Shallow Boat Ramps

[russ1481]

I recently purchase an 87 CP 19. I owned a compac 16 in my previous life which helped me decide to get a 19. I took it to my local lake here in Florida and could not get if off the trailer. I am hoping that I don't continue to have this problem. Is it advisable to buy or build a hitch extension.

[mgoller]

If it doesn't float off at the back it isn't coming off.  Too much weight to try and jimmy it off or try slamming on the brakes hard to get it to bump off.
This is crazy, but once I was determined to get the boat into a shallow lake.  I went out as far as I could with the Truck.  No go.  I thought I would manhandle it off.  Nope.
Then I hooked up a full size inflatable matress and our two-man tube under the trailer and pumped it up.  Then I manhandled it out, deflated and the boat floated off.
I never launched there again. 
But, it is proof that if you are fool enough you can acomplish anything. 

I typically look for 4' of water 15' out from my rear tires.  If it measures that deep I can get the boat launched.

[tsaiapex]

This may be trailer specific but I back down far enough that only 3" of the trailer bunks are still above water.  Then it will either floats off at steep ramps or require a bit pushing at shallow ramps.

Longer tongue will certainly help.

[mikeg]

Russ-
Which FL lakes area do you sail on? 

This is an interesting question; ramp depth/shallow ramp results. I live in north central Florida and just sold my Hunter 170 centerboarder for our beautiful CP19, Freebird. When I bought the new boat I pretty much had a feeling that my days of sailing on my favorite lake in central Florida were potentially over--- both ramps to the lake are really shallow. So Russ's question might be a confirmation on that.  I think the cement on the ramp at the lake we sailed the daysailer on ENDS before the 19 would be close to floating off!

We sail primarily on the St Johns River- and the marina has a steep and very long (underwater aft-reach) ramp-- so floating off isn't a problem. But during our first launch, the boat reminded me of Homer Simpson being force-fed donuts, requesting: "More, more, more, more". The boat kept asking for more and more ramp. I was surprised how far down I had to get her to get her clear of the bunks.

Happy sailing guys-
Mike G.

[russ1481]

Mike,
   I live near Gainesville and love to sail on Lake Santa Fe. I have considered putting in on the Saint Johns river in Plataka. I also love to go out at Cedar Key. I used to go anywhere with my CP-16 without any difficulties or worry. Now (with my CP-19) I worry that I may travel somewhere and not be able to launch. I have considered purchasing or making a hitch extension so that if I encounter difficulties I can at least launch the boat without submerging my tow vehicle. Where abouts do you sail?

Has anyone else encountered difficulties that were solved with a hitch extension?

[mikeg]

Russ-
I live in Alachua (Turkey Creek/Plantation Oaks subdivision)!  In fact, I was cruising up 441 toward I-75 last weekend >  and saw a Compac 19 being trailered south on 441....just south of the progress park and San Felasco State Park (just past the Hunter sailboat plant)...could that have been you?

Rachel and I just laid down stakes with our boat this weekend- crystal cove marina on the St Johns. We're set up in dry storage there- mast up and ready to go. About 200 feet from the ramp. The ramp there IS great by the way, so you should definitely come sailing there when you can. The breezes are generally more reliable on the St. Johns than on Santa Fe.

We used to sail our Hunter 170 on Santa Fe monthly...great lake.

Anyway, let us know what you decide on the extension!
Mike G.
s/v Freebird

[russ1481]

I live in down town Alachua and I am sure that was me on the way to Lake Santa Fe.  Have you ever launched out of Cedar Key? I will probably go to the St. Johns next.  I'll keep an eye out for you.

[mikeg]

Russ- no I haven't ever launched out of Cedar Key. The only reason I can give is I was totally intimidated by the tidal variation there the one time I was on the water there--- in a kayak. In the backharbor, during low tide, I was paddling at times in less than 6 inches of water. Like I was paddling ON tidal MUD! I'm sure the water is deeper in the front bay, but man, what an impression that made on me. What is the general depth out in front? I'd imagine you have to stick right with the daymarks all the way out- or else? Not sure how far out you have to navigate to get into bonefide sailing grounds-- without fear of grounding. (can you tell I'm timid about this location?!) Our first sail on the Gulf with the new 19 might be in Sarasota-- where a childhood friend of mine lives- might trailer down there on a long weekend and sail around. Also want to sail St. Marks up toward Tallahassee sometime.

Definitely give the St Johns a try soon, Russ. The breezes are nice-- especially up toward Green Cove Springs where she widens out. Depths from Jax down to Palatka average 10 feet pretty much all the way across- so no worries whatsoever. Couple shoal/spoil areas to watch -one right in the middle of the river, but they're charted.
Mike

[russ1481]

I used to  sail at cedar key regularly with my cp-16. The boat ramp was rather intimidating due to the waves rolling right in. Once I launched I didn't have too many problems as long as I stayed in the channel which snakes out through the  islands. Once past the island with the light house it was pretty much smooth sailing. The compac shoal draft allowed me to go just about anywhere and if I did get into shallow water the rudder would always make contact first allowing me to avoid grounding.

My 19 doesn't seem to need a whole lot more water under it.

I may go to the St. Johns this weekend. With the hurricane coming through there might be some great wind to take advantage of.

Russ

[dusty]

i know a guy that's been sailing his whole life, now sails, sells, & fixes them. i was talking to him about my drought-launching, and he says:

one may take a strong line and tie one end to the trailor, the other to the truck. coil the slack in the bed of the truck. put her down the ramp as far as the height of your differential can go (don't get these submerged). unhitch and push the trailer out until launch. pull the trailer out with the line. reverse the procedure when ready for home.

obviously a hitch extension is the optimum solution. if you're living hand-to-mouth, doesn't mean your life has to entertain God any less than if you could afford one.

[russ1481]

After looking closely at my trailer (Hutch), it looks like the tongue may be easily replaced with a longer one (3"x2" galvanized). Has anyone tried altering their trailer and will this affect the strength or towing of it. I thought I could replace it with a galvanized piece about 5 feet longer and solve the whole problem. The whole rig should back easier with the added length and keep the ass end of my tow vehicle from being submerged.  I am not sure how it will affect the strength. The added tongue weight should help it tow a little better.

What do you think?

[dusty]

check out this extension

[B.Hart]

I made a extension out of 2x2 squaretubing with 1/4 inch walls. T piece is 5' long  and attaches by using a trailer ball  welded to the top and a 3/4 inch bolt in the back. My trailer is really too small for my 16, but with the extension and keel guides it works great!  I like the sliding one in the photos.

[hazelscamp]

Russ & Mike,   your conversation about sailing St. John's river caught my interest.     I live in Lake Asbury, west of Green Cove Spriings and sail an Eclipse on the St. Johns.    You might avoid the ramp at Governers Creek- Magnolia Cove on the north side of downtown Green Cove Springs, it is regarded as shallow, although I saw a Island Packet at the dock once.

I usually use the excellent ramps at Black Creek & Highway 17 about four miles north of Green Cove Springs.   There is fuel and a bait shop there, also large parking area with only a few oak trees to watch for.  The ramps are clear of obstructions.   

I have been to Crystal Cove also.   I arrived the day after the marina burned but the ramp is great and the resturant at The Moorings was a hit with my spouse.   

Looking forward to seeing you on the river.

Norm Caudle

[mikeg]

Norm,
Just saw your post re: the St Johns River south of Jacksonville.

I launched our former boat (a Hunter 170 daysailer) out of the U-S 17/black creek ramp a couple times and liked it. No overheads to worry about near the ramp- and deep ramp. The ramp is steeper there than at Crystal Cove. CC's is gradual but goes WAY back.  Haven't been there for a month or two, so not sure how the fire recovery is going. Tom, the dockmaster, said it appears to have been set-- kids throwing firecrackers around and one allegedly went through a window. Poof.

An Island Packet launching at a FL county ramp?! That's something I'd like to have seen!  Probably was the baby of the bunch- the IP 26 or the 29-- or somewhere in that size- can't remember the precise LOA's/models?

We're hoping to get out in our 19 this weekend. It's 80 here today, but I think 75's the forecast for Saturday. The wildcard will be the possible scattered showers currently on the weekend outlook. But this could/probably will change to mostly sunny by then. Hoping...

Mike G.
Alachua, FL