New guy with Trailer-By-Hand question

[ChuckD]

Hello! I'm "this close" to purchasing a lovely 1984 CP16 in the Pacific Northwest. Although I've never launched a boat, I'm (pretty) confident I can make it happen at the John Wayne Marina in Sequim, WA.

Trailering question: The part that actually makes me nervous is returning the boat to the little trailer storage/marshaling area. It's convenient - but tight! However, I'm told that - once I get the trailer/boat in the general area, I can unhitch and then move the thing into the slot by hand. Any comments on the feasibility? It's a level, compacted dirt area. I'm pretty fit. Just want to gather opinions from The Experienced CP16 Captains.

Thanks very much! Chuck

[NateD]

If it is truly compacted and there aren't many loose rocks, it really is level, and you have a good tongue jack with wheel, then you should be able to do it. It can certainly be moved around by hand on level concrete, but it can quickly get away from you if there is any kind of slope, and even small rocks will stop most tongue jack wheels. I would take the boat and some plastic cones to an empty parking lot and practice backing in until you can do it in your sleep, but I understand that there might not be enough room to physically do it even if you're comfortable backing the trailer into a tight spot.

You could also try one of these crazy tongue jacks, but the reviews are pretty mixed: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Trailer-Valet/STC-V211.html

[Dogboy]

You could also try one of these crazy tongue jacks, but the reviews are pretty mixed: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Trailer-Valet/STC-V211.html

I had one of these on my sunday cat trailer for a bit.  I give it 2.5/5.0 stars.  Initially worked great, but the stem/wheels are a poor design and can go flat on you easily.  There's also a brake that is disengaged with the handle.  This happens as the handle grabs a pin.  After a bit of trailering that pin got loose on my and it fell out while on the road, rendering the whole contraption moot.  The chain/interior also requires quite a bit of maint. after every dunk if you want to keep it working well.  Mine failed finally after 3 years.  I think I could have rebuilt it, but I'd gotten better at backing by then and didn't need it anymore. 

As to working for its intended purpose, remember that a light load on tiny wheels cannot push a heavy load.  Hills/bumps etc. require the tongue be weighted down to get it to push the trailer.  Still, all that said, when it was working and I was just on the flat, I could unhook from the car, pivot the boat 90degrees and back it into a spot that was only 8'6" wide reliably every time.

[mikew]

Chuck, it can be done, some tips that may help: make sure your tire pressure is up, I run mine about 5 lb less then stamped on sidewall ( less friction) , it may help if you can lift up the trailer tongue higher than horizontal, then move it around or use the third wheel. Remove extra heavy items like outboard, gas can, anchor.
If the dirt is not flat get another person to help. These are great boats I have owned two cp-16's so far.
Enjoy,
Mike

[MKBLK]

Chuck -

I've had my CP16 for about 5 years now. I found that with just a little practice you can get very good backing up. NatD's suggestion to use some cones is a very good one. Go to your local Walmart and spend an hour in the lot and I bet you become quite proficient. Hey, if I can do it, anyone can!

Marty K.
CP16 "Pegasus"