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Launching and recover on trailex trailer

PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:53 am
by buckeye
My local boat ramp must be relatively shallow-sloped.
I have to put the rear wheels of my truck well into the water to get the boat to float enough to push it off (with significant effort)

My plan:

1) extend the trailer hitch receiver at launch. (I plan to use 2 daisy chained 18 inch extenders)

2) Replace the front 4' of carpet on the keel rest with high density plastic.

Interested in comments on this plan.
I probably wont get to try it out until Spring.

Mark

Re: Launching and recover on trailex trailer

PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 10:45 am
by PerraHunter
Good Morning,

I am interested in what you come up with for a solution to your launching difficulties. I have this same problem.

This winter I played around with using a rope tied between the trailer and the tow hitch. It seemed to work well when I tried it on a shallow hill on a nearby dead end street, using a trailer with less that 500 pound gross weight.

I am somewhat apprehensive to try this for the first time on a boat four times heavier, in front of a critical audience. I am open to suggestions.

Russell

Ps. Are there any Pocketships in New England who have this mastered, and would be willing to meet at the boat ramp to help out a newby?

Re: Launching and recover on trailex trailer

PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 11:47 am
by Brent65
Pocketship Sailors,

I'm currently studying trailers as I will need one for my PS. Are others also finding it difficult to launch using the Trailex trailer? Are you happy with your Trailex trailer? Would you buy again?

Re: Launching and recover on trailex trailer

PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2022 9:52 am
by buckeye
I can confirm that by adjusting the bunk boards and using the receiver extensions, I was able to get the boat to float off the trailer without putting my disc brakes into salt water.
I used 2 18" class II receiver extensions for a 36" longer tongue, assembled at the boat ramp prior to launch & recover. Very easy.
So I'm pleased with the current configuration without having to put a plastic slide on the keel rest.

It still might be nice when launching with a heavy hull full of gear and provisions.

Re: Launching and recover on trailex trailer

PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2022 11:11 am
by buckeye
So while I should note that this system works well for me, moving the hitch ball 36" back of the truck does apply a torque on the hitch mechanism.
I'm comfortable with this as my truck is rated for high tow loads (Chevy colorado) though I haven't done the calculations.
And using just on the ramp imputes almost no dynamic loads.
The tongue weight is probably in the 150 lb range.
But if you're using a unibody car or SUV you might think twice before using this approach.