How do I launch without pranging the bobstay?

[buckaroo]

Hey, y'all -- they last time I launched my 16/III, when the boat slid off the trailer and settled in the water it rotated so the weight of the boat was supported on the bobstay by the bow roller, until it went "thunk" and rolled off.  This played havoc with the turnbuckle, requiring replacement, and I'd like to avoid it in the future.  I can see no way to reconfigure the existing post/winch/roller on the trailer that would be functional, and I really don't want to replace it.  In a pinch, I suppose I could disconnect the bobstay and reconnect it in the water, but I'd like to avoid this because a) the boat, and thus the mast, will be tilted down the ramp, putting the forestay under tension which I'm uncomfortable leaving to the bowsprit alone; and b) because reconnecting it would be a pain once I'm on the water, because of the awkward angle.  

Has anyone else had this problem?  What was your solution?

EDIT: I should note that a big part of the problem is when the keel rolls off the final roller, and the boat "falls" into the water.  Another roller located further aft would help, but there's no obvious way to install one there.  I'm stuck with the trailer I have (apparently the stock non-magic-tilt trailer Hutchins supplied back in '94.)

[MacGyver]

Just a idea, you could install a roller a bit further back on the toungue that supports the boat better as it is launched. Buy good parts that will support more weight than is needed, and also this will help when pulling the boat.

I plan to install something like this on my 19s trailer, as it will indeed make it easier to pull the boat since she hits rollers on her keel between and keeps the boat from coming up. I have to push up on the bow to get it past and had my wife stand on the back of the boat to assist me.

Mac

[Salty19]

Wow, I've never heard of that happening.  Bad indeed, and I don't blame you for not wanting to remove it.

So you can't move the winch post forward?  Welded to the trailer?

I'm guessing converting from rollers to a plank..an extra long one might give you that extra lip you need?

When we launch, I remove the bow eye winch hook a few feet before water, once the trailer is straight and ready for the approach.
Then reverse, but not too slow.  Once the bunkboards are half underwater, I slam on the brakes and the boat slides right off (I did this to our our 16 and the new 19).  The admiral tends the dock lines to bring the boat back to dock as I pull out of the ramp.

I'm not suggesting you do this in your situation as it might hit it real hard, but am interested how you launch.  Are you inching down the ramp with bow eye connected?  Maybe the technique is causing the problem--surely we've all guilty of occasionally causing our own issues!    I know I sure have!

As long as you're not this guy you're doing good..

[nies]

I had this happen, only way to stop it from occurring is to stay at the bow and as the boat slides back is to lift and push so the bowspirit gets far enough  back to not catch on the winch.................nies

[Greene]

I remember our 16 hanging up the same way when I backed the trailer a little too deep.  This caused the aft end of the boat to float up off the trailer before the boat moved backwards.  I found that (as Salty suggests) a good tap of the brakes before you have fully floated the boat (think 3/4 in the water) worked to move it backwards away from the winch post.  Then finish backing that last couple of feet down the ramp.

Mike and Brenda

[capt_nemo]

buckaroo,

When I added a 4' Bowsprit to my Sun Cat I used the Bow Eye to terminate a SS Chain Bobstay. This necessitated moving the roller (and winch mount) down so that the roller would be UNDER the Bow Eye when the boat is fully forward. Nevertheless, sometimes when launching or retrieving I have to push the Bowsprit (and Bobstay) in one direction or another  to avoid damage.

As suggested by others, try moving the roller and winch if possible. Otherwise, get in the water and assist the Bobstay in standing clear of potential damage.

Here is a photo of my set-up. Intentionally used Bow Eye although angle was a bit shallow. Didn't want to add another attachment point lower and CREATE EVEN MORE PROBLEMS when trailering.

capt_nemo

[skip1930]

Two saw cut pieces of 10 mm Aluminum bar and drilled. And the bob-stay is fine and is unmolested.

See that pin at the bob [Dolphin] stay? If you look there is a triangle piece of cut rubber forced in there between the fiberglass hull and the head of the pin...no chips in the glass..

skip,

[buckaroo]

Thanks for all the ideas, everyone! 

[NateD]

I did something similar to Skip's on my CP23 trailer. Not sure if it would help your situation.

[deisher6]

On our C16 I lowered the bow roller so that it hits below the bobstay.  One of problems that this move caused was the bow of the boat was free to bounce up.  I solved this with a separate tie down from the bow eye to the trailer tongue.
regards charlie

[wroundey]

Capt Nemo,
Two questions on your chain and bowsprit - What does the chain attach to at the end of the sprit (the photo is too small for me to make that out) and 2. Where did you buy your SS chain?

Thanks

Will Roundey
CP16

[skip1930]

wroundey;

" the photo is too small for me to make that out "

Once the post you want to view is up n the scope, hole the Ctrl key down and tap the + key. Every tap should make the picture larger.
To shrink back down, hold the Ctrl key down and tap the - key.

skip.