now and I still wouldn't say I'm comfortable. As for steeper ramps, I've found that it's easier at the steeper ramp because they've taken the trouble groove it and make lots of room. The less steep ones are often just gravel and one local one requires you to turn a little part way up instead of pulling straight out.
I keep a tow strap in the back of the van just in case I need help. And I've also found that most boaters are friendly, sympathetic and helpful. The best remember their first season and are happy to lend a hand.
I came into my slip on Sunday night after a very rough crossing, got completely turned around in high winds approaching my slip (I didn't think I could that large a boat could turn in that tight a radius!) and somehow managed not to clip any other boats on the way around. When I got turned back around the right way, two neighbours were already at my slip ready to catch me. As soon as we got tied up, the three of us headed out to catch two more boats coming in behind me.
I still approach a launch with equal thoughts of "I hope nobody's around in case I screw up" and "I hope there are lots of people around to help in case I screw up".
Good luck, stay calm and have fun.
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Dullboy
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2004 3:45 pm
- Location: Southlake, Tx 2002 26X Suzuki DF50
Great story Blake. I can sure relate.
I have been thinking of a slip here in the DFW area, but they are awfully proud of their marina's according to the prices. Plus, they only rent on an annual basis.
It's usually pretty windy on the lakes here, and getting out can be real interesting. I have always drained the balast before going in, so that probably adds to the wind pushing the boat so extreme.
Dave.
I have been thinking of a slip here in the DFW area, but they are awfully proud of their marina's according to the prices. Plus, they only rent on an annual basis.
It's usually pretty windy on the lakes here, and getting out can be real interesting. I have always drained the balast before going in, so that probably adds to the wind pushing the boat so extreme.
Dave.