Trailer Tongue Extensions

[frjeff]

Has anyone used the "Extend A Hitch" trailer tongue extension products? Or, made their own?
Experience?
Pros & Cons?

Thanks.

[Gil Weiss]

I want to clarify that I am not a trailer sailor. I launch in spring, keep my boat in the water all season and retrieve in the fall. I have a CP16 with the stock trailer. I felt an extension might be a benefit on retrieving since I do have to put the rear wheels of my Ford F-150 into the water just a few inches. Pulling out the empty trailer is no problm but I felt it might be better not to be in the water when pulling out the boat on the trailer. I do not have four wheel drive but the ramp I use is ribbed concrete and usually not slippery.

Anyway, I purchased an 18" extension from an online trailer store and just use it to retrieve. Then I take it out as it cuts down on your hitch capacity. I am probably being overly cautious on everything, but I have seen tires skid on a wet ramp under load and everything slide downhill. Not something I want to experience.

This has been my experience.

[Craig]

Wise words from Gil. I have a 4x4 Ranger and do not use an extension and have had no trouble launching or retrieving from any of the ramps I've used. However, I do put it in 4 wheel drive to launch and retrieve.  If you have a two wheel, rear drive get an extension. No reason to launch both the vehicle and the boat.  

Larry Braken has an built in extension on his trailer for the 23. It was needed when we launched and retrived Dawn Treader on the Ohio.

Craig

[B.Hart]

I use a extension i made from 2x2 heavy wall square tube, its about 5 foot long. Its needed because i have a magic tilt that has been modified for the 16.  the trailer is really too small for the boat,and a larger frame is needed. I have done all the work myself (I do portable welding and trailer repair for a living) more ideas for the future

[frjeff]

Just how much water depth is needed do you all believe for a good launch and retrieval of the CP 16?
Some of the ramps here in central TX do not seem to be too deep. Even though I am not ready for our first sail for another week or so, I am cautious as to where we should make our first attempt.

[Louis Cisnero]

Frjeff
I have not visited Lake Travis in 15+ years and am not familiar with the ramps today.  However, Lake LBJ has an excellent ramp and dock (no fees).  The state park is located adjacent to Marble Falls.  Jacobs Creek Park at Canyon Lake is also a good place to launch.  Jacobs Creek is now under operational control of the USAF, but anyone can use the launch part of the park ($6.00 fee).  I use a tongue extension.  A friend of mine, however, does not use one.  He has a trailer like yours and pulls the boat with a Chev 1500 series 2-wheel drive pickup.  My trailer is a Continental model and rides the boat much higher than the trailers Compac uses.  I believe you should do alright with yours without an extension.  BTW, I made my own extension by inserting a sliding 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3/16" tube inside the 2" x 3" x 3/16" tongue tube.

If you would like, I can probably join you for a sail.  I will be at the Coast from 20 to 22 May, but anytime after that is ok with me.

Regards,
Louis

[frjeff]

Louis,

I'm pretty tied up till after the first week in June. Will get back to you on a date to get out and sail together. You can give me some great pointers on this boat, I'm sure.