DaySailer.org Forum

I launch my daysailer off the beach at the Dunedin Causeway. Getting it off the trailer is no issue, but getting it back on at low tide can be a real pain. I back in just far enough that my exhaust is out of the water. But sometimes that still leaves quite a lift to get the boat onto the first roller then onto the bunks. I've got 12" wheels now and I was thinking of ordering a set of 8" wheels. Other than that, any tips or techniques for getting the boat back on the trailer at low tide?

I got a tilt-back trailer. With that I can retrieve a boat even when launched onto the hard. Trailers, esp. used ones, aren't all that expensive, so if your trailer doesn't work for your launch scenario, I would consider making a switch as one of the options.

You could maybe get an extension for the tongue of the trailer like those who launch keel boats use. That would allow getting the trailer further out in the water without getting the vehicle in the water. The extension piece is removed for trailering and added for launch or retrieval.

John

+1 on the tilt trailer. I beach launched and yard launched TRW a few times with my old trailer that tilted, and retrieval was a piece of cake. Haven't had occasion to try it with the new trailer that doesn't tilt, but I'm sure it would not be as easy.

I have a tilt trailer, but have never used the tilt feature. Haven't dry launched either, but can see where the tilt would be helpful in that situation.

John

I use the tilt feature on every launch. I only barely have to place the hubs near the waterline for launching. The tilt make it easier for the boat to slide off while still on the bunks/rollers and that means that it slides off true, and doesn't float sideways while over the trailer. Very convenient.

On a good ramp, I don't use the tilt on retrieval. It's easiest, in my experience, to bring the boat in by rolling it over a tail roller, fixed at the water level. Just about when the roller would reach the "flat" part of the hull, the bunks are starting to support the hull. For that, I need to back that trailer a bit further, but on a good ramp that still leaves the car wheels dry.

On a beach, I use the tilt feature, but I found that I need to limit the angle of the tilt, or otherwise I can't get the bow to get past the second roller: it effectively "digs" in otherwise in the space between the two rollers. Using a strap to limit the tilt avoids the issue and still lets me retrieve the boat.