Launching Technique

[kaptin kod]

I normally launch the boat into freshwater off a slipway which is a lovely way to launch, however this year I am intending to move around a bit to different venues. Last year we launched off a sandy beach, using the 4x4 we still managed to get the trailer to sink in the soft sand, and no matter what we did I couldn't move it. In the end I unhooked and towed the trailer out on a rope, didn't do my jockey wheel any good. and likewise on retrieval.

 

Just wondering if there is anything I could do to make life easier, been looking at getting a jockey wheel which is phenumatic as opposed to the thin solid one I currently have.

 

Thanks in advance

KK

[Coddy]

Hi KK

 

If you have a trailer similar to Indespension they do a special adaption called a sand skipper I think.

 

Basicly it uses your spare road wheel which folds down as a third wheel to pushing over sand etc. Many people use this as a spare hub assy in case they have a bearing failure on the trailer.

Not sure of costs but if you have a word with them I am sure they will advise.

 

Coddy

[Seamouse]

Last year we launched off a sandy beach, using the 4x4 we still managed to get the trailer to sink in the soft sand,

I had this last time out with the low water shingle bank at Eastney. Winched the boat on and the wheels sank to the axle before we'd finished. There was no way we could haul that out. I'd suggest taking a couple of planks along, as long as will fit in the car. Back the trailer on to them at the water's edge and you've at least a chance to get everything rolling before the wheels get onto the soft stuff and start to sink in. I guess there's a chance that the planks will kick up and whack the hull as you go over the end though, or that the rig will just bog down 5 yards further up the beach. To be honest, if it is that soft I'd have thought you are pushing your luck even with a 4x4.

Anyone else any experience with this?

 

Steve

[kaptin kod]

Thanks for that, tried indespension and they have stopped making the sand skipper, so i'll have to try knocking something up.

 

the sand was quite firm at waters edge and the 4x4 pulled away fine on its own, just very soft under the water.

 

KK

[Bob F]

There's an "ok" article on beach launching in the Feb 07 edit of BFM.

 

BF

[reg]

If you can get hold of a Idispensoin unit that has been knacked and the hub is still ok you can make one up yourself. I wll try and get some photo's to post and instructions on how to go about it will do my best to get it done this weekend as I'm tied up till then

 

Reg

[endeavour boats]

Indespension never made the sand skipper. But i know the man that did.

In my opinion, once used you will always use it.

 

[Member Removed]

I bought one of these units and had to do quite a bit of altering to it after 2 launches

I've made some drawings here of the modified unit, tested and works well!!

Sean,

 

Drawing1

Drawing2

Drawing3

 

 

 

 

[Member Removed]

[oysterboats]

hi phil williams of bfm has bags of experience on this type of launching im sure if you were to email or phone him via bfm im sure he would be more than willing to point you in the right direction ,even if its only to point out the editions of the magazine that covered this type of launching

[kaptin kod]

Thanks for the info guys, lots to work on there. Will keep my eye open for one of these or as the old man is a fabricator perhaps he might be able to make one up for me.

 

Off to Vegas next week for the annual fill me suitcase up with fishing tackle while the FPO is looking the other way.

 

KK