Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Launching at the boat ramp (was: LangkawiIslands)

[VBra676539@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/3/00 7:05:12 AM, vulcania@interpac.net writes:

<< I solved this problem by modifying the trailer with a removable third wheel

attached to the tongue.  I'd back up to the ramp; chock, unhitch, and raise

the trailer with a floor jack; install the third wheel; remove the floor

jack; pull the van about 50-feet forward; and connect the "trike-trailer"

and van with a heavy steel cable.  On launch, my crew would pull the chocks,

and I'd back the trailer down the ramp on the end of a 50-foot cable.  That

way, I got the boat to the depth it needed, and kept the van clear of the

water at the same time. >>

This sounds familiar. Capt Kittredge does something similar only simpler. We 
use a short tandem trailer and a winch on the truck. Pay out the cable for 
launch, wind it up for recovery. The ramps are pretty short in Florida, but 
in Maine .... you need extra wire! It all works nicely, however, if you don't 
count salt water immersion on the tail lights, which shortens their life a 
bit.

Vance