How to Launch a Sailboat from a Trailer

Video demonstration of launching my 21 foot sailboat from a trailer single handed.

[@timzupon8084]

Thank's for taking the time to post.

[@travelbywater9378]

+tim zupon it's a fun hobby :)

[@rustykeller8264]

If it's a lake without much cross wind, and no current (like a river), I tie a rope to the back of the trailer, and to the bow of the boat. I back the trailer into the water until the boat floats, then pull slowly forward until the back of the trailer is out of the water. Then, I pull the boat to me, and walk it to where I want it. No wading in freezing water to launch. Recovery can be done in reverse, if you are slow and careful,

[@travelbywater9378]

Yes, I like this technique as well.

[@frankspeechhastheevidence6383]

You need to cross your chains... Video still deserves a thumbs up, nicely done

[@travelbywater9378]

+MAGA News thanks good point. I sometimes get lazy because the boat launch is just down the street, but I really should even for short distances.

[@DrJimDandy]

When I put the plug in, I also I check to make sure the bilge board lines are tight and secured, otherwise when she floats the board continue to rest and in some case foul on the trailer when you push her off. Had that happen once, but never twice! :) ;)

[@travelbywater9378]

+Jim Dandy good point Jim. I actually mentioned the bilge boards in a clip that I decided to edit out. I was trying to keep the presentation generic. But ya, I've had bilge boards stuck in awkward positions a couple of times when loading on the trailer.

[@garafrax]

Thanks! I've never done this.... I'm thinking my swing keep Catalina 22 should be a similar experience with an 20" draft keel up.

[@susanfitz-geraldsmith5630]

Thanks!

[@tomcipriano9977]

Good idea to cross your chains when hooking on car.

[@titustiger27]

• Not sure, but does your car have back up video? My new used car does.. I haven't tried backing to a trailer yet. But since I have a small 15 ft sailboat, it is kind of easier to move the trailer to the boat. I wonder how that camera will help I like how you second guess internet people and explain why you left of your sail because of proximity before people complain about it. One suggestion I have.. not as much about trailer, but about the process --- a checklist. Definately have 'have plug' as well as 'put in plug.' I know you didn't do it on purpose, but thanks for 'need to put it a little further in the water' that happens to me so often. When I pull the boat out of the water I tend to not go as far back in and use the winch to bring it back in.. using the slowness to make sure it is seated. And I would suggest you mention the turn of the steering wheel to make the boat go in a certain direction. Like turing right as you back up, makes the boat go left (as you look forward)... enjoyable video

[@travelbywater9378]

No, no back up camera, my cars getting a little long in the tooth. Your 15 footer is probably more difficult to back than my boat though. Longer trailers are so much less twitchy. I would say your back up camera will help quite a bit. You can see when the trailers in the water and you can see when your car is getting closer to the trailer. Ya, I thought about how to describe the wheel motion when backing. I read about somebody who keeps their hand on the bottom of the wheel, so the steering isn't reversed. I haven't tried it myself. I was hoping for a better camera angle for backing, but I just couldn't make anything work. I definitely carry a spare plug. My 3 yo gets curious sometimes and pulls out the plug while we are sailing. Somebody sticks there finger in the hole until we can figure out where he put it.

[@travelbywater9378]

The plug isn't super critical in the bay hen though. The cockpit settees are all buoyancy tanks and there is a proper bridge deck, so the cockpit would only fill to 6 inches or so then everything would be equalized.

[@titustiger27]

seems to be similar to the DC15. I once launched the boat and forgot to put the plug in. It was a bit lower in the water when I got back from parking the car. I was too lazy to go get the car, pull out the boat, drain it.. so I just put in the plug and went for a sail With less buoyancy it was a sluggish sail, but actually more stable... and I didn't plan on being out long. I wouldn't want to do that regularly since my thought was if I capsized it would game a pretty good bit to upright the boat

[@thedrummersclub3667]

Helpful!

[@byoceanandearth]

Cheers buddy

[@AbhrajR]

thanks nice video!

[@chimangoestudios]

nice video!

[@travelbywater9378]

+German Hunt Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@7.62fullmetal9]

thanks for the great video, so easy ! my keel weighs 900 lbs not so easy !

[@travelbywater9378]

Yes, we looked at quite a few swing and fixed keel 22 foot boats before we decided on this one. We very nearly bought a fixed keel Tanzer 22 for $500. Our sailing would be very different if we had.

[@trevorbyron8181]

Wonder what's the size of boat...18' 20'

[@travelbywater9378]

She is 21 feet.

[@stefanomoretti3664]

Any chance of launching without weeting the wheel axle ? I would be launching in salt water. Not that good for ball bearings and brakes...

[@travelbywater9378]

I haven't tried it. It might be possible with a steep enough ramp. My trailer is a break back trailer, which should help.

[@masterkronixster]

shouldn't you wear a safety belt whilst reversing

[@Hindukushsailing]

Nice little boat!!

[@travelbywater9378]

Thanks man, cheap, easy to take care of inland waters boat. We are pretty happy with her.

[@lgnrome]

Is your car a V8 or V6? Can a V6 pull a 27 foot sailboat?

[@travelbywater9378]

Mine is a V6. No, I don't think it could tow a 27 foot boat. I wouldn't want to trailer a 27 foot boat with anything.

[@lgnrome]

@@travelbywater9378 Thank you for the reply . Looks like im going with a 20 foot.

[@coreymcniel3390]

There are many similar projects in Woodglut's plans.

[@garafrax]

Thanks! I've never done this.... I'm thinking my swing keep Catalina 22 should be a similar experience with an 20" draft keel up.

[@travelbywater9378]

Yes, you need to be more carefull with a Catalina 22, its about 3 times the weight of my boat. They are designed for trailering I think though.