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Trailer extension idea:

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ftworthsailor
Captain

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USA
279 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/08/2013 : 19:47:00

The sailing club that I belong to has a rather steep boat ramp, however it ends quickly and it isn't deep enough to launch a C-25 due to the low water levels in North Texas. There are two other public boat ramps on the lake that we think are long and deep enough to launch my C-25.

Can someone tell me more about this tow strap launching that you are referring to....and how it works. How do you PUSH the boat out deeper or is this based on a long and deep ramp where you let the weight of the boat ride down the ramp...with the strap used as the control point?

What do you do to assure that the boat doesn't shift on the trailer and suddenly pop a wheelie because the ramp is either so inclined or the force of the push changes the boats weight and it shifts on the trailer?

I have a 14 foot galvenized trailer that I was thinking about converting into a solid extension for my trailer. I would cut and install a plate for a 3inch ball, directly above the axle. This would allow me a longer extension with the toungue weight of my boat trailer directly on the axle. This way I can push or pull the trailer as desired with full control over the extension. I have heard horror stories of the extension bending during launch. I think that I might also need to add weight to the extension trailer to assure that it stays down.

What do you guys think?

Catalina 25, Hull #779, Built 1978, FK/SR "Miss Natalie"

Catalina 25, Hull #971, Built 1979, SK/SR,"Sea Legs"

"if we get lost, we'll just pull in somewhere and ask directions."

Edited by - ftworthsailor on 04/08/2013 19:52:04

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2013 : 19:56:08

Nightmare to back up!

Paul

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davidbloodworth
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2013 : 22:20:29

Ray,
I bought a 15 ft section of 2 1/2 inch square steel. It slides in my receiver and I drilled a hole to pin it in like a hitch. Have thought about bolting a coupler on it but never have. The other end I cut a piece of 3 inch square steel about 15 inches and bolted it to the smaller tube. Then drilled a hole to slide a receiver in and pin it. It has worked well. Not always fun to get it hooked together.
It is under my trailer at west bay if you want to go look.

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2013 : 03:09:18

Here is what I use. My trailer has a wheel that I put on the tongue and a channel iron Bar with a ball on one end and a hitch on the other. Extension bar is 16 ' long.

Edited by - hewebb on 04/12/2013 03:28:39

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2013 : 10:41:54

My extension is built into the trailer, but it only gives me an additional 4’, which is all I need to keep the tires dry on the ramp. It sounds like you need more than that, so I’m afraid I can be of little help, except to add. The concrete on SOME RAMPS only go back so far and then drop off. In other words the underwater end of a ramp does not necessarily gently meet the bottom of the bay. There could be a 2’ drop off at the end, and if you back your wheels past that point you got big problems (Don’t ask me how I know, I can only tell you that inflated tires will not keep a trailer afloat) Just be fully aware where the ramp ends and where your trailer tires are.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.