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Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=41008
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Author:  SHRED56 [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:10 am ]
Post subject:  Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

Soon I will have a Malone XT and an olive Hobie PA...yeah...and as I ponder my launching at my favorite freshwater lake I was thinking I could just back it down the launch ramp like I use to launch my bass boat? I would have a long leash clipped to the PA and "lead" it over to the dock close by as it floats off the trailer.

I am trying to avoid fooling around with turning it sideways and attaching the wheels and/or scrapping the bottom as it will be fully rigged and ready on the trailer.

Anyone here launch their PA like a boat?
I am assuming the marine galvanized Malone trailers can handle a dunking?

thanks

Author:  atavuss [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

That should work just fine for you and you would have the added benefit of saving your back from not having to lift that PA.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

As long as the hubs on the trailer can take a dunking, you can launch the PA rom the trailer just like you would any other boat.

Any time the lake or water has a boat ramp easily available, that's exactly what we do with ours.

Author:  Salt Warrior [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

Tom Kirkman wrote:
As long as the hubs on the trailer can take a dunking, you can launch the PA rom the trailer just like you would any other boat.

Any time the lake or water has a boat ramp easily available, that's exactly what we do with ours.


I have exactly the same setup. Are you using the Saddle Up Pro's?

I back mine down to where the stern will be in the water when I lift up the front and let it slide down into the water. Then I bring the bow over the side of the trailer and let it rest sideways across the ramp. It has the skid plates on the stern also in case you missed that somewhere.

One thing I noticed about the PA compared to other kayaks. It is heavy and when it hit something it gouges. My other kayaks sorta bounced off of things but this one takes deep cuts.

Author:  joeyb [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

Yes sir...nothing easier than backing down a launch ramp to unload/load a PA.

Image

To give me other options when fishing solo...I also have a cart that goes through the scupper holes. It is easy enough to attach them from the trailer and also pretty easy to reload to the trailer. BUT a major pain in the arse to load the wheels at the water side. Especially with a full load. Can be done...but not easily.

The wheels are beneficial to have, just in case there is no ramp access.

Author:  SHRED56 [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

Tom Kirkman wrote:
As long as the hubs on the trailer can take a dunking, you can launch the PA rom the trailer just like you would any other boat.

Any time the lake or water has a boat ramp easily available, that's exactly what we do with ours.


Tom,
What I find searching for info is that the Malones have what they call "marine grade sealed bearings". I am assuming they can take a dunking.
http://www.maloneautoracks.com/microsport-xt.php

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Author:  OneLung [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

A set of buddy-bearings from the local auto supply would also do the trick.

Author:  SHRED56 [ Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

OneLung wrote:
A set of buddy-bearings from the local auto supply would also do the trick.


I love bearing buddies. Had them on my bass boat trailer. Good idea if these aren't sufficient. I think they are but I will keep your suggestion in mind...thank you.

Author:  Kirkjo [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

I have a similar set up, but with a modified jet ski trailer an th hobie trailer cradles. I get my feet wet every time I load the yak, thinking about lowering the trailer a few inches to remedy the problem. Anybody tried it?

Author:  Thinwater skinner [ Mon Feb 06, 2012 2:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

Trailer lights should be water proof for best results? LED water proof.... the only way to go.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Tue Feb 07, 2012 5:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

I believe the Malone is fine for water launchings.

Be careful when you look for "Bearing Buddies." There are many look-alike products but many are simply spindle caps with grease fittings. They don't keep water out. Bear Buddies are spring loaded and when properly installed and filled will retain the grease under pressure so that water can't enter.

Author:  WJdave [ Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

Tom Kirkman wrote:
I believe the Malone is fine for water launchings.

Be careful when you look for "Bearing Buddies." There are many look-alike products but many are simply spindle caps with grease fittings. They don't keep water out. Bear Buddies are spring loaded and when properly installed and filled will retain the grease under pressure so that water can't enter.

Had a good friend leaern this the hard way. He was all excited about his knock off bearing buddies cost him a bearing and a near disaster. His let water and junk into the bearings and at 70mph they don't like trrash.

Author:  TroutNoDoubt [ Wed Feb 15, 2012 12:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trailer launching a PA from a launch ramp

I launch mine from my Harbor Freight trailer at boat ramps and I don't dunk my wheels at all - I don't even get the tires wet. I just back up until the tail of the kayak is over at least 6" of water and slide it off. The tail floats well and doesn't scape bottom. It just slides tight off. To pull out, I do the opposite. I have set of pullies and ropes that I use to pull it back up on the trailer. It would be easier to pull out by dunking the trailer - if I had a trailer like yours. On the other hand, my whole trainler set up cost only $300. I agree, buddy bearings are great, but you don't need to dunk your bearings if you don't want to.

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