hauling at a ramp with no float

[Megunticook]

A little late hauling this fall, was waiting on a new trailer which just arrived yesterday.

The harbormaster already pulled the floats from the boat launch ramp. I'm debating whether to try hauling there without the ramps in place or else motoring down to the next town over (about 5 miles) and using their ramp which still has the floats (for a few more days only).

I saw someone haul a small motorboat last year without the floats. It was calm, seemed to go OK.

I'm only going to have myself and one other person. Kind of like to try it if things are calm, but a little nervous about it. Anybody done this before? Any advice or recommendations appreciated.

[Mbigos]

Only if calm, anchor the Ty about 100' feet from the ramp. Cleat off with short scope. Row the free end of the anchor rode to shore and stake or tie -off at the shore. Launch trailer. Row back out to Ty, board, tie dinghy off the stearin of the Ty. Uncleat anchor rode. leave anchor in place. pull yourself into shore with anchor rode. Allow rode to stay in a chaulk on stern in case you need to pull yourself back out. Get Ty on trailer. Clear lines. Haul trailer with Ty on it. Row back out and get anchor.

You also could attach a light line to the anchor flukes to pull the anchor back in like a sort of trip line.

Plastic trailer guides are worth attaching to the trailer. See Hamilton marine or other.

Let us know how it goes, with photos! Good luck.

[Megunticook]

Thanks, that's a great plan. Too bad I didn't see it until this afternoon, after I hauled the boat this morning!

It went fine. I tied to a nearby mooring, backed the trailer in, rowed out to the boat, and motored slowly onto the trailer. It took two attempts because the wind came up a bit and shoved me sideways. But the water was pretty flat and the second attempt went fine. Once I got the strap from the trailer winch attached to the boat, I was home free. I did wear a farmer john wetsuit and had to wade a bit to adjust my trailer poppets (brand new trailer, first time used).

Sorry, no photos, was too busy!

Next year, if I haul after the floats are out, I may try your method.

Sure feels great to have her safely at home. Had a couple nasty Nor'easters the past couple weeks, with more foul weather to come starting tomorrow. It was time. Memorial Day until last week of October is a good long season here in Maine. I'm satisfied.