How To Launch A Fixed Keel Sailboat
You need to have the right equipment to do this job safely. The vehicle you are towing your sailboat on should be sturdy enough to handle the weight of the boat and trailer. A four wheel drive is a good choice. SUV's are another. It's vital that you keep all parts balanced evenly. Make sure that the vehicle you are towing with is not a front wheel drive vehicle. When the heavy weight of the trailer and sailboat push down on the back of the vehicle, the front wheels will lose its traction.
Now we are getting to actually launching your sailboat. This will take two people at least. Get the driver to reverse the boat and trailer right down the slipway and onto the edge of the water. Then get someone to place chocks for the trailer wheels behind the trailer wheels. Now you need to disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Make sure that the spare tire for your trailer is situated on the front of the trailer. Now tie a long and sturdy rope to your trailer and your vehicle.
Now get the driver of your vehicle to drive forward until the line of rope is tight. Get the chocks out from behind the wheels of your trailer and back your vehicle up to the point where the trailer and boat are all in the water. Your boat should float free of the trailer now. Now drive forward to get your trailer out of the water and put the chocks back behind the wheels again and connect it back up to the vehicle.
Featured Sailing Articles
Sailing ClubsIt is but natural for sailing aficionados to get together and do things they love best such as racing clinics, regattas, and other social events. An observation of sailing clubs opens our eyes that they have a lot of benefits and that includes meeting people who have the same passion as you have: sailing.
Sailing Navigational ToolsThese are the tools you will need to navigate the waters while you are sailing. Having all these tools will help you immensely in your travels, especially if you are sailing at night or are sailing in waters you are not familiar with.
Sailing Terms and TerminologyBefore sailing in a paradise island or have the time of your life in the peaceful sea or ocean, sail along and be informed of the basic sailing terminology.
Catamaran SailingA Catamaran has two Hulls and is expected to be a lot faster than a sailboat with only one hull. It is also considered to be lighter and boasts of more stability that is a result of its feature of covering a bigger distance from one part of the boat to the other.
Sailing TripsSailing trips are one of the most enjoyable things that you can do, whether you are a long time sailing enthusiast or if you have never even set foot on a boat your whole life.