Finally launched! (reposted in the correct location)

[Mokey7]

So today, after having my Picnic Cat for 6 weeks, I was finally able to launch. Here's how it went:

Short version:
Wife and evil step child join me for a day of sailing. Takes a half hour to hook up the trailer (4th attempt finally got it), another half hour to get it off the trailer and in the water. Another 15 minutes of trying to get the motor to shift into forward. And then 2 1/2 hours  of sailing on the St. John's river next to the Buckman Bridge. Had decent winds of about 8 mph steady. No accidents, and we even completed a succesfull hat overboard drill. It did take us about 7 attempts to get it back on the trailer, and it still isn't centered properly. All in all, I learned a lot, and had a good day.

Long version:
Let me start this out with a disclaimer: I've NEVER towed ANYTHING before. EVER. In fact, the towing vehicle we have is my wifes truck. This was the part I was most nervous about, even thought the boat is stored a couple hundred feet from the ramp.

After getting started an hour late, we arrived at the Rudder Club. The wife declared she isn't doing ANYTHING other than relaxing. OK, that's fine.... I've always intended on sailing mostly solo, so this will be a good test. I bought some extendable balls on magnets that are to be guides for backing up to hook up your trailer. In theory, they work very well... however where I keep the boat has suffered a lot from the rains from Debby, and is very rutted. So on my first attempt to hook up the trailer, I ran the hitch right into the trailer! No damage, but the wife decided to start helping. It really did take 4 attempts to hook up the trailer. I think I can do it in two next time.

After a very elegant 27 point turn, I got the boat within 20 degrees of square to the water. I didn't back the truck down far enough, and the E.S.S. and I had to push the boat off, but we got it floating, and tied off. Another 18 point turn and the trailer was back in our designated area. The outboard fired up on the 2nd pull, which surprised me, however I could not get it into gear for quite some time. I eventually consulted the manual while the wind had pushed us away from the dock, and onto another dock. The manual said that I was not insane, so I implemented the use of pliers for some mechanical advantage to either get it in gear, or snap that lever off. The outboard eventually complied and we were motoring away.

The E.S.S. raised the sail rather easily, I shut the outboard off, and we were sailing! I decided to parallel the Buckman Bridge, simply to show off my new boat to all of the travellers on the bridge. We managed to travel almost the full length of the bridge in about 20-30 minutes (2.5 miles) which is not breaking any speed records, but was very comfortable. My wife was freaking out a bit about other boats on the river, notably 3 large tugs/barges. She was convinced that I was trying to run them down in our 14 foot boat. I don't think we ever got within a 1/2 mile of them. We tacked back and things got a little more exciting. The speed of the boat picked up quite a bit, and we had a nice wake following. The wife declared she was hot (it was 90+ with very few clouds), and we made our way back in.

After a dip in the pool, we decided to get the boat out of the water and packed away. Hooked the trailer on the first attempt (since I could now move it by hand), and another 27 point turn the trailer was in the water. The E.S.S. and I had made several attempts at getting it straight on the trailer. After a while, I just gave up. and let it sit on the slightly off center. I was just too tired at that point in time.

Overall it as a great day. A couple of things I learned:
1) I SUCK at backing up a trailer. I know this will improve with practice....
2) I need to buy my own truck. I may have burned up the clutch in my wifes truck =(
3) Side bunks are needed, especially if I'm going to retrieve solo.

[MHardy]

I've been there and done most of that on my 16. The important thing is, you were out there sailing!

[jthatcher]

I want to hear more about the evil step child!  We may have more than just a compac  in common    sounds like you had a good day,  overall.    Jt

[Mokey7]

JT, I call him that as a joke. The wife and I picked him up at a skating rink one night, and brought over his girlfriend to introduce her. He introduced his mother, and then said "This is my step dad, Mokey" I corrected him by saying "Evil step father", and it's stuck ever since (that was 4 years ago). We even have Evil Step Father day the weekend after fathers day.

[mikew]

Congrats to a great day of the water. I own a Compac 16 and launch and sail alot singlehanded. A tip on backing the trailer- I look back and need to see the whole boat and trailer when launching- so open the hatch/ tailgate etc if there is clearance to the winch, to see what is going on. Also start by making SMALL adjustments in the steering wheel when backing, and yes if you are too far off pull forward to straighten out then try again. I find
I can launch better with no one watching ! Less stress. You mentioned getting a truck to tow- The picnic cat with trailer and gear should weight
about 800 lbs. ? Most small cars today will tow 1000 lbs .( Check your owners manual)  Maybe you can tow with your present vehicle.
Good luck.
Mike

[Mokey7]

My car is a Toyota Yaris hatchback. The boat and trailer may weigh the same as my car! Also, my back tires would definately be in the water. I know it will get better with practice. I appreciate the advice.

[Pamelina]

Hi Mokey, I'm new to the forum having just purchased a CP 16. I loved your story. I can so identify with your day. I used to live in Jacksonville years ago and am familiar with The RudderClub. Brought back lots of memories. I used to have a CP 19 and sailed in that area with my young son. Enjoy!