Concrete Boat Ramps

I recently returned to the coast of North Carolina to find that my prime launching spot for my 16 is now an exit ramp for a new high rise bridge. I tried launching at the ramp on the other end of the bridge, but it's a pain in the a** depending on the wind. Plus sailng back into the ramp really damages the hulls coming up on the concrete. Do any of you guys use ramps or have any tips or tricks I may not have thought of. Thanks in advance.

While it's definitely a pain getting out of the launch site, getting the boat back on the trailer isn't too bad. The trick is to depower the boat early and coast in, then hop out before the hulls hit the concrete and stop her. I've been doing this for a while as my local lake doesn't have a beach launch, and it's really not too hard.

When I leave the ramp I usually just paddle by hand until I get in the open and can actually use the wind how I want it, but if the wind was just right I suppose I could just sail out of the ramp.

Hope this helps!
Dustin

I always keep a paddle on board and occasionally use it to paddle away from a ramp when the wind or conjestion leave me no choice. Coming back to the ramp, if there is no other way, I'll get within paddling distance, steer into the wind, drop the main, and paddle to the ramp.

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Mims, FL

A minor point, but could you use some stern pads, old life vests, pool noodles, etc. to protect from the concrete? Bungee them on right b/f you are at the water's edge at the concrete.

For that matter, why not some bow pads, too, or instead? I would imagine standing on the concrete you could whip them on the bow (or stern) easily, and then go about trailering her more easily without concern for the concrete. Just thoughts....

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

You know as far as launching goes for my now almost two years of sailing these great boats it seems as though I have always had to launch into the wind. That isn't so bad but my trick is to get the boat pointed into the wind then run in the shallows as fast as I can and jump over the tiller while turning to start a tack to get speed. That works about half the time.

Coming back in I usually try to depower as much as possible and say a little prayer as I come in to the dock. I try to grab the dock and hold the boat so it doesn't keep going onto the rough concrete boat ramp of death. This works less than half the time and I find myself jumping off the boat into chest deep water and being drug by it until the water is about waist deep. I know what your thinking, "this guy must look like a real rookie pulling that maneuver while his wife looks on anxiously" yep your right. But hey I am a rookie.

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Corey
82 H16 project complete