Retrieval and trailering

[HJ51]

Many thanks to those of you who responded with such good information on my post below about hauling out.  Thought I'd start a different thread on these related but different questions about loading and pulling the trailer itself.

1.  Is there a graceful way to retrieve the boat and load it on the trailer single-handed, i.e. without getting wet?   What steps do you take in what order?

and

2.  If you're getting on the interstate, how much do you use tie downs when it's on the trailer other than the winch strap itself attached to the bow?   Is it even necessary given that there's a 1,500 pound keel on the bottom?  Or is that even more reason to use ratchet straps, etc. on the sides and stern?

Thanks again for helping out.  You guys are great.

[Bob23]

Well, first off- we are great...and very humble about it!
  This was discussed with some fervor a year ago or so but, as for me and my boat- I run a pretty heavy ratchet strap over the boat near the winches and tie it down pretty tight to the trailer. And I don't go very far- about 8 miles each way to the marina.   
  I have not launched or retrieved the boat from the trailer so I can't speak to that but many here have so they'll have much insight, which I'll be checking out because I plan to L&R mine at CLR 2015. But I'd plan on getting wet, even if just a little.
Bob23

[Restharrow]

Can't say much about retrieval without getting a little wet unless the ramp is really steep and that in itself host a new list of issues.  When we had the CP23 at most ramps it would come about 2/3's of the way on the trailer and then I had to attach the winch strap so I walked out on the tongue but still got wet.

As for the tie down strap. DEFINITELY needed for two reasons.  One going over small bumps causes the stern to lift off the bunks (slightly) and then resettle on the bunks if there's no strap.  Second, I had a bunk let lose one trip and the strap was a definite advantage.  My initial trips were without a strap and they went ok but not as securely.  The strap like Bob mentioned goes over the boat near the jib winches (mine just in front).  I had a tie down winch like truckers use to tie down load attached to the trailer and it worked great.  Twisting the strap on each side stopped the vibration (flapping) going down the road.

Steve
CP 25 Lake Champlain, VT and Coast of Maine

[brackish]

I have always retrieved singlehanded, although I have had some folks just hanging around graciously offer to help.  Ramp steepness is the issue.  In most ramps if I submerge my bunks about 80-90% of length, close to the pier the boat is tied up to, I can walk it on from the pier with a bow line to about a foot from the bow chock, center it in the keel guides, walk out on the trailer and winch it in the rest of the way.

On the strap, here ya go for your reading pleasure and entertainment, many opinions expressed here.

I use very light straps that will do no harm to comply with any law in whatever state that I happen to be towing in, knowing full well that they are just for show and truly not necessary.  Reasons stated in the linked post.  This of course is for a 23 not boats in general.  It all depends on where that rotational axis and centroid are located relative to the bunks.

http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=3806.0

[Jim23]

Our local ramp must not be very steep at all. I haven't launched anywhere else. With my rear tires halfway submerged (tongue extended) I still have to fight to get the boat on/off the trailer. Next step is a hitch extension.

I use heavy straps from the rear of the trailer to the stern cleats. My driveway is steeper than the boat ramp so I like a little forward pressure. I've never fully trusted the winch on any boat trailer I've owned. I use heavy straps because I like the ratchet hardware better.

[HJ51]

Brackish, I know you weren't out to "win" that discussion, but the picture of towing the oil platform....wow.  That was the end of the conversation as far as I'm concerned.   I'll probably tie down but I believe you when say it's not really necessary.