We used to launch *and retreive* a 33 foot keel boat, 6 foot draft, using not especially steep ramps. The trailer would go completely underwater ... way in. It's a little complex but very doable.
First the trailer tongue was fitted with a bracket to accept the spare tire at a nice height as the silly little caster that trailers have is not up to the task and the spare tire trick makes the trailer go in a straight line. The trailer is backed down to the waters edge, blocked, the truck unhitched and driven a hundred feet up[ the ramp. A long line tied between, pulled up a bit, lowered onto the spare tire, unchecked, and eased into the water until the boat floats off.
Not something one in going to want to do every day. not easy too do singlehanded. The trailer bed had some extra guides to help center the keel as the trailer raised up on retrieval.
Easy!
I've seen rigid extensions used as well. They had a two-wheeled dolly under the trailer end to take the load off the silly trailer caster.
First the trailer tongue was fitted with a bracket to accept the spare tire at a nice height as the silly little caster that trailers have is not up to the task and the spare tire trick makes the trailer go in a straight line. The trailer is backed down to the waters edge, blocked, the truck unhitched and driven a hundred feet up[ the ramp. A long line tied between, pulled up a bit, lowered onto the spare tire, unchecked, and eased into the water until the boat floats off.
Not something one in going to want to do every day. not easy too do singlehanded. The trailer bed had some extra guides to help center the keel as the trailer raised up on retrieval.
Easy!
I've seen rigid extensions used as well. They had a two-wheeled dolly under the trailer end to take the load off the silly trailer caster.
