Tadpole is finally launched

[Tadpole]

Finally got Tadpole launched yesterday at Lake Robert Kerr in south-eastern Oklahoma.  I launched at the deepest, steepest ramp I could find on the lake.  Hey, this is bass boat country...we don't need no stinkin' deep ramps!  I had measured the ramp depth about a week ago & I knew it would be touch & go...even with an 8' tongue extension.  

As I backed down the ramp, I watched her lift off the trailer bunks, but just barely!   When I pulled out she rode up over the upturned bunks at the rear of the trailer.  Next time maybe I'll use the trailer's tilt feature to effectively lower the rear bunks in the water.  I already had the pickup's tires in the water and was afraid of going any further for fear of falling off the end of the ramp.  If you've ever done that while launching by yourself, you don't particularly want to do it again.  

The good news is that the tongue extension performed well.  I did notice I need to add some spacers to take some of the play out of the connection between the trailer tongue and the extension.  First launch with a new (to me) boat, new extension, new ramp, and by myself...not too much time for pictures.  Just before backing down the ramp, I did snap one quick shot of the tongue extension in place.  

I fired up the 4 hp, 4 stroke Mercury and motored over to my slip (about .5 mile).  Uneventful, but I have to figure out what to do with the bimini (never had one before), and, when down,  it does get in the way when using the motor.

It was a  beautiful sunny day, mid 70's, and now, after what seems like forever, Tadole is finally in the water!  Life is good!!

Tadpole

[JBC]

Congrats!  Good to hear you finally got Tadpole wet. Now have some sailing fun.

Jett

[Tim]

Congratulations!! It looks like a beautiful day to launch.

Tim

[kickingbug1]

   it has been said of other pursuits. nothing like the first time-----congrads

[Tadpole]

Congrats!  Good to hear you finally got Tadpole wet. Now have some sailing fun.

Jett

Jett.

Thanks for the well wishes.  I checked my old messages, and it has been almost exactly a year since we last corresponded.  That's how long she's been sitting in the garage waiting for me to finish up all my projects and get her in the water.  Still have a little bit of work to do before I take her out.  I want to re-wire the depth finder (very important in this shallow lake), plus I want to get a better feel for the bimini.  Right now it seems it is just in the way, although I'll probably be glad to have it in these hot Oklahoma summers.  I'm also anxious to see how the loose footed main works...never had one before, although those who have them swear by them.  I'll give you a call after I get her out & we can compare notes...from one 16III owner to another.

Best Wishes,

Tadpole

[PalmettoSailor]

Very nice looking boat, Tadpole. Hope you enjoy her often. Happy sails to you.