Atango wrote:
Forrest,
I have a 2012 TI and use the Hobie dolly with beach wheels. To make it easier to launch & retrieve the boat I extended the length of the dolly handle so that when the dolly is at the midpoint of the boat, and it is nearly balanced (slightly heavier in the stern), the end of the extended handle is just below the boat's bow.
I also use a scupper cart in the rear scuppers, however, since the boat is nearly balanced on the dolly there is only a pound of so of downward force on the scuppers, therefore, no hull problems to date and the boat is easy to push/pull around.
Now, to launch the boat, I remove the scupper cart and push the boat into the water. When the boat and the dolly are floating I stand on the end of the handle and push the boat off the dolly. Make sure you have released the dolly straps from each ama first (don't ask how I know). When it is time to retrieve the boat I insert the scupper cart in the rear scuppers while the water is still deep enough to get this done. Then I get the dolly into position ahead of the boat (which is pointed to the shore) and I stand on the end of the dolly handle. Then I pull the boat onto the dolly using a bow line until it reaches the balance point.
This may not work for your circumstances but the longer handle has helped me a lot.
Martin - how are you getting on with loading & unloading your TI?
I have the TI dolly cart with the large beach wheels (amongst several other carts) but have never used it! The biggest issue for me is what to do with it after I have launched.... It is so big I really can't take it with me like the scupper carts....and therefore must be securely stored on/in my vehicle to avoid theft. This will entail breaking it down and ensuring it is thoroughly dry so as not to damage the vehicle with salt water.
I keep thinking maybe I can lash it to the akas and take it with me - but I suspect it will be a pain in the a...