Single handed launching - Someone asked.

corkyking · 03-15-2004, 03:55 PM

This is my new setup. I intend to launch on my own many times.

We just bought the RV, a 22.5' class B+ with the Chev. 6 liter Vortec engine. It came with a receiver on the back and I had the front receiver put on. The front was a little too low so I bought a new ball mount with an 8" rise. With the 18" extension It's out front enough that it feels comfortable. $175 for the front receiver, about $30 for the extension$ about $60 for the ball mount and ball so roughly $265 to be able to just drive it into the launch.

I drove it all over the place today, it really drives nice. I'm going to put an electric winch on the trailer that I can control from the cab or standing in front. This should work as well on a pickup.

Rod Holder · 03-15-2004, 06:40 PM

that's a fine looking package, you best be carefull pushing that boat down the freeway though, it may not handle so well :smile:

cannonball · 03-15-2004, 07:19 PM

nice rig!!!

steelheadslayer · 03-15-2004, 07:31 PM

My Grandpa used to have the exact same setup on his pickup with a camper. He'd just pull down to the staging area and then unhook and drive up to the trailer like you are and drive it to the launch. It worked for many years. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

fishhog1 · 03-15-2004, 07:32 PM

Cool! My dad used to launch his boat like that back in the 70's. Your rig is a lot nicer than dads 74 chev /74 starcraft combo but that was 30 years ago .. Wow I just had a deja-vu! Thanks! The fishhog

Conspiracy Theory · 03-15-2004, 08:54 PM

Thanks for posting this. I have a 30' class A motor-home and we've talked about taking it to the beach when crabbing. We were going to stay in it for the weekend but I decided it would be too much of a hassle to launch the boat. I forgot all about that it already has a receiver hitch up front. I could do the same thing. DUUHH. I'll have to try it.

Thanks again for this post and reminding my of my other option.

north coast kook · 03-15-2004, 08:56 PM

Man, what a great idea!! Not only for launching by yourself, but anytime!

-KooK

fatfish · 03-15-2004, 09:54 PM

My Dad also had a receiver on the front of the '69 Chev. When the water was really low @ Detroit Resorior he drove the truck about a mile down to the water's edge to launch the boat. Now the truer story part; there was a lady walking her dog along and she was quite impressed with Dad's ability to get the boat down to the water. She questioned Dad about the front receiver and where he had it done and said that is just what her husband needed. She then asked Dad how it handled out on the highway hooked to the front of the truck. Without even cracking a smile Dad said it only took about the 1st 15 miles and he was most comfortable traveling like that. The woman was again impressed and said she was going to go back to camp and tell husband. Some people, huh?

sunshinefisherman · 03-16-2004, 04:53 AM

what's wrong with backing down the ramp?

BigFishFever · 03-16-2004, 05:09 AM

CorkyKing

Beautiful setup you got there..sure would make launching a bit easier than trying to back down w/o seeing the trailer..

Not sure if you are interested or not, but I have a Powerwinch that I took off my boat trailer...
Not sure of the model, but it was on a 19 foot 71 Seaswirl..so I am sure its got the oomph needed to pull the boat up.
If you are interested I can take a look and get teh model #..I do know that I have the manuals etc.

Lemme know!

Bonneville Dan · 03-16-2004, 05:46 AM

Be careful on steep or slippery ramps! It may be a one way trip down the ramp without the tongue weight on the rear axle giving you the traction you need to pull the boat back out of the water (or even while easing it in for that matter). You don't want to find yourself desperately attempting to switch over from front to rear hitch with the boat/trailer on a slope. Could get ugly fast.

Dan

night stocker · 03-16-2004, 06:46 AM

Sunshinefisherman,that was what I was thinking.You beat me to it.It seems like a lot of hassle to unhook and rehook the boat a bunch of times.265 skins would buy a lot of beer.

ET · 03-16-2004, 07:24 AM

The only downside is that you still have to back up blind after launching or after pulling the boat out of the water. Makes it difficult to park the trailer unless you are going to change over again at the top of the ramp. Either way - single handed launching with a rig like that isn't fun unless the launch and parking lot is empty. Always nice to have an extra set of eyes to help.

corkyking · 03-16-2004, 08:13 AM

BigFishFever: I have a winch but thanks .
Sunshinefisherman: With my rig I can�t see the boat at all except through the back window.

PlayinHookyNooky: I have a bunch of weight on my rear tires. I would not recommend this deal except with 4x4 but I wouldn�t recommend driving any ramp, even w/o a trailer, in 2wd.

ET: really not a problem, it�s exactly the same as backing up anywhere. The trailer doesn�t even enter in to it except you have to back into an area with enough room for both but most good ramps have good parking. I can think of places, like Wind River where you might be correct but that was such an unpleasant experience last year that I doubt I�ll ever grace them with my presence again.

Rod Holder: I get a little vibration at 65. :smile:

ET · 03-16-2004, 09:09 AM

I really can't imagine you not having great traction with that rig even with only rear wheel drive. Plenty of weight there.

I've been pulling my boat out with front wheel drive now for four years without a problem. A little common sense goes a long way though. You won't find me at ramps covered with sand or gravel.