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Trailer launching of a fin keel

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thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/03/2005 : 19:40:46

The waterline of my fin model stands a bit above six feet from the ground when on the trailer. I was wondering about welding a two inch ball to a wheel or axle assembly, and using the winch on my truck to lower the whole thing down the launching ramp. The axle would make the boat trailer/wagon steerable if needed.

I interested in finding out if anyone is or has done this.

Derek Thain 78 TR FK "PASSAGES"

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Wildcat
Deckhand

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24 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2005 : 22:27:40

I am not sure all that is needed. I have a fin and launch it by attaching a long chain to the trailer, block the wheels, take the trailer off the truck hitch, attach the chain to the truck, take the slack out of the chain, remove the wheel blocks and let the trailer into the water. My wife backs the truck as I guide the trailer back in the direction I need. Pretty simple. I have had a few times I had to get wet but that is part of the fun of it.

Sometimes over thinking a task can lead to more problems.

Keep it simple.

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2005 : 23:28:07

Our friends, both in their 80's, now launch their fixed keel Cat 25 TR with a 5/8" anchor line using the same method but I made Merle a bracket with a tractor seat so she doesn't have to swim out or back from the trailer when the boat is retrieved. She rides the trailer just from the waters edge into water deep enough to bring the boat on the trailer, she cranks while John tells her how much while he stands on the bow of the boat. We then pull the line with their pickup till the trailer can be blocked and Merle gets off without getting wet. This year we will insist she wears a life jacket and take pictures.

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2005 : 15:10:46

Jim,
That is something I have to see. Are there any photos of this you can post? I'm trying to picture a tractor seat on the trailer. That ride could be just as much fun as healing over at 45 degrees.

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2005 : 17:08:17

here is a photo of the wheel on the front of my trailer. It was a $100 option.

you can sort of steer it by pulling on the tow strap to the left or right, I don't think anything more than that is necessary and having a steering mechaninsm being submerged will just add up to trouble later on.
Don't forget the proper tow vehicle

be sure everything is tied down for transport. I left my pvc pipes on the front two schrouds, this leaves just a little bit to coil and bunjy

trailer at the end of the line

I also have photos of setting up the boat too if they will help.

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thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2005 : 23:23:13

Great pics! Do you launch with the top up or down?

Would love to see any shots of mast raising. Should get to do that for our week of summer.

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2005 : 09:45:06

When does your week start. I posted a set of launching photos here last year. I just tried searching for them but my computer was messing up. I'm also trying to multitask and I guess my old chips are having a senior moment.
will try again later.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2005 : 09:54:16

>"She rides the trailer just from the waters edge into water deep enough..."
>>"...Do you launch with the top up or down?"

Hmmmm..... :>)

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2005 : 13:42:38

We will take pictures of Merle on the seat this year. Some have come to watch and it is such a sight that they forget to do the pictures. Have used the seat on other trailers so that the person on the trailer doesn't have to get wet. We have pulled out during snowstorms so the seat is very welcome. Launch this year will be after May first if there isn't any snow or ice on the ramp. Yes this is in California.

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2005 : 05:45:11

Where is lake Alminor?

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kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2005 : 13:37:43

Lake Almanor is in Northern California, just south of Mt. Lassen:
[url="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=lake%20almanor%2C%20ca&spn=2.437500%2C2.814678&hl=en"]Lake Almanor[/url]

Beautiful setting!!

I've only kayaked there: how's the sailing for a wing keel?

Kevin
"wait for me"
250wk #751

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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.