----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2003 11:06
AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] launch
ramp
I have some experience with this. A small sub must be placed far
back on most ramps to get enough draft to float it off, if that is your method
of launching. The problem is simple; you can not usually do this with a
standard trailer. I constructed a 10-foot detachable tongue on my
trailer that I built. This was not enough for a sub of my size.
So, I finally resorted to taking a 10,000 pound test nylon strap and creating
a fitting on the truck hitch and the tongue of the trailer to lower it back
via strap. This worked very well, but you still have to have a location
where the trailer can go that far down a submerged ramp. Many ramps just
terminate at a level that where the wheels will get caught and you can not
pull it out. You may need to walk the ramp before launching.
The
alternative is to create a winch where you can roll it off and roll it back on
by winch. Also a strong wenche may be used. :-)
Gary
Boucher
At 06:51 PM 3/23/2003 +0100, you wrote:
I also launch my sub from a trailor, and
although I have only launched it a few times this way,( less than 10) it
appears to be a reasonable way to do it.. I have a 8 foot extension that I
slide out of my trailor toung, and that would be better to be about 5-8 feet
longer yet.. I usually have to back my 4x4 into the water quite a way to get
the sub to float free.. it is a 2 or 3 person job to load the sub again, but
not too bad.. the 4x4 is ok for pulling it out, but not sure I would want
to go with any less... I have not found a ramp yet that isn't long
enough, but again very limited launches, and only been to 3 different places..
all of these places were very full of water when I launched..
if you need more info contact me off line
if you like.
dale.