new member

[corinthian]

brand new member.  Bought a '90 compac 16/3 and just put it in the water in NC. Excited to get going. So far the only problem is that the trailer is not adeqate in length to get the boat deep enough in the water to launch. Had to get a truck to launch. Any ideas on how to lengthen the trailer attachment.

[newt]

There are a couple of ways Corinthian. I used to have a Catalina 27 with a 4 foot draft. I had to park it on the landing (with blocks behind and in front of the wheels) then attach a rope to the hitch area and then to the back of my pickup. After I had taken up the slack with the truck (the trailer is now 50 feet away) I had someone pull the blocks and I lowered the trailer into the water. Kinda involved, but it definitely got the boat launched.
Btw- welcome to the forum!

[danrameys]

You could also look at an extension. http://www.xtend-a-hitchnorthwest.com/ has extensions from 7-12ft. They are a bit expensive, but it might be worth it if you have a nice lake with a bad ramp. With a  12 foot extension I cant think of anyplace I have been that you couldn't launch from.

Have fun with your new boat!

[curtisv]

You can also buy a tow hitch that lowers the hitch ball by 6-8 inches.  Try Northerntool.com or some other sites that sell ball mount hitches.  It helps a lot.

Curtis

[Glenn Basore]

Welcome aboard...........

I like the tongue extension myself, very simple to do. I'm going to be making one some time next week.

I plan on making it a telescoping type that will extend out from the original tongue.

[don l]

Welcome,  we use an  extension.  I think it is about 7', works great.  This will be our 3rd season, we also have a cp 16.  This site will be of great help, it was to us.  fair winds

cajun

[Salty19]

Welcome to the forum...

[Greene]

Welcome.  We must be lucky here in Madison.  Our ramps are fairly steep and we have never had to get the tires wet to launch or retrieve our CP16.  Enjoy a great summer of sailing.

Mike

[corinthian]

Thanks to all. Feel welcome and supported. Great ideas. For now I am able to leave it in the water. Will update you of the 'saga of the retrieval'.

[kickingbug1]

for all the rendezvousers----the ramps at carlyle are a breeze (pun intended)

[mrb]

Welcome aboard

You may want to give some thought to either the trailer extension or tow rope idea before it is time to take boat from water.  If you had trouble launching you can be fairly certain to have just as much, or more, trouble picking up.  Doesn't cost a whole lot to carry a tow strap.  Count on getting wet.  

Fair sailing
Melvin

[B.Hart]

    Welcome Corinthian, a extension is what I use on my 16 because the trailer is too short. Talk to a local welding shop about making you one, it will be worth the money.   HAPPY SAILING   BILL