Launching and Retrieving a C 23

[belybuster]

Hi All:  Brakish says; "Yes nice having rollers, seems that my launch/retrieves are easy regardless of the ramp slope."  I have not hauled my new-to-me C 23 out of the water yet, but I'm a little anxious about it.  I've taken the trailer to 3 different ramps and backed the trailer down as far as possible with my Chevy Silverado and never were the front of the bunks under water.  I'm assuming that's not deep enough, but I just do not have any idea.  So I sure could use some advice on Launching and Retrieving!  Thanks in advance!

[Bob23]

My advice is two-fold. First, I hire the travel lift to haul me out and powerwash. They give me a great deal because I have a slip at the marina. I'm not a fan of submersing all 4 wheels in salt water.
Second, if you decide to retrieve and launch, I think you'll need a tongue extension. Not speaking from experience here, but seems to me that the bunks need to be submerged.
Keep us posted!!

[Potcake boy]

Our marina has a pretty steep ramp, and if I remember correctly the last time I hauled the boat the tips of the bunks were not submerged and the tow vehicle was not in the water. I have only a block to home from the ramp, so I don't maintain the trailer as I would if I were to tow long distances. I do wash it down with fresh water after each submersion and flush the brakes. I have no idea if the brakes work, but the bearings have those special grease covers and never get heated up so they are probably OK. Just remember to disconnect your light connector and you will get a little extra longevity from your lights. If you plan to trailer occasionally, you'll probably want to service the bearings and brakes at least once a year and check them before each trip. Some folks have been  concerned by the small tires, but check the load rating, they are up to the job and make it a little easier to launch. Tire pressure is critical, so double check that before each trip. Low tire pressure will cause excessive heat at highway speed and lead to tire failure. You really don't want to be that boat parked on the side of the interstate.

Don't be too timid about retrieving your boat. Nothing really bad should happen if you take it slow and check everything as you go. After a few launches you'll learn what things to be wary of and in what sequence to do everything. One note of caution from my experience, politely decline offers of help from bystanders. Most have good intentions, but unless you know the helper and trust their experience you could end up with a disaster and the bystander with a story to tell. Happy sailing.

[Razor]

In launching/retrieving my CP-23, I do not have a trailer tongue extension. I usually back down till 3/4 of the bunks are in the water. This is usually good enough to launch or retrieve at most of the ramps I use. Occasionally, I may have to back in a little further if it is hard to get on or off, but usually not much further. The rear tires of my truck may touch the water but rarely have to go any further at the ramps I use in eastern NC.

Terry

[Potcake boy]

I once heard someone explain a clever trick they sometimes use at ramps that don't have a steep enough grade. Using a set of car ramps like you use when changing oil, put them behind the rear tires when your wheels are at waters edge. Raises the front of the boat and gets the trailer farther back to help launch and keeps the wheels out of the water.

I'm sure that must have been said by a farmer, they always seem to get things done with whatever is at hand. I once saw a bumper sticker - "Don't make fun of a farmer with your mouth full"

[brackish]

In launching/retrieving my CP-23, I do not have a trailer tongue extension. I usually back down till 3/4 of the bunks are in the water. This is usually good enough to launch or retrieve at most of the ramps I use. Occasionally, I may have to back in a little further if it is hard to get on or off, but usually not much further. The rear tires of my truck may touch the water but rarely have to go any further at the ramps I use in eastern NC.

Terry

Same here.  I have a tongue extension but have never used it.

[belybuster]

Thanks everyone.  All good advice.  If the bunks only have to be 3/4 submerged, I think I will be good.  I'll use the trailer extension, or I'll pay the marina to hoist it.  Invaluable info.  Thanks again and will let you know how it goes.

[Gus]

I paid the marina to have the boat hauled, pressure wash the bottom (it was pretty bad), and then lower the boat and adjust the trailer bunks. With the old Chrysler, once the trailer bunk boards are wet, the boat would move forward a bit, so maybe with the Compac is the same?

[Gus]

In launching/retrieving my CP-23, I do not have a trailer tongue extension. I usually back down till 3/4 of the bunks are in the water. This is usually good enough to launch or retrieve at most of the ramps I use. Occasionally, I may have to back in a little further if it is hard to get on or off, but usually not much further. The rear tires of my truck may touch the water but rarely have to go any further at the ramps I use in eastern NC.

Terry

Terry,

Do you launch over there at the stinky fish factory ramp in Beaufort?

Gus

[Razor]

Hey Gus,

I have not launched in Beaufort lately but I did years ago. The fish factory is no longer there. If I remember correctly, it is a boat storage facility/marina now.

https://frontstreetvillage.com/

Terry

[Gus]

Hey Gus,

I have not launched in Beaufort lately but I did years ago. The fish factory is no longer there. If I remember correctly, it is a boat storage facility/marina now.

https://frontstreetvillage.com/

Terry

Oh man, really? No more stinky fish smell? Dang... Last time I launched there was in 2009. Where are you launching for the Pirates Sail (if the hurricane doesn't disrupt the plans that is).

Gus

[Razor]

I keep her in New Bern, NC and will be motor sailing thru Adams Creek to Beaufort. Otherwise, I would be launching at the Lenoxville ramp you spoke of.

Terry

[Gus]

I keep her in New Bern, NC and will be motor sailing thru Adams Creek to Beaufort. Otherwise, I would be launching at the Lenoxville ramp you spoke of.

Terry

Awesome, hunker down, I was watching video of the Frying pan... holy crap is blowing hard.