Virgin launch

[fjal]

Hi all,
Im after some help and advice about slipways in North Wales, i know there are some but trying to contact people to find out info in impossible so Im hoping someone can help me out. I intend to launch my Dejon14 and do a spot of inshore worm drowning, can anyone advise on the best place to launch from seeing as its my 1st time and also do you need anything else?
Any advice would be grateful, tight lines all.

[Lookfar]

Originally Posted by fjal

Hi all,
Im after some help and advice about slipways in North Wales, i know there are some but trying to contact people to find out info in impossible so Im hoping someone can help me out. I intend to launch my Dejon14 and do a spot of inshore worm drowning, can anyone advise on the best place to launch from seeing as its my 1st time and also do you need anything else?
Any advice would be grateful, tight lines all.

Hi,
If you've not launched before, best advice would be to take things slow and if there are other, more experienced folk around don't be afraid to ask.
First off, take a good look at the slip. Make sure there's no nasty drop-off just below the waterline. Look at your route in and out with the trailer, there'll be a blind spot as you reverse over the top. Get your assistant to agree on hand signals etc. Thing as well about what the tide state will be when you recover. A high tide launch is fine, until you come back at low water to find 30ft of ice-slick wet algae to negotiate. You may need to rope it out, if so then make sure the rope is sound or use a doubled up anchor warp. Prepare everything at the top of the slip, not on it while the world and their dog queue up waiting.

Back down with the engine still safely up in the towing position. Put the bung in!! Have a suitable painter and make sure it is held by someone, or tied to the trailer, during launch. Wheel chocks are a good safety measure and if you don't absolutely trust your car engine then leave it running. I once helped recover a stalled car from the low water mark on a slip at silly am and boy were they in a panic. Chest waders will be a great help. Then get the engine lowered and warmed up while someone gets rid of the car. Make sure it is running smooth before the last person in pushes you clear of the beach or pontoon.

When you come back in, put the driver ashore to fetch the trailer and then either hold station out of the way until the trailer is down or put in onto the beach and hold the boat. The latter is preferable but it depends on the situation, whether there is traffic around, a cross current, a swell etc. Don't hang around getting the boat onto the trailer, a big swell or a jetski moron at this point can cause some real damage. If the car is struggling for traction, start off on full lock and straighten up as the wheels start to roll. A broom to cklear sand and gravel away from the drive wheels for a foot or two helps a lot. Again, a wheel chock also helps but have someone sensible ready to pull it out of the way before the trailer wheels hit it.
Mainly, take your time, think about it and don't get flustered.

Have fun!

Steve

[..::Pike Pirate::..]

sounds a lot more complicated than i thought lol... i thought it was a case of backing a boat in untying it and driving off!

[fjal]

Thanks for that Steve, I hadnt thought about the ice algae bit nice one. Ill let you know how i get on, if i ever get out, Im now finding most slipways in North Wales are closed - still never say never.

[nimue]

Hi,
I trailered my boat for a couple of years but its on a mooring now. Couple of things, The advice offered so far is sound. Think about the wind and tide, trying to get your boat on square with a cross wind and current can be a nightmare.
Also very importantly, most slips will not let you launch without proof of 2 million quids worth of third party insurance not as bad as it sounds, mine is about 60 quid a year.
If you have to back your trailer so far back the wheels get a dunking don't forget to hose them and trailer down with fresh water when you get home and frequently check the sea waterproof grease in them.
I saw a boat shoot off its trailer a couple of months ago when the tow car slowed and turned off a dual carriageway.......tie it on tight!!!!!! it was wrecked.
Happy worm drowning.
Jules