Launching the 16 with a small car

[Jon898]

I wish I was spinning! The problem is that the car has too much traction for the amount of power the engine can produce at low RPMs and I have to slip the clutch a lot to keep from stalling. It works, but the smell coming from the clutch makes me think it's not a good long-term game plan!

Try using a higher gear such as 3rd...

Jon

[mr.jadkowski]

Try using a higher gear such as 3rd...

Wouldn't that require more clutch slipping to keep the car from stalling?

[Jon898]

Reduces the traction, so lets the engine rev lower for the same wheel rotation.  It's what some manufacturers use for snow conditions.  You'll still have to slip the clutch until you get moving, but shouldn't be as pronounced...you're just trying to get things moving without spinning the wheels.  Of course the real solution, as you said - avoid ramps with 6" of sand on them!

Jon

[Salty19]

Wow, I am surprised to hear it has a manual!  That's a good thing, at least compared to a CVT.  Still, the same principles apply.  Clutch slipping=heat=reduced life of the clutch plate material. 

My original thoughts still stand.  Rev it up, get the clutch out as soon as you can without bogging down and get up off that ramp pronto.  Let the AWD system take care of traction--you may slip a little but don't let that distract you.

[mr.jadkowski]

I hauled the boat out from a non-sand covered concrete and asphalt ramp last weekend and it was a non-event. Getting the boat on the trailer while getting rocked by the wakes from passing ferries and lobster boats was another story!

[slode]

I had some issue loading my Eclipse on the trailer in rough water a couple times early this season.  Invested in a pair of guides (goalposts) for the trailer and it's been much easier since.  You can mark the water level with tape or permanent marker on the post so backing into the proper depth for launch/haul out is always spot on. 

[lweisman]

For years I used my 2009 Forester to launch my CP-16 (in freshwater) but my ramp is so shallow that I had to back in to where the exhaust pipes were bubbling in the water.  I'm sure this is a bad idea but the car seemed to tolerate it fine.  I would leave the car running and parked on an uphill angle for a while after launching, to allow the mufflers clear their throats.  I daresay this would be a real bad idea in saltwater but my Subaru seemed none the worse for it.  Then my neighbor bought a Kubota tractor that I can borrow for boat launch........ ;-)
Lee in VT